DLI - WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

DLI stands for "Date Last Insured." It is a term that affects Social Security disability insurance (not SSI).

Date last insured is arguably one of the most important factors in a claim for Social Security Disability Benefits. It is also important to note that DLI is only relevant in Disability Insurance Benefits (or Title 2) claims not in Supplemental Security Income (SSI or Title 16) claims.

Simply put, when an individual is working, they are paying into the Social Security system by having money taken out of their check each pay period (FICA). For social security purposes, each work year is broken up into four calendar quarters. Eligibility for benefits considers the total number of quarters worked and earned as well as the time frame in which they were earned.

Generally, to be eligible for benefits an individual must have worked at least 20 of the last 40 quarters. That amounts to working at least 5 years out of the most recent 10-year period. It is important to note there are several different rules and exceptions based on age and other factors. However, once eligibility is established, then the date last insured is determined.

Basically, an individual's date last insured (DLI) is determined by when they last worked. The date last insured is the last date you are covered for Social Security Disability Insurance. For example, a person may have worked on and off and have a date last insured of December 31, 2021. This would mean that this individual would have to prove they became disabled prior to December 31, 2021, since they are only covered through that date.

Many people with a very consistent work history have DLIs well into the future. Overall, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can determined your eligibility, your date last insured, and what that DLI will mean for your specific case.

DLI only applies to your ability to file a NEW claim. It has nothing to do with how long Social Security will pay benefits once you qualify and the benefits have started. Work credits do expire after you stop working, though, and after you have gone a few years without paying into the Social Security system, you may cease to be covered for new disability claims.

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Social Security disability is a complicated matter. Sit down with one of our attorneys/advocates and find out if you have a valid claim. The consultation is free and can save you countless hours of work and a lot of heartache. Call the Forsythe Firm at (256) 799-0297 today.