After a medical condition sidelines you at home, you may want to file for Social Security disability. This government benefit pays a monthly stipend to assist those who can no longer work at their jobs and that have paid enough into the system. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based on the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) as funds are deducted from your pay. To be approved for SSDI, you must have worked recently. Read on to find out more.
Finding Your Date Of Last Insurance
To determine your eligibility, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a date known as the date of last insurance (DLI). For those who were earning a paycheck prior to becoming too ill, the DLI is your last day of work for which there is a FICA deduction. For contract workers and others who don't have FICA deductions, the DLI is the date you last filed federal taxes.
When Your DLI Was Long Ago
Often, workers have to resign from their positions due to their medical or mental condition but never file for SSDI benefits. Some workers are unaware of the existence of SSA benefits, or they may be too sick to take action. The SSA requires that workers who quit their jobs and file for SSDI benefits show proof that they have worked for at least five of the previous 10 years. The time runs from their last date of employment to the date on the SSA application for benefits. If they wait five or more years to apply for benefits, the SSA may require the applicant to take more steps. Those applicants who are less than 31 years of age or that are blind have reduced requirements.
When It's Been More Than Five Years
If you last worked five or more years ago, you might still qualify for benefits under certain circumstances. The key to qualifying after such a large gap is to show that you were actually disabled prior to the time you quit your job for some time. Being able to show this eliminates the gaps in employment, at least as far as the SSA is concerned. The time period between when you became disabled and were still working at your job and the date you finally filed for benefits is known as a protected filing date.
The above complication is just one of many that keep disabled workers from gaining benefits every day. If you end up getting denied, speak to a Social Security disability attorney about representing you at an appeal hearing.
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