Date Last Insured
The last date a person met the Social Security work credit requirements to be insured for SSDI benefits. Your disability must have begun on or before this date to qualify for SSDI.
Typically calculated as the date through which you had 20 qualifying work credits in the last 10 years.
If you stopped working years ago and your DLI has passed, you may only be eligible for SSI, not SSDI.
→ Use BenefitKarma's Work Credits & DLI Check to determine your insured status.
Also known as
Related terms
- 5-Month Waiting Period
A mandatory waiting period imposed by the SSA before SSDI benefits begin. Benefits do not start until the 6th full month after the established onset date of disability.
- SSI
A federal needs-based program administered by the SSA that provides monthly cash payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, and to adults 65+, who have limited income and resources.
- Work Credits (Social Security)
Units of credit earned through taxable employment or self-employment, used to determine eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
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Frequently asked questions about Date Last Insured
What does Date Last Insured mean?+
The Date Last Insured (DLI) is important for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). It's the last day you have enough work credits to get SSDI benefits. For your disability to qualify for SSDI, it must have started on or before this date. It's like an expiration date for your work credits and SSDI eligibility.
Why is the Date Last Insured important for SSDI?+
The Date Last Insured (DLI) is very important for SSDI because it sets a deadline. If your disability began after your DLI, you usually cannot get SSDI benefits. Even if you are very sick, if your illness started too late, you might not qualify, no matter how much you paid into Social Security.
How do I find my Date Last Insured?+
You can find your Date Last Insured (DLI) by looking at your Social Security statement. You can get this statement online from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It shows your work history and an estimate of your benefits. Sometimes, the SSA will tell you your DLI during the application process too.
Can I still get SSDI if my disability started after my Date Last Insured?+
If your disability started after your Date Last Insured (DLI), it is usually very hard to get SSDI benefits. SSDI rules say your disability must have begun on or before this date. But there might be other types of benefits you could get, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if you meet other rules.