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DATE LAST INSURED - WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

When you get a favorable decision on your Social Security disability claim, you see a statement like this in your Notice of Decision:

The claimant's date last insured is December 31, 2015.  Or, The records indicate that the claimant has sufficient work history to remain insured for disability benefits until December 31, 2015.

This does NOT mean that your disability benefits will terminate on December 31, 2015.  This is the "date last insured."  This is the date that you stop being insured to file a NEW claim for disability benefits.  It's like saying, "If you first become disabled after this date, your disability insurance has expired and you are not covered for a new claim beyond this date."

Once you receive a favorable decision on your disability claim, your benefits will continue until you are no longer disabled, you reach retirement age or die.  At retirement age, you can receive pension benefits.

If you are thinking about filing a Social Security disability claim, contact me at the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville, AL.  I will walk you through the claim process, answer your questions and work to get you approved as quickly as possible.  I work with veterans and non-veterans.  And I work with my clients personally.

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