Get A Free, No-Risk Consultation Today
What Does Date Last Insured Mean?

November 09, 2023

What Does Date Last Insured Mean?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is coverage that’s specifically intended for individuals with disabilities. Like all types of insurance policies, eligible individuals will only receive benefits for a predetermined period. The coverage expires once this period has passed. This means you will not be able to receive benefits if you meet a condition of the coverage, like a disability, after the expiration date. Take note, though, that you may still qualify for benefits after the expiration date if your disability occurred before then.

This also applies to SSDI benefits. If you’re planning on filing an SSDI claim, you must understand what last date insured, commonly known as date last insured (DLI), is, why it’s crucial to your claim, and how it will impact your application.

The Importance of Date Last Insured to Your SSDI Claim

Among the most crucial qualifying requirements for SSDI is the amount of work credits you have earned in the last 10 years. The maximum work credits you can earn annually is four. To qualify for SSDI coverage, you must have at least 20 work credits. It doesn’t matter whether you earned these credits continuously or intermittently, what matters is that you have 20 credits before being disabled. It’s vital to note that your work credits will expire five years from your last working date, which is your date last insured.

The Importance of Date Last Insured to Your Social Security Disability Claim

Your date last insured is the expiration date or deadline for SSDI coverage. This means that you must have been disabled before this date and before applying for SSDI. Your disability must also meet the SSA’s definition of disability. If you become disabled after this expiration date, you will not be eligible to claim SDDI benefits.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that there’s a significant difference between filing a disability claim and the start of your disability when it comes to SSDI benefits. When it comes to date last insured, the important thing is when you developed your disability. While you can file your claim even after your date last insured, it’s generally recommended to file it before this date.

When applying for SSDI coverage, you must provide detailed evidence, including medical records and doctor’s testimonies related to your disability. The SSA will use this evidence to determine whether you’re eligible for SSDI benefits. Delaying your claim will make it more difficult to obtain and organize the evidence you need to support your SSDI claim because some of them may date back to when you developed your disability.

Applying for SSDI benefits can be a complex and daunting process. You must meet all the requirements, have all the necessary evidence, and ensure that all the required paperwork is in order and filed on time. Let us make this process easier for you. To learn how the Nashville Social Security Disability lawyer at Raybin & Weissman can help you, arrange your free case review by calling 615-256-6666 or contacting us online.