Factors That Determine Your SSDI Benefit Amount

Your Work History and Earnings

The amount you’ll receive from Social Security Disability depends primarily on how much you’ve earned during your working years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a credits system to determine your eligibility for SSDI. Generally, you need 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI, and you must have worked 20 of the last 40 quarters (5 of the last 10 years) to be eligible.

Since you’ve worked for 15 years, it’s likely you’ve earned a sufficient number of credits, but the amount you qualify for will depend on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The SSA looks at your earnings over your highest-earning 35 years and averages them. If you have worked only for 15 years, the SSA will use your highest 15 years of earnings and factor in inflation.

Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)

Your AIME is a key factor in determining your SSDI benefit. It represents the average of your highest-earning years adjusted for inflation. To calculate your AIME, the SSA takes your highest 35 years of earnings, adds them up, and divides the total by the number of months worked in those years.

If you’ve only worked for 15 years, the SSA will use those 15 years to calculate your AIME. The higher your average monthly earnings, the higher your SSDI payment will be.

The Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)

Once the SSA calculates your AIME, they use a formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). Your PIA is the monthly benefit you are entitled to receive under SSDI.

The formula for calculating your PIA is based on three bend points, which change annually. In 2025, the bend points are:

• 90% of the first $1,115 of your AIME
• 32% of the AIME over $1,115 but less than $6,721
• 15% of the AIME over $6,721

For example, if your AIME is $3,000, the SSA will calculate your PIA as follows:

• 90% of $1,115 = $1,003.50
• 32% of the remaining $1,885 (3,000 – 1,115) = $603.20
• Total PIA = $1,003.50 + $603.20 = $1,606.70 per month

The Maximum Benefit Amount

The maximum SSDI benefit is also based on your earnings and work history. The average SSDI payment in 2025 is around $1,500 per month, but depending on your work history, it could be higher or lower.

If your average monthly earnings were high, you could qualify for the maximum SSDI benefit. For 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment for a person with the highest earnings is approximately $3,500–$4,000 per month.

How to Estimate Your SSDI Benefit

To get a rough estimate of how much you might receive in SSDI payments, you can use the SSA’s Online Benefits Calculator. This tool can help you estimate your AIME and PIA based on your work history and earnings. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate, and the exact amount will be determined when you apply for SSDI benefits.

How to Apply for SSDI Benefits

Review Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for SSDI, make sure you meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements:

• Work Credits: As mentioned, you generally need 40 work credits, and 20 of them must have been earned in the last 10 years.
• Severe Disability: Your disability must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), and it must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
• Medical Documentation: You must provide medical evidence of your disability to prove that you are unable to work.

Submit Your Application

You can apply for SSDI benefits online at www.ssa.gov or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide:

• Your Social Security number and proof of age.
• Detailed medical records showing the extent of your disability.
• A work history that includes the jobs you’ve held and the wages you’ve earned.

Wait for the SSA’s Decision

Once you’ve applied, the SSA will review your application, medical records, and work history. This process can take several months, so it’s important to be patient. You may receive a denial letter if you’re not approved initially, but you can appeal the decision.