What is your Date of Last Insured (DLI)? And why is it so important?

Honestly, it makes all the difference in your Social Security disability case.

Here's how it works:

Social Security disability is much like private health insurance. You pay your premium, you get coverage. But, unlike private insurance, once you stop paying that premium, SSA gives you up to 5 years to start paying again before your coverage expires. This stopping of coverage is called your Date of Last Insured (DLI).

If today is October 1, 2021, and your DLI is in the future. Then, this means you still have coverage and you can file for SSDI benefits.

If today is October 1, 2021, and your DLI is in the past, then you have lost coverage and either you must prove you were disabled prior to the expiration of your coverage or you can only now qualify for SSI.

So, how do you keep your benefits from expiring?

Well, you keep working and paying your taxes. That's just like paying your premium. Once you stop working, just remember the clock is ticking. You gotta file for disability benefits if you are unable to work.

If you need help, please call me: (888) 780-9125.