Neal Caffrey

SSDI Benefits Calculator

SSDI Benefits Calculator

SSDI Benefits Calculation Results

Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) $0.00
Your Monthly SSDI Benefit $0.00
Spouse Benefit (if eligible) $0.00
Child Benefits (each) $0.00
Total Family Benefit (before offsets) $0.00
Family Maximum Applied No maximum applied
Workers’ Comp/Public Disability Offset $0.00
Final Total Monthly Benefits $0.00
Eligibility Status Please complete all fields
This calculator estimates Social Security Disability Insurance benefits based on 2025 formulas and bend points ($1,174 and $7,078). Work credit requirements vary by age at disability (20/40 rule for most workers, special rules for younger workers under 31). Family benefits are 50% each for spouse and children, subject to family maximum (150-180% of PIA). Workers’ compensation and public disability benefits offset SSDI dollar-for-dollar above 80% of pre-disability earnings. Actual benefits require SSA’s official determination using complete indexed earnings history. Contact SSA for your earnings record and to file a claim. Estimates assume non-blind disability; blind workers have higher earnings limits.

What Is an SSDI Benefits Calculator?

An SSDI benefits calculator is an online tool that estimates your monthly disability payments based on your work history, earnings, age, and family situation.

SSDI is managed by the Social Security Administration, and benefits are based on how much you paid into Social Security through payroll taxes over your working years.

A calculator does three main things:

  • Checks if you may qualify based on work credits
  • Estimates your monthly benefit amount
  • Accounts for family benefits and possible offsets

Why Use an SSDI Benefits Calculator?

Many people applying for SSDI feel uncertain about what they might receive. This tool helps by:

  • Setting realistic expectations before applying
  • Showing how earnings history affects benefits
  • Estimating benefits for spouses and children
  • Highlighting reductions from workers’ comp or other disability income

It saves time and reduces guesswork.


Key Inputs Used in the SSDI Benefits Calculator

Your calculator uses several inputs that closely match how SSDI works in real life.

1. Year of Birth and Full Retirement Age (FRA)

Your birth year determines your full retirement age. This matters because SSDI benefits convert to retirement benefits at FRA.

Examples from the calculator:

  • Born in 1950 → FRA 66
  • Born in 1960 or later → FRA 67

2. Age at Disability Onset

This is the age when your disability began. It affects:

  • How many work credits you need
  • Whether you qualify under SSDI rules

Younger workers usually need fewer credits.


3. Annual Earnings History

The calculator uses your average annual earnings from recent years to estimate your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME).

In simple terms:

  • Higher lifetime earnings usually mean higher SSDI benefits
  • Earnings are converted to a monthly average

4. Total Years Worked

SSDI requires enough work credits. Credits are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes.

The calculator checks eligibility using:

  • The 20/40 rule for most adults
  • Special rules for workers under age 31

If you do not meet the requirement, the calculator will show you as ineligible.


How the Calculator Estimates Your SSDI Benefit

Step 1: Calculate AIME

The calculator converts your annual earnings into a monthly amount and caps it for estimation purposes.


Step 2: Apply SSDI Bend Points

For 2025 estimates, the calculator uses these bend points:

  • 90% of the first $1,174
  • 32% of earnings between $1,174 and $7,078
  • 15% of earnings above $7,078

The result is your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the foundation of your SSDI benefit.


Step 3: Adjust for Regional Cost Index

Your selected state category adjusts the estimate slightly:

  • High-cost states increase the estimate
  • Lower-cost states reduce it

This does not reflect official SSA rules but helps model real-world living cost differences.


Family Benefits Explained

SSDI may also pay benefits to eligible family members.

Spouse Benefits

A spouse may qualify if:

  • They are age 62 or older, or
  • They care for a child under 16

Estimated at up to 50% of your PIA.


Child Benefits

Each eligible child may receive:

  • Up to 50% of your PIA

This includes:

  • Minor children under 18
  • Disabled adult children whose disability began before age 22

Family Maximum Rule

SSDI limits how much a family can receive in total.

In this calculator:

  • Family maximum ranges from 150% to 180% of PIA
  • If benefits exceed the maximum, family payments are reduced

Workers’ Compensation and Public Disability Offsets

If you receive other disability income, SSDI benefits may be reduced.

The calculator checks:

  • Workers’ compensation payments
  • Other public disability benefits

If total benefits exceed 80% of your pre-disability earnings, an offset applies. This reduces SSDI dollar for dollar above that limit.


Final Monthly Benefit Estimate

After applying:

  • Family maximum rules
  • Offsets for other disability income

The calculator shows your final estimated monthly SSDI benefit, along with a clear eligibility status message.

Possible results include:

  • Eligible based on work credits
  • Ineligible due to insufficient credits
  • Incomplete information

Important Limitations to Know

This SSDI benefits calculator provides estimates only.

Keep in mind:

  • SSA uses your full indexed earnings record
  • Medical eligibility is not evaluated here
  • Actual benefits may be higher or lower
  • Blind workers follow different rules

For official amounts, you must contact the SSA or review your Social Security statement.


Who Should Use an SSDI Benefits Calculator?

This tool is especially helpful if you are:

  • Considering applying for SSDI
  • Recently disabled and unsure what to expect
  • Supporting a family that may qualify for benefits
  • Comparing SSDI with workers’ comp or state disability