Date Last Insured: Understanding Your Social Security Disability Benefits as a Veteran

Some disabled veterans are entitled to Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Depending on your circumstances, that may be in addition to veterans disability benefits. Eligibility for Social Security benefits is dependent on your work history, including recent work history. So, not everyone who has paid into Social Security qualifies for disability benefits–even if they demonstrate that their medical condition prevents them from earning a living.

What Does “Date Last Insured” (DLI)  Mean?

“Date last insured” may be a confusing term for those applying for SSD, because “insurance’ brings to mind policies like your health insurance coverage and private disability coverage. Though Social Security disability is a government benefit, it is a form of insurance. You pay toward that coverage with your FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) deductions. 

The date last insured is the last day you are eligible for disability benefits.

If you have already been approved for SSD or have a pending application approved, this date won’t affect you. Unless your circumstances change, your disability benefits will continue until you transition to retirement benefits.   

In some cases, you may even be able to apply after your DLI successfully. To qualify for benefits after your DLI, you must show that you became disabled before your DLI. If your disability began after your DLI or you are unable to prove that it started before your DLI, you won’t be eligible for SSD.

How is DLI Calculated? 

The formula for your DLI varies depending on your age.

Most SSD applicants must have accrued work credits equivalent to having worked five of the past 10 years. That means the cut-off date isn’t based on something simple like the last date you worked. Instead, the date last insured will be the last day of the last quarter in which you were insured. 

Applying for SSD Benefits after Your Date Last Insured

If you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits in combination with your VA disability benefits or because you don’t qualify for veterans disability benefits, it’s important to determine and stay aware of your date last insured. That can be complicated, so don’t hesitate to contact an experienced disability benefits right away if you need help. Your advocate can also help determine whether the onset date of your disability may mean that you are eligible even though your DLI has passed. 

To learn more, call Veterans Help Group right now at (855) 855-8992, or contact us here now.

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