Factors That Determine SSDI Benefit Amounts

The amount of SSDI benefits you will receive is based on your average lifetime earnings and the amount you paid into Social Security through payroll taxes while working. SSDI benefits are not determined by your medical condition itself but by your work history and contributions to Social Security.

Here are the primary factors that affect how much you’ll receive:

• Your Earnings Record: The SSA calculates your SSDI benefit based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which takes into account your highest-earning years. The more you earned over your lifetime, the higher your SSDI benefit will be.
• Social Security Work Credits: To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits. The number of credits you need depends on your age when you became disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years. Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits.
• Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): Once the SSA has determined your AIME, they use a formula to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). This is the amount you will receive in SSDI benefits each month if you are approved. Your PIA is adjusted for inflation and varies based on your lifetime earnings.
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): SSDI benefits are typically subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to keep pace with inflation. These adjustments increase your monthly benefit over time.

Average SSDI Benefits for Mental Health Conditions

The exact amount of SSDI benefits for individuals with mental health conditions can vary widely. However, here is a general idea of what you might expect:

• Average SSDI Benefit: The average SSDI monthly payment for a disabled worker in 2024 is approximately $1,500 per month. This amount can be higher or lower depending on your lifetime earnings.
• Range of SSDI Payments: SSDI benefits typically range from $800 to $2,500 per month, with most recipients falling somewhere in between. The actual amount depends on your past earnings and work history.

It's important to note that SSDI payments are generally not based on the severity of your disability. Even if you have a severe mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, your benefit amount will primarily depend on your work history and contributions to Social Security, not the nature of your condition.

Other Benefits You May Receive

In addition to SSDI benefits, individuals who are approved for SSDI based on a mental health condition may also qualify for other forms of assistance:

• Medicare: After you have been on SSDI for 24 months, you will automatically qualify for Medicare, which helps cover medical expenses. Medicare coverage is crucial for individuals with mental health conditions, as it can help pay for therapy, psychiatric care, medications, and hospital stays.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a need-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, including those with mental health conditions.

How to Increase Your SSDI Benefits

If you are approved for SSDI benefits, there are a few ways you can increase your monthly payments:



• Work Record: If you have a longer work history with higher earnings, your SSDI benefits will likely be higher. If you’ve worked a job that paid into Social Security for many years, your benefits could be on the higher end of the range.
• Spousal Benefits: If your spouse works and earns enough to qualify for Social Security, you may be eligible for spousal benefits, which can increase your overall household income.