Long-term disability (LTD) benefits can last for two years, five years, ten years, until age 65 or 67, or another period specified in your disability insurance policy. The exact answer depends on the terms of your policy and whether you continue to meet its definition of disability.
Importantly, a policy that provides a maximum benefit period to age 65 or 67 does not necessarily mean you will receive benefits until that age. Your insurer may terminate your benefits earlier if it determines that you no longer meet the policy’s definition of disability or that a limitation or exclusion applies to your claim.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term disability benefits may last for a set number of years or until a specified age, such as 65 or 67.
- Your disability insurance policy controls how long your benefits can potentially last.
- The maximum benefit period is not necessarily a guarantee that you will receive benefits for that entire period.
- Your eligibility for benefits can depend on the policy’s definition of disability and whether that definition changes during your claim.
- Many LTD policies initially use an “own occupation” definition of disability and later change to an “any occupation” definition.
- Certain policy limitations can restrict how long benefits are payable for particular conditions.
- If your insurer terminates your benefits before the maximum benefit period, the reason for the termination and the language of your policy are critical.
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(703) 591-9829 Fill out our formHow Long Can You Stay on Long-Term Disability?
There is no single answer that applies to every long-term disability policy.
Depending on the policy, LTD benefits may be payable for:
- Two years
- Five years
- Ten years
- A specified period longer than ten years
- Until age 65
- Until age 67
- Another age or period specified in the policy
For example, one policy might provide a maximum benefit period of five years, while another might provide benefits until age 65.
Your policy or plan documents determine the maximum benefit period that applies to your claim.
But there is an important distinction between how long your policy says benefits can last and how long you will actually receive benefits.
Even if your policy provides benefits until age 65, you generally must continue to satisfy the policy’s requirements for disability throughout your claim.
What Determines How Long Your LTD Benefits Last?
Several provisions in your disability insurance policy can affect how long you receive benefits.
1. The Maximum Benefit Period
Your policy will generally identify the maximum period for which LTD benefits can be paid.
This might be expressed as a number of years or as an age, such as 65 or 67.
The maximum benefit period establishes the outside limit under the policy. It does not necessarily guarantee that benefits will continue for that entire period.
2. Your Policy’s Definition of Disability
Your policy’s definition of “disability” is one of the most important provisions affecting how long your benefits continue.
The insurance company can generally require you to continue demonstrating that you meet the definition of disability contained in the policy.
That means an insurer may attempt to terminate your benefits before the maximum benefit period if it determines that you no longer meet the applicable definition.
The exact language matters because disability policies can define disability in very different ways.
3. The Change From “Own Occupation” to “Any Occupation”
Many long-term disability policies use different definitions of disability at different stages of a claim.
An LTD policy may initially provide benefits when you are unable to perform the duties of your own occupation.
After a specified period—often 24 months—the policy may change the definition to ask whether you are unable to perform any occupation for which you are reasonably suited based on your education, training, or experience.
This change can have a significant effect on how long you receive benefits.
For example, you may be unable to return to your previous occupation because of your medical condition while the insurance company argues that you are capable of performing another occupation.
As a result, an insurer may attempt to terminate your benefits even though you remain unable to return to your previous job.
This is one reason the answer to “How long does long-term disability last?” cannot be determined from the maximum benefit period alone.
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Can Long-Term Disability Benefits End Before Age 65?
Yes.
If your policy provides a maximum benefit period until age 65, that does not necessarily mean your insurer must pay benefits until your 65th birthday.
Your benefits may end earlier if the insurer determines that you no longer satisfy the policy’s definition of disability or that another provision of the policy limits your benefits.
For example, an insurer might argue that:
- You are medically able to return to your own occupation.
- You are capable of performing another occupation under the policy’s “any occupation” definition.
- Your medical evidence no longer supports your claimed limitations.
- A limitation in the policy applies to your condition.
- You have returned to work in a way that affects your eligibility.
- You have failed to provide information the insurer believes is necessary to establish continuing disability.
If your insurer terminates your benefits before the maximum benefit period, the reason given for the termination and the actual language of your policy are both important.
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Can a Long-Term Disability Insurance Company Keep Reviewing Your Claim?
In many cases, yes.
Receiving an initial approval for LTD benefits does not necessarily mean that the insurance company will stop evaluating your claim.
Depending on the terms of your policy and the circumstances of your claim, an insurer may request updated information concerning your medical condition, functional abilities, treatment, work capacity, or other aspects of your disability.
The insurer may use this information to determine whether you continue to satisfy the policy’s definition of disability.
This is why an LTD claim can remain an ongoing process even after benefits have been approved.
Can a Medical Condition Limit How Long You Receive LTD Benefits?
Yes.
Some disability insurance policies contain provisions that limit the duration of benefits for particular conditions or circumstances.
Depending on the policy, limitations may apply to claims involving:
- Mental or nervous conditions
- Substance abuse
- Certain medical conditions
- Pre-existing conditions
- Conditions based primarily on subjective symptoms
- Other exclusions or limitations contained in the policy
These limitations can be particularly important because they may provide a shorter maximum benefit period than the general benefit period described elsewhere in the policy.
Do not assume that a policy’s general “to age 65” or “to age 67” language applies without checking the other provisions of the policy.
What Is the Elimination Period for Long-Term Disability?
The elimination period is the period you must satisfy after becoming disabled before you become eligible to receive LTD benefits.
It is sometimes called a waiting period.
Common elimination periods can be approximately 90 or 180 days, although the period varies by policy.
The elimination period is not the same thing as the maximum benefit period.
For example, a policy could have a 180-day elimination period and provide benefits for five years after the elimination period has been satisfied.
Your policy determines the applicable elimination period and the requirements you must satisfy during that time.
When Do Long-Term Disability Benefits Begin?
LTD benefits generally do not begin simply because you have become unable to work.
You must satisfy the requirements of your policy, including the applicable elimination period and the policy’s definition of disability, and you generally must submit a claim supported by the required information.
Your insurer may request medical records, physician statements, employment information, or other documentation to evaluate the claim.
The requirements can vary significantly between policies.
If you are considering filing an LTD claim, understanding those requirements before submitting the claim can be important.
Does ERISA Affect How Long You Can Receive Long-Term Disability Benefits?
It can.
Many employer-sponsored long-term disability plans are governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Individual disability insurance policies generally involve a different legal framework.
For an ERISA-governed plan, the plan documents and applicable ERISA rules can affect the administration of your claim, including the process for challenging a denial or termination of benefits.
If an insurer terminates benefits under an employer-sponsored LTD plan, it is important to understand why the insurer made that decision, what the plan documents say, and what deadlines may apply to challenging it.
BenGlassLaw represents people nationwide in long-term disability and ERISA matters.
What Happens If Your Long-Term Disability Benefits Are Terminated?
If your insurance company stops paying your LTD benefits, don’t assume that the decision is automatically correct.
Start by carefully reviewing the termination letter and the policy or plan documents.
The termination letter should explain the insurer’s stated reason for ending your benefits and may identify information or evidence the insurer relied upon in making its decision.
Depending on the type of policy and the circumstances of your claim, you may need to:
- Understand exactly why the insurer terminated your benefits.
- Review the policy’s definition of disability.
- Examine the medical and other evidence supporting the insurer’s decision.
- Determine whether an appeal is available.
- Identify any applicable deadline for challenging the decision.
- Gather the evidence necessary to support your claim.
Do not ignore an LTD termination letter. Deadlines and procedures can be important, particularly when an employer-sponsored plan is governed by ERISA.
If you have received a denial or termination letter, BenGlassLaw can review it and help you understand what it means and what options may be available.
How Long Will My Long-Term Disability Benefits Last If I Return to Work?
Returning to work does not necessarily mean that all LTD benefits immediately disappear.
Some policies contain provisions for residual or partial disability benefits that may allow a claimant to receive benefits while returning to work under certain circumstances.
The effect of returning to work depends on the specific language of your policy, including provisions concerning income, partial disability, and work activity.
Before making a significant change to your work status while receiving LTD benefits, it is important to understand how your policy addresses a return to work.
What If I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits Too?
Your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can affect the amount of LTD benefits you receive under some policies.
For example, some group LTD policies contain provisions that allow the insurer to offset LTD benefits based on SSDI or other sources of income.
The exact effect depends on the language of your disability policy.
The fact that you qualify for SSDI does not necessarily mean your LTD benefits will be reduced in every case, and the amount of any offset depends on the governing policy.
How Can I Find Out How Long My Long-Term Disability Benefits Will Last?
The best place to start is your disability insurance policy or plan documents.
Look for provisions addressing:
- Maximum benefit period
- Definition of disability
- Own occupation
- Any occupation
- Elimination period
- Mental or nervous condition limitations
- Other condition-specific limitations
- Return-to-work or residual disability provisions
- Social Security or other income offsets
- Termination of benefits
If you receive LTD benefits through your employer, you may need to review the governing plan documents in addition to the insurance certificate.
The answer is ultimately specific to your policy and your circumstances.
What If My Long-Term Disability Benefits Were Denied or Terminated?
A denial or termination of LTD benefits can be especially frustrating when you have already been receiving benefits and expected them to continue.
The insurance company’s decision is not necessarily the final word.
The next steps depend on the type of policy, the reason for the denial or termination, the evidence in your claim file, and the applicable rules and deadlines.
If you have received a denial or termination letter, upload it to BenGlassLaw for a free review. We can help you understand what the insurer is saying and what options may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Disability Benefits
How long does long-term disability last?
Long-term disability benefits can last two years, five years, ten years, until age 65 or 67, or for another period specified by the policy. The actual duration depends on your policy’s maximum benefit period and whether you continue to meet its definition of disability.
How long can you stay on long-term disability?
You can potentially remain on LTD for the maximum benefit period specified in your policy, which may be a set number of years or extend to a specified age such as 65 or 67. However, you generally must continue to satisfy the policy’s definition of disability.
How long can you be on long-term disability?
The answer depends on your specific disability policy. Some policies provide benefits for a limited number of years, while others provide benefits until a specified age. Benefits can also end earlier if you no longer satisfy the policy’s definition of disability or a policy limitation applies.
Can long-term disability last until age 65?
Yes. Some LTD policies provide a maximum benefit period until age 65. Other policies use a different maximum benefit age or a specified number of years. Even when benefits are payable to age 65 under the policy, you generally must continue meeting the policy’s requirements for disability.
Can long-term disability benefits last beyond age 65?
Some policies may provide a maximum benefit period beyond age 65, but the answer depends entirely on the policy. You should review your policy’s maximum benefit period rather than assuming that LTD benefits automatically end at 65.
Can an insurance company stop my long-term disability benefits?
An insurer may terminate benefits if it determines that you no longer meet the policy’s definition of disability or that another provision of the policy limits your benefits. If your benefits have been terminated, review the insurer’s stated reason, the governing policy or plan documents, and any applicable appeal deadline.
What happens when LTD changes from own occupation to any occupation?
Some LTD policies change the definition of disability after a specified period, often around 24 months. Instead of asking whether you can perform your own occupation, the policy may ask whether you can perform another occupation for which you are reasonably suited. This change can make it more difficult to continue receiving benefits.
How do I know when my LTD benefits will end?
Review the maximum benefit period in your disability policy or plan documents. You should also review provisions that could limit benefits or affect your continuing eligibility, because the maximum benefit period does not necessarily guarantee payment for the entire period.
Need Help With Your Long-Term Disability Claim?
Understanding how long your LTD benefits can last is only part of the picture. The language of your policy, the definition of disability, the evidence supporting your claim, and the insurer’s decisions can all affect whether your benefits continue.
If you’re researching an LTD claim before filing, have received a denial or termination letter, or are somewhere in the middle of the process and need advice, BenGlassLaw has options designed for each stage of the disability claim process.
Our highly experienced team can help you understand what the denial means and what options may be available. Contact us today or upload your denial letter for a free review now.
Call (703) 591-9829 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form