One of the most common questions I am asked is how are Social Security Disability benefits calculated. The basic answer is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are calculated based on the Social Security taxes you have paid into the program.
Traditionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) would mail earnings statements on a regular basis. These earnings statements would show you your earnings record and an estimated retirement benefit amount. However, SSA stopped sending these statements several years back. Now, SSA offers an online portal for you to access that information. The online portal not only estimates your Social Security Disability benefit amount, but also estimates your retirement and survivors benefits amounts.
Social Security Help
If you do not have an online account, SSA also has tools on its website to help claimants learn what their estimated monthly benefit would be.
One tool, the Online Calculator, needs your input. In order to calculate an estimated benefit, you will need to input all of your past earnings. Your past earnings can be found on your Social Security statement. It will also ask for your birthday and your expected future earnings. In addition to giving you an estimated benefit amount, it will also tell you whether you are insured for retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits.
Another tool, the Social Security Detailed Calculator, is a downloadable program that estimates your retirement benefit by accessing your earnings record through a secure portal. There is an online version of this as well, but it is not as “detailed,” and also only provides your estimated retirement benefit amount.
If you’ve applied for SSDI benefits and need help, contact a local attorney today to assist you.