Factors that Determine Your SSD Monthly Payment

Your Work History and Earnings

Social Security Disability benefits are based on your average lifetime earnings. The more you have earned over your lifetime, the higher your monthly payment will be. Your work history is used to determine how much you’ve paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. This is the foundation of your SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefit calculation.

Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)

The Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is the monthly benefit you would receive at full retirement age based on your work history. The PIA is calculated using a formula based on your highest-earning years, which are adjusted for inflation. The SSA uses a bend point formula to calculate your PIA:

• The first portion of your earnings is calculated at 90%.
• The second portion is calculated at 32%.
• The third portion is calculated at 15%.

This formula ensures that people who have earned less receive a higher percentage of their average income.

Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)

The Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) is a key figure in calculating your SSD benefits. The SSA will calculate your average monthly earnings over your highest-earning 35 years. If you haven’t worked for 35 years, the SSA will use zero for any missing years.

Disability Benefit and the Maximum Monthly Payment

In 2025, the average SSD benefit is about $1,500 per month, but the actual amount can vary significantly depending on your earnings and work history. The maximum SSDI benefit for 2025 is around $3,600 per month, though most recipients receive less than this amount.

How the SSA Calculates Your Monthly Payment

The SSA uses a complex formula to calculate your monthly benefit. Here’s an overview of the general process:

• Social Security Records: The SSA will look at your earnings over your working years and adjust them for inflation.
• Indexing: Your earnings are indexed to account for changes in average wages across the country.
• AIME Calculation: The SSA will then calculate your AIME based on your highest-earning 35 years.
• PIA Formula: After calculating your AIME, the SSA will apply the PIA formula to determine your monthly payment.

How Much Will I Get in 2025?

For most people, the Social Security Disability monthly payment will be based on their AIME, which is derived from their highest-earning years. In 2025, the following will give you a rough idea of the payment amounts:

• Average SSD Benefit: $1,500 per month.
• Maximum SSD Benefit: $3,600 per month (for those with high lifetime earnings).
• Minimum SSD Benefit: If you have very little work history or low lifetime earnings, your benefit could be lower, potentially around $800 to $1,000 per month.

Special Rules for Disabled Widows, Widowers, and Children

If you're the widow or widower of a deceased worker, or if you are the child of a disabled or deceased worker, you may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits are generally calculated differently than for someone applying for SSDI on their own earnings.

• Widows and Widowers: You may receive a monthly benefit based on your deceased spouse’s work record, with a maximum benefit being a percentage of the deceased’s benefit.
• Children: Disabled children can receive benefits based on a parent’s work record if they are under 18, or under 19 if still in high school.

Additional Factors That Affect Your Payment Amount

• Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA): The SSA may increase your payment each year to account for inflation through a COLA adjustment. This is designed to ensure your benefits keep pace with rising prices.
• Earnings During Disability: If you work while receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA has rules about how much income you can earn before your benefits are reduced or stopped. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month.
• Family Members: Your spouse and children may also be eligible to receive a portion of your SSDI benefits. This can increase the total amount of benefits received by your family.