The percentage of an individual's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is used to determine benefits in which program?

The Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is crucial for determining benefits under the Social Security Disability Income program. PIA is calculated based on an individual's earnings during their working years and is used to establish the benefit amount that the individual will receive if they are deemed disabled and unable to perform substantial gainful activity.

In the context of Social Security Disability benefits, the PIA reflects the average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) of the individual, which considers their entire work history. This makes it an essential component in determining the monthly benefit awarded to those who qualify for Social Security Disability. The amount is calculated using a formula that applies different percentages to portions of the individual's AIME, ensuring that lower earners receive a higher replacement percentage, thereby providing support in alignment with their lifetime earnings.

The other programs listed do not rely on PIA to determine benefits. For instance, Medicare primarily focuses on age and eligibility criteria rather than a Primary Insurance Amount. Veterans Affairs Benefits and Unemployment Insurance also have distinct criteria for benefit determination that do not involve PIA calculations.