SSDI Benefits Estimator
Estimate your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on your work history and earnings. Uses 2026 SSA bend points and PIA formulas. Everything runs in your browser — no data is sent anywhere.
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Your Estimated SSDI Benefits
Monthly Benefit
Annual Benefit
Family Maximum
PIA Calculation Breakdown
Benefit Comparison
Medicare Eligibility
After SSDI approval, you qualify for Medicare 24 months after your entitlement date. During the waiting period, you may qualify for Medicaid or marketplace insurance.
SGA Limit (2026)
The Substantial Gainful Activity limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earning above SGA may affect eligibility.
Work Credits
You need a minimum number of work credits to qualify. Generally, you need 40 credits (10 years of work), with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
5-Month Waiting Period
SSDI has a mandatory 5-month waiting period from your disability onset date. Benefits begin in the 6th full month after onset.
Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on 2026 SSA formulas and bend points. Your actual benefit depends on your complete earnings record, exact work history, and SSA adjudication. For an official estimate, create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount or contact your local Social Security office. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
How SSDI Benefits Are Calculated
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based on your lifetime earnings record. The SSA calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) by taking your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusting them for wage inflation, and dividing by 420 months. Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is then calculated using a formula with two "bend points" that apply different percentages to different portions of your AIME. For 2026, the first bend point is $1,174 and the second is $7,078. The formula gives you 90% of the first $1,174, plus 32% of earnings between $1,174 and $7,078, plus 15% of earnings above $7,078. The maximum SSDI benefit for 2026 is approximately $4,018 per month.
SSDI Eligibility and Work Credits
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through jobs that pay Social Security taxes (FICA). In 2026, you earn one credit for each $1,810 of wages or self-employment income, up to four credits per year. Most adults need 40 credits (about 10 years of work) to qualify, with at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. Younger workers need fewer credits — for example, workers disabled before age 24 may need only 6 credits earned in the 3 years before disability. The approval process involves medical documentation proving you cannot perform substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is capped at $1,620 per month in 2026 for non-blind applicants.
SSDI vs. SSI: Key Differences
SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both administered by the SSA but serve different populations. SSDI is an insurance program funded by payroll taxes — your benefit amount depends on your earnings history. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history, paying a maximum federal benefit of $967 per month in 2026. You can receive both simultaneously if you qualify. SSDI recipients automatically qualify for Medicare after 24 months, while SSI recipients typically receive Medicaid. Understanding which program applies to your situation helps you plan finances and access the right medical coverage during your disability.
Tips for Maximizing Your SSDI Claim
Gather your complete medical records before applying. Document every doctor visit, diagnosis, medication, and functional limitation. Keep a symptom journal showing how your disability affects daily activities. Apply as soon as you become unable to work — processing takes 3-6 months on average, and over 60% of initial claims are denied. If denied, appeal promptly within the 60-day deadline. Consider consulting a disability attorney or advocate who works on contingency (typically 25% of back pay, capped at $7,200). Check your earnings record at ssa.gov to ensure all your income is correctly reported — errors in your record directly reduce your benefit calculation.