1. How SSDI Payments Are Calculated

Your SSDI benefit is based on:

• Your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) during your working years
• Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), calculated from your AIME using a set SSA formula

This means payments depend entirely on your lifetime earnings and work history under Social Security rather than your current state of residence.

2. 2025 Maximum SSDI Payment

For 2025, the maximum SSDI monthly benefit is $4,018. To receive this amount, you generally must have:

• Worked for about 35 years
• Consistently earned at or above Social Security’s taxable income ceiling each year
• Paid full Social Security taxes on those earnings

Most recipients receive benefits lower than the maximum based on their average earnings history.

3. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

Each year, SSDI benefits are adjusted for inflation through a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This ensures your payments keep up with increases in living costs. The maximum payment amount increases slightly each year with these adjustments.

4. Additional Family (Auxiliary) Benefits

If you have eligible dependents, such as a spouse or minor children, they may also receive auxiliary benefits. These can increase your total household SSDI income, but the SSA places a family maximum limit, generally between 150% to 180% of your individual benefit.

5. California vs. Federal SSDI

It’s important to note:

• SSDI benefits are federal payments, so the maximum amount is the same across all states, including California.
• California’s state disability insurance (SDI) is separate from SSDI and has different eligibility and payment rules.