If you suffered an injury that left you unable to work, you may be wondering whether it’s too late to file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many people delay applying—hoping to recover or unsure if they qualify—only to worry they may have waited too long. The good news is, in many cases, it’s not too late. However, SSDI does have time-sensitive requirements that can affect your eligibility.
In this blog, we’ll explain how SSDI timing works, what factors influence deadlines, and what to do if you’re filing after a delay.
Understanding SSDI Eligibility Basics
Before looking at the timeline, it’s helpful to understand the two core criteria for SSDI:
1. You must have a qualifying disability
Your condition must prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
2. You must have enough work credits
SSDI is an insurance program funded through payroll taxes. To qualify, you typically need to have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 5 of the last 10 years before your disability began.
If too much time has passed since you last worked, your eligibility could expire—so timing does matter.
What Is the Disability Onset Date?
Your “disability onset date” is the day your medical condition first prevented you from working. This date determines whether you have enough work credits and can also impact how much back pay you may receive.
You can still file for SSDI after the onset date—but the longer the delay, the more complex the process becomes.
Is There a Deadline to File for SSDI?
There’s no strict deadline like you’d see in a personal injury lawsuit, but there is a time limit on how long after you stop working you can still qualify.
The “Date Last Insured” (DLI)
Your Date Last Insured (DLI) is the last day you’re eligible for SSDI based on your work history. In most cases, it’s about five years after you stop working.
If your disability began before your DLI—and you can prove it—you may still qualify, even if you apply later. But if your disability began after your DLI, you may not be eligible.
What If You Missed the Ideal Filing Window?
You may still have options, especially if:
- Your disability began before your DLI, but you didn’t realize how serious it was
- You’ve continued to receive treatment, and medical records support a long-term condition
- You have strong documentation from doctors, therapists, or specialists showing a clear, ongoing inability to work
It’s not uncommon for SSDI applications to succeed even after a delay—especially with legal guidance and the right evidence.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Any Longer
Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, applying now is better than continuing to wait. Here’s why:
- SSDI approval takes time—Delays in filing just extend how long it will take to receive benefits.
- You may be eligible for back pay—If approved, you can receive retroactive payments dating back to your onset date (up to 12 months before your application).
- Medical evidence is stronger when current—Ongoing treatment records help show continuity of your condition.
Get Help Filing a Delayed SSDI Claim
If you’re worried that you waited too long to apply for SSDI, don’t give up. You may still be eligible—and the sooner you act, the better your chances of success.
PLBH helps injured workers and disabled individuals navigate complex SSDI applications and appeals, even after time has passed. Call (800) 435-7542 today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.