When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, two crucial concepts come into play: Date Last Insured (DLI) and work credits. These factors determine your eligibility for benefits and how long you can qualify after you stop working. Here’s what you need to know about DLI and work credits.
The Date Last Insured (DLI) is the last date you are eligible to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits based on your work history. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes during your working years. SSA uses your DLI to determine whether you were "insured" at the time you became disabled.
If you stop working, your DLI doesn’t immediately expire; it extends a few years based on the work credits you’ve accumulated. However, if your disability onset date is after your DLI, your claim for SSDI benefits may be denied, even if you are now disabled.
Work credits are units SSA uses to measure your work history and determine your eligibility for SSDI. You earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes. In 2024, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
The number of work credits required to qualify for SSDI depends on your age at the time you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits:
Before age 24: You need six credits earned in the three years prior to your disability.
Age 24 to 31: You need credits for working half the time between age 21 and the time you became disabled.
Age 31 and older: You need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, with a total of 40 credits.
The DLI is critical because it represents the cutoff date for your eligibility based on your work history. If your disability occurs after your DLI, you may not qualify for SSDI benefits, regardless of your condition. This makes it essential to apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled.
For example, if you worked steadily for years but stopped working five years ago, your DLI might be this year. If you become disabled now, you would still be insured. However, if your disability started next year, after your DLI has passed, your claim could be denied.
Understanding DLI and work credits is essential for anyone considering applying for SSDI benefits. Your work history, accumulated work credits, and the timing of your disability and application for benefits all play a significant role in determining your eligibility. If you believe you are disabled and may qualify for SSDI, it's crucial to act quickly, as waiting too long could result in your DLI expiring and your claim being denied. For personalized guidance, consider consulting a Social Security Disability attorney who can help navigate the complexities of the application process.
