When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), one of the most common questions is also one of the most important: How much will I receive each month if I am approved? The answer depends on several factors, and for many individuals, the amount is higher or lower than expected.
At Disability Law Group, we guide clients through every step of the disability process, including helping them understand what they may be eligible to receive in benefits. Below, we explain how SSDI payments are calculated, what may affect the amount, and why your benefit might be different than someone else’s even if you have similar health conditions.
What Is SSDI and Who Qualifies?
SSDI is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to individuals who have a qualifying disability and a strong enough work history. In general, you must:
- Have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability
- Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to that condition
- Have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes for a sufficient number of years
If approved, SSDI provides monthly payments based on your prior earnings and not your current financial need.
How Is Your SSDI Benefit Amount Calculated?
Your monthly SSDI benefit is based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) over your highest-earning working years. SSA uses a specific formula to calculate a primary insurance amount (PIA), which determines your monthly payment.
Key points to understand:
- The more you earned and paid into Social Security before becoming disabled, the higher your benefit is likely to be
- The number of years you worked also plays a role
- Benefits are not based on the severity of your condition, but rather on your work history and earnings
In 2025, the average monthly SSDI benefit is approximately $1,500, but the amount can vary widely. Some individuals may receive as little as $100 per month, while others may qualify for more than $3,800 depending on their income history.
Factors That Can Affect Your SSDI Payment
Several factors may influence how much you actually receive each month, including:
- Work history: Shorter work histories or lower earnings can result in lower monthly benefits
- Other government benefits: Receiving certain benefits, like workers’ compensation, may reduce your SSDI amount
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): SSA typically increases benefits annually based on inflation
- Family benefits: In some cases, your dependents may also be eligible to receive additional benefits based on your record
- Taxes: Depending on your total income, your SSDI benefits may be subject to federal income tax
Our team at Disability Law Group can help you review your earnings record and estimate your potential monthly benefit amount before you apply.
Can You Work and Still Receive SSDI?
SSA allows limited work activity under the Trial Work Period (TWP) and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rules. In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if you are blind) without losing eligibility. However, earning more than that may trigger a review or affect your benefits.
Understanding the income limits and reporting rules is critical. Many individuals unintentionally jeopardize their benefits by exceeding limits without realizing it.
How to Check Your Estimated SSDI Benefit
You can get an estimate of your potential SSDI benefit by creating a My Social Security account at www.ssa.gov. There, you can view your earnings history, check for any errors, and see an estimate of your disability benefit based on your current record.
If you are unsure how to interpret the information or want a legal team to review it with you, we are here to help.
How Disability Law Group Can Help
At Disability Law Group, we do more than just help clients apply for benefits. We provide strategic guidance to maximize your chances of approval and ensure you understand what you are entitled to.
Our legal team can help you:
- Estimate your potential SSDI benefit
- Verify that your earnings record is accurate
- Identify potential deductions or offsets
- Assist with the full application or appeals process
- Communicate with SSA on your behalf
Every dollar counts when your financial future is on the line. Knowing what to expect and having the right team by your side can make all the difference.
Get Answers to Your SSDI Questions
If you are thinking about applying for SSDI or want to better understand how much you could receive, Disability Law Group is here to help. We provide clear, honest advice and compassionate legal support throughout the process.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you protect what matters most.
