Calculator
SSDI benefit estimate
The disability benefit equals your PIA, computed over the years from 22 to the year before you became disabled, minus dropout years.
Estimated SSDI benefit$2,212full benefit (PIA), no early-claiming reduction · 2026 formula
| Computation years (age 22 to onset, minus dropout) | 28 − 5 = 23 |
|---|---|
| AIME | $4,583 |
| PIA (bend points $1,286 / $7,749) | $2,212.40 |
| 2026 substantial gainful activity | $1,690/mo ($2,830 blind) |
| 2026 trial work month | $1,210/mo |
Assumes steady earnings in today’s dollars for the years you enter. Younger workers need fewer work credits, and benefits start after a five-full-month waiting period. Family members can add up to the family maximum.
The link keeps your inputs, so you can save or share this scenario.
How SSDI benefits are calculated
SSDI uses the same benefit formula as retirement: average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), then 90% / 32% / 15% at the bend points for the year you became disabled[piaf][bend]. Two things differ. First, the benefit is the full PIA, with no reduction for age. Second, the average uses fewer years: the years from age 22 to the year before disability, minus one dropout year for every five (up to five), with at least two years.
| Earnings a year | AIME | 2026 formula | 2027 formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $2,500 | $1,545 | $1,577 |
| $45,000 | $3,750 | $1,945 | $1,977 |
| $60,000 | $5,000 | $2,345 | $2,377 |
| $80,000 | $6,666 | $2,879 | $2,910 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $3,563 | $3,650 |
Worked example
Dana became disabled at 50 in 2026 after working every year since 22 at about $55,000 in today's dollars. Elapsed years: 28. Dropout years: 28 ÷ 5 = 5 (rounded down). Computation years: 23. AIME = $55,000 × 23 ÷ (23 × 12) = $4,583. PIA = 0.9 × $1,286 + 0.32 × ($4,583 − $1,286) = $2,212.40, paid as $2,212 a month after the five-month waiting period. For a full projection of retirement instead, use the Social Security calculator.
2026 and 2027 SSDI limits: SGA and trial work
Substantial gainful activity (SGA) is the monthly earnings level above which the SSA generally considers you able to work. The trial work period lets you test working for nine months (in a rolling 60-month window) without losing benefits; any month above the trial work amount counts[cola27][cola26].
| Limit | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substantial gainful activity, non-blind | $1,620/mo | $1,690/mo | $1,770/mo |
| Substantial gainful activity, blind | $2,700/mo | $2,830/mo | $2,950/mo |
| Trial work period month | $1,160/mo | $1,210/mo | $1,270/mo |
| Earnings for one work credit | $1,810 | $1,890 | $1,970 |
Who qualifies and when payments start
- Work credits. Generally 40 credits with 20 earned in the last 10 years; younger workers need fewer (as few as 6 before age 24). One credit takes $1,890 of earnings in 2026 and $1,970 in 2027, up to four a year.
- Waiting period. Benefits start with the sixth full month of disability.
- Medicare. Starts after 24 months of SSDI entitlement (immediately for ALS).
- At full retirement age SSDI converts to a retirement benefit of the same amount; see the full retirement age chart.
SSDI is paid on the same Wednesday schedule as retirement benefits (payment schedule). SSI, the needs-based program for people with little income and few resources, is separate: see the SSI amount for 2026.
Common mistakes estimating SSDI
- Applying the early-retirement cut. SSDI is never reduced for age; a disabled 55-year-old gets 100% of the PIA.
- Using 35 years. Disability uses fewer computation years, so missing years early in a career hurt less than in a retirement estimate.
- Confusing SGA with the trial work amount. Earning $1,210 (2026) uses up a trial work month; earning over $1,690 after the trial period can stop benefits.
The SSA decides eligibilityThis is an estimate of the dollar amount only. Whether you are disabled under SSA rules, and your exact benefit, are set by the SSA from your medical evidence and your official earnings record.
Frequently asked questions
How much SSDI will I get?
Your full Social Security benefit (PIA), based on your average indexed earnings over your work years. Steady earnings of $55,000 give about $2,212 a month on the 2026 formula; the average disabled worker gets about $1,701 in January 2027.
What is the SGA limit for 2026?
$1,690 a month for non-blind people and $2,830 for people who are blind. For 2027 the limits are $1,770 and $2,950.
What is the 2026 trial work period amount?
$1,210 a month: any month you earn more than that counts as one of your nine trial work months. In 2027 it is $1,270.
Is SSDI reduced if I get it before 62?
No. SSDI pays 100% of your primary insurance amount regardless of age. Other disability benefits (such as workers' compensation) can offset it.