Why should I care about my Date Last Insured (DLI)?

You may have heard the terminology Date Last Insured or DLI thrown around if you have spoken to a representative at the Social Security Administration (SSA) or to a Social Security Disability attorney.  What is a DLI and why should you even worry about it?

An issue regarding your Date Last Insured (DLI) is only relevant if you are filing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.  That means if you do not qualify for SSDI because you havent worked long enough to qualify for this federal insurance program, you dont need to worry about your DLI.  However, if you are applying for SSDI, your DLI may be very relevant. 

The Date Last Insured or DLI is the last day you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits under the SSDI program.  In order to qualify for SSDI, you must prove that your disability began before your DLI.  This generally means that you must have some sort of evidence demonstrating that your disability began prior to your DLI.  If you are found disabled on or before your DLI, then you will receive SSDI.  If you are found disabled after your DLI, then you will not qualify for SSDI benefits. 

It is important to remember that you do NOT have to apply for SSDI benefits before your DLI .  This means you can file for SSDI benefits after your DLI as long as you are able to prove that your disability began prior to your DLI.

Here is an example.  Ana files a claim for SSDI benefits on June 1, 2010.  Her Date Last Insured is December 31, 2009.  At the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) finds that Ana is disabled as of January 1, 2009.  In this scenario, Ana would qualify for SSDI benefits.  However, if the ALJ found that Ana was disabled as of January 1, 2010, she would not qualify for SSDI benefits.

It is important to remember that a DLI is only relevant in claims for SSDI.  This means that if there is an issue with your DLI that makes you ineligible for SSDI benefits, you may still qualify for SSI benefits. 

If you have any questions regarding your DLI, you should consult with an attorney experienced in handing Social Security Disability cases.

This is NOT legal advice.  This blog provides general information about Social Security Disability cases.  To discuss your particular circumstances and claim, please contact a lawyer in your area.