Free Tool
2026 SSDI Calculator
Estimate your monthly Social Security Disability check using SSA's official 2026 PIA formula and bend points.
This Social Security SSDI calculator uses the 2026 bend points ($1,226 and $7,391) and the official PIA formula to estimate your monthly benefit. Wondering how much will SSI checks be in 2026? The federal SSI max is $967/month for individuals — this tool focuses on SSDI (Title II).
Estimated monthly benefit
SSDI$1,991/mo
Estimated back pay
$37,829
SSDI estimate
$1,991/mo
SSI estimate
$967/mo
Medicare
Eligible immediately upon approval.
Medicaid
Likely eligible based on your asset level (state rules vary).
How we got this number
- • Estimated AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings): $4,000.
- • PIA bend-point formula: 90% of first $1,226 + 32% up to $7,391 + 15% above.
National 2026 averages for reference: average SSDI $1,580/mo, maximum $4,018/mo.
Your estimate: $1,991/month plus about $37,829 in back pay.
There is real back pay at stake here, and the amount turns entirely on the onset date your case establishes. Send us your numbers and an attorney will tell you what your record actually supports.
- Estimated monthly benefit
- $1,991/mo
- Benefit type
- SSDI
- Estimated back pay
- $37,829
- Estimated PIA
- $1,991/mo
Estimate only. Your actual Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) depends on your top 35 years of indexed earnings. Pull your SSA Statement at ssa.gov/myaccount for the exact figure.
How the 2026 SSDI benefit is calculated
SSA indexes your lifetime earnings, averages your top 35 years, and converts that to a monthly figure (AIME). The PIA formula then applies progressive percentages at two "bend points" — 90% of the first $1,226, 32% up to $7,391, and 15% above.
Most workers fall in the middle bracket, which is why the national SSDI average sits near $1,580/month.
2026 SSDI & SSI benefit amounts at a glance
| 2026 figure | SSDI | SSI |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly check | ~$1,580 | ~$700 |
| Maximum monthly check | $4,018 | $967 (individual) / $1,450 (couple) |
| First bend point | $1,226 | N/A |
| Second bend point | $7,391 | N/A |
| Annual COLA (2026) | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| SGA limit (work earnings cap) | $1,620/mo | $1,620/mo |
Step 1: How SSA indexes your earnings
SSA does not use the raw dollars you earned in 1998 — it indexes them to national wage growth up to the year you turned 60. A $30,000 salary in 1998 may count as roughly $60,000 in today's wage terms. Every year after age 60 is counted at face value. SSA then takes your highest 35 indexed years, adds them up, and divides by 420 months to produce your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME).
SSDI differs from retirement here: if you become disabled young, SSA drops out some low-earning years instead of forcing 35 years of history, so a short work record does not automatically produce a tiny check.
Step 2: The 2026 PIA formula, applied
Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is the sum of three brackets, split at the 2026 bend points of $1,226 and $7,391:
- 90% of the first $1,226 of AIME
- 32% of AIME between $1,226 and $7,391
- 15% of AIME above $7,391
Worked example. Say your AIME is $4,500. The first bracket gives 0.90 × $1,226 = $1,103.40. The second gives 0.32 × ($4,500 − $1,226) = $1,047.68. There is nothing in the third bracket. Total PIA = $2,151.08, rounded down to the dime: about $2,151/month. Notice the replacement rate: a worker averaging $4,500/month replaces roughly 48% of earnings, while a worker averaging $9,000/month replaces closer to 33% — the bend points make the formula deliberately progressive toward lower earners.
Step 3: COLA, family benefits, and the family maximum
Once your PIA is set, SSA applies the annual cost-of-living adjustment each January (2.5% for 2026). Your spouse — age 62 or older, or caring for your child under 16 — and your unmarried minor children can draw auxiliary benefits on your record. Those payments are capped by the SSDI family maximum, generally 150% of your PIA (and never more than 85% of AIME or less than your PIA). Auxiliary payments are reduced proportionally to fit under the cap; your own check is never cut to make room.
Why your estimate may differ from your actual check
SSA uses your exact indexed earnings record — this calculator approximates from the inputs you provide. Other factors that can move the number:
- Workers' Compensation offset. Combined SSDI plus workers' comp cannot exceed 80% of your pre-disability average current earnings; SSDI is reduced to fit.
- Government Pension Offset / WEP. Pensions from work not covered by Social Security can reduce your benefit.
- Concurrent SSDI + SSI. If your SSDI is low, SSI may top you up to the federal floor, but SSDI counts as income against the SSI maximum.
- Missing or misreported earnings. Verify your record at ssa.gov/myaccount — a missing year of wages permanently lowers your AIME until corrected.
- Medicare premiums. After 24 months of entitlement, Part B premiums are deducted from the monthly deposit.
Start over with our free SSDI calculator →
Estimate your back pay lump sum too →
Getting SSI instead? Try the 2026 SSI calculator →
SSDI vs SSI: which one are you eligible for? →
Last updated: June 21, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How much will SSDI pay per month in 2026?+
Average is about $1,580/month. Maximum at full retirement age is $4,018/month. Your specific amount depends on your lifetime indexed earnings.
What is the PIA formula?+
Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) = 90% of AIME up to $1,226 + 32% from $1,226–$7,391 + 15% above $7,391 (2026 bend points). Your AIME is the indexed average of your top 35 earning years, expressed monthly.
How accurate is this Social Security SSDI calculator?+
Within roughly ±15% for most workers. The exact figure depends on SSA's indexed earnings record, which only ssa.gov/myaccount can give you.
How much will SSI checks be in 2026?+
The 2026 federal SSI maximum is $967/month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. State supplements and countable income can change the final amount. This calculator focuses on SSDI; for SSI eligibility, start with a free case review.
What's the difference between SSDI and SSI monthly benefits?+
SSDI is based on your work history and lifetime earnings (capped at $4,018/month in 2026). SSI is a needs-based program with a flat federal max of $967/month for individuals. You can sometimes receive both — called 'concurrent benefits.'
When will I get my first SSDI check?+
After approval, SSDI benefits begin the month after your 5-month waiting period ends. Most claimants receive their first monthly payment within 1–2 months of the favorable decision, plus a separate back pay lump sum.
Does SSDI replace my full income?+
No — SSDI typically replaces about 40% of pre-disability earnings for average workers. Higher earners replace a smaller percentage because of the progressive PIA formula.
Will my SSDI amount go up each year?+
Yes. SSA applies an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The 2026 COLA was 2.5%. Your benefit increases automatically each January.
Can I work while on SSDI?+
Yes, but earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620/month in 2026, $2,700 for blind individuals) can end your benefits. SSA offers a Trial Work Period to test working without losing your check.
Does my spouse or child get benefits too?+
Yes — your spouse (if age 62+ or caring for your child under 16) and unmarried minor children can receive auxiliary benefits up to a family maximum of roughly 150–180% of your PIA.