WHY SSDI BENEFITS EVAPORATE

When an individual works enough and pays enough FICA tax to Social Security, he or she becomes "insured" for SSDI, thus is eligible to file a new claim for benefits when becoming disabled.

However, when a person stops working, he no longer pays FICA tax because it is withheld from payroll.  No payroll, no tax paid.  Therefore, SSDI insured status (eligibility) ceases or "evaporates" after a period of time.  This time is usually about 5 years.

Many people believe that because they once worked, they are insured against disability for the rest of their lives. This is not true.  SSDI coverage expires after a few years of no work.

The date on which SSDI coverage expires is called "the Date Last Insured" or DLI for short.

The only way to know your DLI for certain is to contact the Social Security office and ask.  Every individual who has ever worked as a DLI in their Social Security file.  After the DLI expires, it's very difficult to file a new disability claim.

An Illustration

Debbie worked from 1979 until 2012.  She quit working in 2012.  Her coverage under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) continued until her Date Last Insured, which was 12/31/17. She would be covered for a disability which began before 12/31/17 but not one which began after that date, regardless of how much she paid in in earlier years.

So, it isn't just a question of how much you worked, it's also a question of how recently you worked.

If you have stopped working within the last few years, the clock is ticking toward the expiration of your SSDI (disability) insurance with Social Security.  It's like any other insurance; it has a definite beginning date and a definite ending date.