What Is An Elimination Period In A Long-Term Disability Claim?

If you’re looking into long-term disability or individual disability insurance, you may have come across the term “elimination period.” This is an important concept to understand as it can affect when you will receive benefits if you become disabled. In this article, we will explain what the elimination period in a long-term disability claim is and how it works.

Understanding Elimination Periods

An elimination period is the amount of time you must wait after becoming disabled before you receive long-term disability benefits. This period is also sometimes called the waiting period or the qualifying period. It’s like a deductible in that it’s a period of time you must satisfy or “pay” before your benefits kick in.

How Does It Work?

The length of time varies depending on your insurance policy. It’s typically measured in days or weeks and can range from 30 days to a year or more. Most of the policies we see have a 180-day elimination period.

When Does the Elimination Period Start and End?

The elimination period in a long-term disability policy begins on the first day you are unable to work due to your disability—usually the date you actually stop working because of your injury or illness. It’s important to note that this period does not start when you file your claim, but rather when your disabling condition prevents you from performing your job duties.

The elimination period ends once the set number of days required by your policy has passed. For example, if your plan specifies a 180-day elimination period, benefits become payable on the 181st day, provided you still meet your policy’s definition of disability. Until that waiting period is satisfied, you will not receive any benefit payments from your long-term disability insurance.

During this period, you’ll need to rely on other sources of income, such as sick leave or short-term disability benefits. Once the wait is over, if you are still unable to work due to your disability, you will receive benefit payments.

In many cases, the elimination period for your long-term disability (LTD) policy may actually overlap with the time you are receiving short-term disability (STD) benefits. If your LTD policy allows, the time spent on STD benefits can count toward satisfying the elimination period, so you don’t have to wait twice as long before LTD benefits begin. Be sure to check the terms of your specific policy to see how these periods may coordinate. The amount of benefits you receive will depend on your policy’s terms and conditions.

What If You Become Disabled Again After Returning to Work?

One common question we hear is: if you go back to work and then become disabled again, will you have to wait through another elimination period? The answer depends on the nature of your disability.

If you experience a relapse and your original disabling condition forces you to stop working again within a certain time frame—often called the “recurrent disability” provision in your policy—you generally won’t have to start the elimination period all over. As long as your absence is due to the same illness or injury and happens within the timeframe set by your insurance company (commonly six months), benefits typically resume without a new waiting period.

However, if your new period of disability is caused by a different health issue, most policies will require that you satisfy a fresh elimination period before benefits can begin again. It’s always a good idea to check the specific terms in your plan for details about how recurrent and new disabilities are treated.

Why Do Insurance Companies Have Elimination Periods?

Insurance companies have waiting periods for a few reasons. First, it helps the insurance carrier manage their risk. They do not want to start paying out benefits as soon as someone becomes disabled. This would make it more difficult for them to predict their costs and set premiums.

Second, longer elimination periods can help keep insurance premiums more affordable. By choosing a longer period, policyholders can reduce their premiums because they’re taking on more risk themselves. A shorter elimination period comes with higher premiums.

What Should You Consider When Choosing an Elimination Period?

When choosing a disability insurance elimination period, there are a few factors to consider:

• Your current financial situation: How long can you afford to wait before receiving benefits? Do you have other sources of income to rely on during the wait period?
• Your savings: Do you have savings set aside as an emergency fund that can cover your expenses while you wait?
• Your employer’s benefits: Does your employer offer short-term disability benefits that can cover you during the wait period?
• Your premium: A longer period can reduce your premium, but it also means you’ll need to wait longer to get paid.

RELATED: LTD Denied for Failure to Prove Continuing Disability Throughout the Elimination Period

What Documentation Is Needed During the Elimination Period?

It’s not enough for your doctor to just state that you’re unable to work—long-term disability insurance carriers want proof in black and white. To satisfy the elimination period, you’ll need substantial medical documentation that shows the full extent of your disabling condition.

Typically, this includes:

• Detailed office visit notes from your treating physicians,
• Results from diagnostic tests (like MRIs, X-rays, or lab reports),
• Physical examination findings,
• Specialist evaluations, and
• Any relevant imaging studies.

The key is that your records show ongoing, objective evidence of your condition and how it impacts your ability to work. Insurance companies look for consistency between your reported symptoms and what is documented medically. Gathering thorough records from all providers involved in your care—primary doctors, specialists, therapists—can help establish a strong case and prevent a gap in your claim during the elimination period.

Should You Speak with an Attorney About Your Elimination Period?

If you’re unsure about how your LTD policy’s elimination period works—or how it could impact your benefits—it’s often a good idea to reach out to a knowledgeable disability attorney. An experienced lawyer can answer questions specific to your situation, help you understand the fine print of your policy, and walk you through the claims process. This extra guidance can be invaluable, especially if you want to ensure you don’t miss out on any benefits or misunderstand your options.

Contact a National Long-Term Disability Attorney Today

The elimination period is an important concept to understand when it comes to long-term disability insurance. It’s the period of time you must wait after becoming disabled before you can start receiving benefits. Choosing the right period for your needs requires careful consideration of your financial situation, savings, and other sources of income. By understanding how the elimination period works, you can make an informed decision about your long-term disability coverage.