What is the maximum monthly disability benefit?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/28/2025
If you're thinking about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a common question is: “What’s the most I can receive each month?” Understanding the maximum benefit amount can help you set realistic financial expectations and better plan for your future.
Here’s everything you need to know about the maximum monthly disability benefit.
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The Maximum SSDI Payment for 2024
As of 2024, the maximum SSDI benefit a person can receive is $3,822 per month.
However, not everyone qualifies for the maximum amount. To receive the highest possible benefit, you must have had:
- A long work history
- Very high lifetime earnings
- Consistently paid into Social Security at the maximum taxable amounts
How is the Maximum Benefit Calculated?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates SSDI benefits based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and Primary Insurance Amount (PIA):
- AIME is determined by looking at your highest-earning years and adjusting them for inflation.
- PIA is the base figure SSA uses to set your monthly disability amount.
The more you earned (and paid Social Security taxes on) over your working life, the closer you’ll be to the maximum payment.
Factors That Influence Your SSDI Payment
Several factors determine how much you will receive:
- Your Work History:
Longer work histories with higher incomes result in higher benefits. - Other Government Benefits:
If you’re receiving workers' compensation or certain public disability benefits, it may reduce your SSDI through an offset. - Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA):
Each year, your SSDI payment may increase based on inflation adjustments announced by the SSA. - Family Benefits:
In some cases, your dependents (spouse or children) can also receive benefits based on your record, but this won’t necessarily increase your individual monthly amount.
Average vs. Maximum Benefit
While the maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $3,822, the average SSDI payment for most recipients in 2024 is about $1,537 per month.
The vast majority of beneficiaries do not receive the maximum benefit because few people have extremely high lifetime earnings. Most SSDI recipients receive a payment somewhere near the average.
How to Check Your Potential Benefit
The best way to know your estimated SSDI benefit amount is to:
- Create a “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
- View your personalized Social Security Statement which includes your estimated SSDI payment based on your earnings history.
This tool will give you a much clearer picture of what to expect.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Knowing the maximum benefit is helpful, but understanding your personal eligibility and optimizing your claim is even more important. At Hogan Smith, we can help you by:
- Analyzing your earnings record to estimate your potential benefits accurately.
- Ensuring your application is complete and strong to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
- Maximizing your benefits, including potential back pay and auxiliary family benefits.
Our team has extensive experience helping individuals through every step of the SSDI process.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re ready to apply for SSDI or have questions about how much you could qualify for, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your benefits and guide you through the process to maximize your success.
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