If an illness, injury, or medical condition prevents you from working, one of the first questions you may ask is:
“When do long-term disability benefits start?”
Long-term disability (LTD) benefits rarely begin immediately. In most cases, benefits start after a mandatory waiting period known as an elimination period. This period typically lasts between 90 and 180 days. You must usually apply for benefits well before this waiting period ends to avoid gaps in your income and protect your claim.
Understanding the timeline for long-term disability benefits can help you avoid missed deadlines, reduce financial stress, and prevent costly mistakes.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term disability benefits do not start immediately.
- Most policies require a waiting period of 90 to 180 days before payments begin.
- Your disability insurance policy determines when benefits start.
- You should usually apply for LTD benefits before the waiting period ends.
- Receiving short-term disability benefits does not automatically guarantee approval of a long-term disability claim.
- If your claim is denied, you may have legal options.
What Is Long-Term Disability Insurance?
Long-term disability insurance provides income replacement when a medical condition prevents you from working for an extended period of time.
Most employer-sponsored disability plans replace between 60% and 85% of your pre-disability income, subject to policy limits.
Long-term disability benefits help protect employees facing serious medical conditions that prevent them from earning a living and supporting their families.
Common Medical Conditions That Lead to Long-Term Disability Claims
Long-term disability claims arise from a wide variety of physical and psychological conditions.
Common examples include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Brain Injuries
- Orthopedic Injuries
- Degenerative Disc Disease
The diagnosis itself is often only part of the equation. Insurance companies frequently focus on how the condition affects your ability to perform the duties of your occupation.
What Is the Long-Term Disability Waiting Period?
Most disability policies contain an elimination period, sometimes referred to as a waiting period.
This is the mandatory period that must pass after you become disabled before long-term disability benefits become payable.
Common elimination periods include:
- 90 days
- 120 days
- 180 days
- 26 weeks
- 52 weeks (less common)
For many employees, LTD benefits begin approximately four to six months after they stop working.
Example
Suppose you stop working on January 1 because severe depression prevents you from performing your job duties.
Your disability policy contains a 17-week elimination period.
If your claim is approved, your LTD benefits would typically begin around May.
Does Provincial Law Affect When LTD Benefits Start?
Generally, no.
The elimination period is usually determined by the disability insurance contract rather than provincial legislation.
Whether you live in Ontario, Alberta, or elsewhere in Canada, the timeline for when benefits begin is generally governed by the wording of your policy.
However, your legal rights if a claim is denied, the applicable limitation periods, and the court procedures available to you may depend on the province where you reside.
When Does Long-Term Disability Start After Short-Term Disability?
During the elimination period, many employees receive alternative income replacement to bridge the gap.
This often includes:
Short-Term Disability (STD) Benefits
Many workplace benefits plans provide short-term disability benefits during the first several weeks or months of a disability.
Paid Sick Leave
Some employers offer salary continuation programs or paid sick leave benefits.
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits
Individuals without short-term disability coverage may qualify for federal Employment Insurance sickness benefits.
Short-term disability benefits are often designed to cover the elimination period. If your LTD claim is approved, your long-term disability benefits will typically begin immediately after your short-term disability or EI benefits end.
Do You Have to Wait Until the Elimination Period Ends to Apply?
No.
Waiting until the elimination period ends is one of the most common mistakes claimants make.
Insurance companies require claim forms and medical documentation well before the elimination period expires so they have time to review your file.
Many plans require applications to be submitted:
- While you are still receiving short-term disability benefits
- Before your paid sick leave ends
- 30 to 90 days before LTD benefits are expected to begin
Waiting too long can result in delayed payments and may even jeopardize the approval of your claim.
Why Do Insurance Companies Deny LTD Claims Before Benefits Start?
Insurance companies frequently assess LTD applications during the elimination period.
As a result, claimants often receive a denial letter before benefits are ever scheduled to begin.
Common reasons insurers cite for denial include:
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Lack of objective findings
- Disputes regarding work capacity
- Failure to follow recommended treatment
- Surveillance concerns
- Questions regarding diagnosis or prognosis
A denial does not necessarily mean the insurance company is correct. Many legitimate disability claims are initially denied and later resolved successfully.
How Long Can Long-Term Disability Benefits Last?
The duration of benefits depends on your disability policy and ongoing medical condition.
Many group disability plans provide benefits until age 65, provided you continue to meet the policy’s definition of disability.
Most policies contain two distinct disability tests.
The “Own Occupation” Test
During the initial period of disability—often the first 24 months—you may qualify for benefits if you cannot perform the essential duties of your own occupation.
The “Any Occupation” Test
After approximately two years, many policies change the definition of disability.
At that point, you must typically show that you are unable to perform any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience.
This transition is one of the most common points at which insurance companies terminate benefits.
What Should You Do Before LTD Benefits Are Scheduled to Begin?
To protect your claim as the elimination period comes to an end, consider taking the following steps.
Review Your Policy
Confirm:
- The elimination period
- Application deadlines
- Benefit amounts
- Disability definitions
Obtain Strong Medical Support
Ask your treating healthcare providers to clearly document:
- Your diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Functional limitations
- Treatment plan
- Work restrictions
Submit Your Application Early
Providing complete documentation early may help reduce processing delays.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain copies of:
- Claim forms
- Medical records
- Correspondence with the insurer
- Correspondence with your employer
Should You Appeal an LTD Denial?
Many insurance companies encourage claimants to pursue internal appeals following a denial.
While every situation is unique, it is important to understand that internal appeals are generally reviewed by the insurance company itself.
Before submitting an internal appeal, it may be worthwhile to obtain legal advice. In some situations, internal appeals simply give the insurer another opportunity to review the same information while delaying a claimant’s ability to pursue a lawsuit.
Understanding all available options before proceeding can be extremely important.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the waiting period before long-term disability benefits start?
Most LTD policies contain a waiting period of 90 to 180 days, although some plans may require a shorter or longer elimination period.
Does long-term disability start automatically after short-term disability ends?
No. You must generally submit an LTD application and receive approval from the insurance company.
Can I work while waiting for LTD benefits to start?
Possibly. The answer depends on your medical condition, employment circumstances, and the wording of your disability policy.
What happens if my long-term disability claim is denied before benefits begin?
You may have legal options to challenge the denial and seek the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits? Speak With a Lawyer
If your long-term disability claim has been denied, delayed, terminated, or cut off, obtaining legal advice early can make a significant difference.
At Kotak Law, we represent disability claimants—not insurance companies. We help individuals enforce their rights and pursue the benefits they deserve.
We represent disability claimants throughout Ontario and Alberta, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Milton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, London, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding communities.
Our disability claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Do not let a denial letter be the final word. Contact Kotak Law to learn more about your rights and legal options.
