DOES YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A NEW DISABILITY CLAIM EVER EXPIRE?

Only certain people have the right to file Social Security disability claims--and only at certain times.

The truth is, not everyone is covered by SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance. The program is intended to cover only "insured workers," meaning workers who have recently paid FICA tax into the disability system through payroll deductions or self-employment taxes.

"I worked for 25 years!" is a statement I often hear. "I know I'm covered." However, how recently have you worked? Work credits at Social Security do expire. It is possible to have worked many, many years and then lose disability credits after you stop working.

An individual who has not worked in the past 5 years may not currently have Social Security disability coverage. Work credits expire and "fall away."

RULE OF THUMB FOR MOST PEOPLE: Out of the most recent 10-year period, you must have worked at least 5 of those years. So between 2012 and 2022, there should be at least 5 years of covered work in which FICA tax was paid on wages.

What's the surest way to know if you are covered? Call your local Social Security office and ask 2 questions:

1. WHAT IS MY DATE LAST INSURED (DLI)? This calendar date shows when your SSDI coverage ended, or will end in the future. You should file a new claim by this date.

2. WHAT IS MY PRIMARY INSURANCE AMOUNT (PMI)? This is the estimated amount of your monthly disability benefit, if you are approved.