Not everyone is covered by Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). It covers only workers. You earn a quarter of coverage for each calendar quarter that work and earn at least $1,360. For example, if you work January through March and earn at least $1,360 during that period, you have earned one quarter of coverage with Social Security. (That dollar amount changes each year; it took less earnings in 2018 to earn a quarter of coverage).
So, we see that an individual may earn up to 4 quarters of coverage per year. Over 10 years, up to 40 quarters of coverage can be earned.
Most individuals need at least 20 quarters of coverage to have "insured status" for Social Security disability. Stated another way, you need to have worked at least 5 years out of the most recent 10-year period. (Very young workers have different rules).
When a person stops working, he or she stops earning quarters of coverage. Gradually, the required number of work quarters begins to slip away. About 5 years after you stop working you become uninsured for purposes of SSDI benefits. When this "Date Last Insured" or DLI rolls around, you are no longer insured for new disability claims.
We have individuals call us quite frequently who have real disabilities. They worked for years but stopped working several years ago and didn't file for SSDI benefits. Now, they find that they have waited too long to file and are no longer insured by Social Security. So, the simple point I'm trying to make here is this: When a person stops working, his/her disability coverage with Social Security eventually disappears. This affects the ability to file a new claim after the "Date Last Insured" (DLI).
If you have stopped working because of a medical condition, consider filing for SSDI benefits right away. Waiting too long to file can result in severe disappointment if you find that your insured status has slipped away.
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Charles W. Forsythe
The Forsythe Firm
7027 Old Madison Pike, Suite 108
Huntsville, AL 35806
PHONE (256) 799-0297
SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE (WEBSITE)
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If you have stopped working, you may find out when your Date Last Insured (DLI) will occur simply by calling your local Social Security office.
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