Step 1: Understand Your Earnings Record

Your SSDI benefit is calculated based on:

• Your average indexed monthly earnings over your career.
• Work credits earned through paying Social Security taxes.
• The number of years you have worked covered by Social Security.

Step 2: Calculate the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)

The Social Security Administration uses your earnings to determine:

• Your PIA, which is the base for your monthly SSDI payments.
• Adjustments for inflation and cost-of-living.
• Your full retirement age benefit amount which SSDI mirrors.

Step 3: Know the Average Benefit Amount

In Tennessee, the typical SSDI payment generally:

• Ranges between $1,000 and $1,400 monthly depending on prior wages.
• Is paid monthly while you remain disabled.
• May be supplemented by state programs in some cases.

Step 4: Consider Additional Factors

Your benefit amount can be affected by:

• Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) annually increasing payments.
• Other sources of income that might impact your benefit.
• Whether you receive any dependent benefits with your SSDI.

Step 5: Recognize the Waiting Period

SSDI payments usually begin:

• After a from disability onset.
• Once your claim is approved by the SSA.
• With possible retroactive payments if approved late.

Step 6: Common Factors That Can Affect Your Benefits

Be mindful of:

• Work activity that could reduce or suspend payments.
• Changes in disability status upon SSA review.
• Eligibility for other state and federal programs.