Calculate SSDI primary insurance amounts, SSI federal baselines, and back pay accruals with institutional precision. Synced with 2026 COLA shifts.
Cumulative benefit increase per BLS audit
Maximum primary insurance at FRA
Non-blind institutional earnings limit
Actuarial SSA Audit • Cumulative Enhancements
| Fiscal Cycle | COLA Rate | Avg. SSDI Payout | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 1.3% | $1,270 – $1,340 | Verified |
| 2022-2023 | 5.9% – 8.7% | $1,380 – $1,550 | Verified |
| 2024-2025 | 3.2% – 2.5% | $1,580 – $1,610 | Audited |
| 2026 Pilot | 2.8% | $1,630 – $1,680 | Current |
Regulatory Compliance Matrix • SGA Standards
| Metric Layer | 2026 Standard | Delta vs 2025 | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGA (Non-Blind) | $2,040 /mo | +$70 | Strict |
| SGA (Blind) | $2,590 /mo | +$90 | Specialized |
| SSI Max (Indiv) | $994 /mo | +$27 | Federal |
| Trial Work Period | $1,170 /mo | +$60 | Transition |
Actuarial Calculus • Bend Point Architecture
| Audit Tier | Geometric Weight | Threshold Point | Precision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 90% Factor | First $1,174 AIME | Primary |
| Tier 2 | 32% Factor | $1,174 – $7,078 | Secondary |
| Tier 3 | 15% Factor | Above $7,078 | Residual |
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) represent the two primary pillars of the US disability safety net. In 2026, navigating these systems requires an algorithmic understanding of work credits, medical vocational grids, and SGA earnings limits.
Unlike SSI, SSDI is an insurance-based system funded by FICA payroll taxes. To qualify in 2026, a claimant must meet the **Duration of Work** and **Recency of Work** tests. Generally, this equates to 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last decade. The benefit amount is strictly tied to your **Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)** across your highest-earning years.
Supplemental Security Income is a federal welfare program for individuals with limited income and resources. In 2026, the resource limit remains at **$2,000 for individuals** and **$3,000 for couples** (excluding primary residence and one vehicle). SSI acts as a foundational income tier, ensuring a federal minimum baseline (currently $994/mo) regardless of work history.
For claimants over age 50, the SSA utilizes **Medical-Vocational Grids**. These grids recognize that older workers find it statistically harder to transition to new trades. If you are 55 or older, have limited education, and can only perform sedentary work, the grid may 'direct a finding of disabled' even if some hypothetical jobs theoretically exist.
Essential 2026 SSDI/SSI regulatory intelligence
Execute your 2026 disability conversion with statutory accuracy.
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