1. How SSDI Payments Are Calculated

SSDI benefits are based on:

• Your lifetime earnings in jobs covered by Social Security
• Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which the SSA calculates by adjusting your past income for inflation and averaging it over your highest-earning years
• Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), a formula-derived monthly benefit based on your AIME

Your actual SSDI payment is your PIA, subject to annual Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments (COLA).

2. Average SSDI Payment Nationwide and in South Carolina

• The national average SSDI benefit in 2024 is approximately $1,537 per month
• In South Carolina, individual SSDI payments generally fall within this range, though they vary based on each person’s earning history
• Most recipients receive between $900 and $1,700 monthly, depending on past wages and contributions
• Individuals with higher lifetime earnings can receive up to the maximum rate

3. What Is the Maximum SSDI Payment?

• The maximum SSDI benefit for 2024 is $3,822 per month
• To qualify for the maximum, you must have consistently earned at or above the Social Security wage base for a significant number of years
• While some long-term high earners do receive this amount, most SSDI recipients receive lower monthly benefits

4. Does South Carolina Offer a State Supplement?

• SSDI is entirely federally funded, and South Carolina does not provide any additional state supplements
• SSDI payments are not dependent on state residency
• However, beneficiaries who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for a small state supplement, depending on living situation and institutional care status

5. Are SSDI Benefits Taxed in South Carolina?

• SSDI benefits may be taxable at the federal level if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds ($25,000 for individuals, $32,000 for couples filing jointly)
• South Carolina does not tax SSDI payments, meaning your benefits are exempt from state income tax

6. What Can Affect Your SSDI Payment in South Carolina?

Your SSDI payment may change if:

• You receive workers’ compensation or veterans benefits, as SSA may apply an offset
• You receive private disability insurance, which typically does not reduce SSDI
• Annual COLA adjustments increase the payment amount each year

7. How to Get a More Accurate Estimate of Your Payment

To find your personalized SSDI amount:

• Create a “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov
• View your Social Security Statement, which includes an estimated SSDI benefit based on your current earnings record
• Review the benefit projection tool, which provides an idea of how much you'd receive if you became disabled today

8. How to Plan Around Your SSDI Payment

Knowing your estimated benefit can help you:

• Budget for housing, bills, and medical expenses
• Determine if supplemental support—such as SSI or Medicaid—is needed
• Coordinate SSDI alongside other income sources (e.g., pensions, part‑time employment, or private disability insurance)