How SSDI Benefits are Calculated

Work History and Earnings:
SSDI benefits are calculated based on your lifetime average earnings. The more you worked and the higher your income, the more you are likely to receive in benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the base amount of your SSDI benefits.

• Your earnings over your 35 highest-earning years are used to calculate this amount. If you have not worked for 35 years, the SSA will use as many years as you have worked, adjusting for any gaps in employment.

The Average SSDI Payment:
The average SSDI benefit for a single person in 2025 is approximately $1,400 per month. However, this number can vary depending on your earnings history. For those with higher lifetime earnings, benefits can go up to $2,700 per month or more. On the other hand, those with lower earnings history may receive lower amounts, which could be around $800 to $1,200 per month.

Maximum SSDI Benefit:
The maximum SSDI benefit for a single person can be over $3,500 per month, but this is typically reserved for individuals who had high-paying jobs and paid into Social Security for many years. The SSA sets a cap on the amount that can be paid, and most beneficiaries will fall below this threshold.

• It’s important to note that SSDI benefits are not designed to replace your entire income, but rather to provide partial financial support while you are unable to work due to a disability.

Factors That Affect SSDI Payment Amounts

Several factors can influence the exact amount of SSDI benefits a single person may receive:

• Your Average Lifetime Earnings: The SSA takes into account how much you have earned over your career and adjusts your SSDI payments accordingly.
• Inflation Adjustments (COLA): SSDI benefits are typically adjusted annually for inflation through a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This means your benefits may increase slightly each year to keep up with the rising cost of living.
• Taxable Income: If you are working while receiving SSDI, your income can affect your benefits. The SSA allows you to earn a certain amount of income (known as Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA) without affecting your benefits, but earning above the SGA limit may reduce or suspend your benefits. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.
• Other Income or Benefits: If you are receiving other forms of disability or pension payments, these could affect your SSDI amount. For example, workers' compensation or pension benefits may reduce your SSDI payments.

How Long Does It Take to Start Receiving SSDI?

It’s important to note that the process of applying for SSDI benefits can be lengthy. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months for the SSA to make an initial decision on your SSDI claim. If your claim is denied and you go through the appeals process, it could take much longer.