YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY COVERAGE MAY EXPIRE

Did you know that your Social Security disability program has a shelf-life?  Sure, you know your homeowners insurance comes with an expiration date.  So does your auto insurance.  But Social Security disability?

Yes.  Social Security disability is insurance, just like your homeowners, auto policy or life insurance.  You pay for it with taxes (called FICA) deducted from your paycheck.  When you stop working, you also stop paying FICA tax. That begins the clock ticking on your disability coverage.

About 4 years after you stop working, your Social Security disability insurance will expire because you are no longer paying into the system.  The date your insurance expires is called "Date Last Insured."  When this date rolls around you can only file a new claim under Title 2 (Social Security disability) if you can prove that the disability began before your date last insured.  It doesn't matter how sick you are, or how unable to work, you no longer have insurance.  It's like trying to collect on your homeowners insurance for a storm that occurred after your policy expired.  You can't.  Social Security disability insurance has an expiration date.  If you think you are disabled, file now while you still have the insurance. 

Once you file and start getting benefits, your disability coverage does not have an expiration date.  However, you may have a continuing disability review (CDR) in which you have to demonstrate that you remain disabled. Reviews are common about every 2 or 3 years for individuals under age 55 and who have a condition that is expected to improve or can improve.

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