WHO IS COVERED BY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Many people believe that every US citizen is covered by Social Security Disability Insurance, called SSDI for short. However, only certain individuals have coverage for disability benefits.

An individual becomes covered by SSDI by working and paying FICA withholding tax into Social Security.

A person must work 5 years out of the most recent 10 year period, in a job that deducts FICA tax. Rules are more relaxed for very young claimants.

It's important to understand that Social Security disability is a type of insurance--just like your auto insurance, health insurance or homeowners insurance. All of these insurance plans require payments or "premiums." You aren't covered unless you pay the necessary premium. Social Security operates on same basis.

Imagine calling an automobile insurance company and reporting an accident. You tell them, "I just had a wreck and totaled my car. Please pay me." Imagine the insurance agent saying, "I'm sorry, but you don't have any coverage with our company."

Individuals who have not worked in about the last 5 years may not be covered by Social Security disability. Even if they worked a long time ago, but not in recent years, their "work credits" or premiums may have expired.

Social Security uses a term - DATE LAST INSURED, OR DLI. This is a calendar date upon which your disability insurance with Social Security will expire (in future), or has expired (in the past). If you are considered a disability claim for SSDI, it is important to find out your DLI. To do so, you will call your local Social Security office.