Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability and have earned enough work credits. The amount you’ll receive from SSDI depends on how much you’ve paid into the Social Security system during your working years.

How Is SSDI Payment Calculated?

Your SSDI payment amount is based on your average lifetime earnings. The SSA uses a formula to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which determines how much you’ll receive each month. Here’s a simplified explanation of the process:

• Work Credits: SSDI eligibility depends on how many work credits you’ve accumulated. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the past 10 years.
• Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME): The SSA looks at your average earnings over your highest-earning 35 years of work to calculate your AIME.
• Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): Your PIA is calculated based on the AIME. The higher your AIME, the higher your monthly benefit.

How Much Will I Get?

• In 2025, the average SSDI payment is about $1,300 per month.
• The amount can range from as low as $800 to as high as $3,000 or more, depending on your earnings history.

You can check the SSA’s online benefit calculator to get a more specific estimate based on your earnings: Social Security Disability Benefit Calculator.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based program for people who are disabled but do not have sufficient work history or limited income and resources. SSI provides a basic level of financial support to individuals who meet the SSA’s financial eligibility criteria.

How Much Will I Get for SSI?

The amount you can receive from SSI is largely based on federal income limits and whether you have any other sources of income.

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• Federal Benefit Rate (FBR): For 2025, the federal SSI payment is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple.
• State Supplement: Some states, including Nevada, offer additional state supplementation on top of the federal SSI amount. In Nevada, there are no additional state payments, so the federal amount is all you will receive.

The actual amount you receive may be lower if you have other income (such as from a spouse or family members) or if you live in someone else's home and receive free food and shelter. The SSA will reduce your payment based on any income you have.

How Other Factors Affect Your Disability Benefits

Several factors can influence the amount you receive in disability benefits, including:

• Work History: For SSDI, the more you’ve worked and paid into Social Security, the higher your benefit will be.
• Other Income: For SSI, your monthly payment will be reduced if you have other income (such as wages, rental income, or support from family members).
• Living Arrangements: If you live in someone else’s home or receive free food and shelter, your SSI payment may be reduced.
• Spousal Income: If you are married and your spouse works or has income, it may reduce your SSI benefits but will not affect SSDI.

Will Your Disability Benefits Change Over Time?

• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): The SSA often adjusts disability benefits for inflation based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. This means your payments may increase slightly each year, depending on economic conditions.
• Other Adjustments: If your work history changes or your condition improves, your benefits may be reevaluated and adjusted accordingly.