What Is an Elimination Period in Disability Insurance?

If you’ve applied for short-term or long-term disability benefits, you may have come across the term “elimination period.” This waiting period can have a major impact on how soon your payments begin — and how much money you receive overall.

Below, we’ll explain what an elimination period is, how it works in disability insurance, and what to do if your insurer delays or denies your benefits.

What Does “Elimination Period” Mean?

An elimination period (also called a waiting period) is the amount of time you must be continuously disabled before your benefits begin.

Think of it as a deductible in time rather than money — you don’t receive payments until this period ends.

Elimination Period in Different Types of Insurance

The length of the elimination period depends on your insurance plan:

• Short-term disability (STD): Typically 7 to 14 days
• Long-term disability (LTD): Usually 90 to 180 days, sometimes up to 1 year
• Group vs. individual insurance: Employers often choose a standard elimination period, while individual policies may allow customization

The Purpose of the Elimination Period

Insurance companies use elimination periods to:

1. Reduce short-term claims for temporary illnesses or injuries
2. Encourage employees to use paid sick days or short-term disability before LTD benefits begin
3. Control costs by ensuring that only serious, ongoing disabilities qualify

When Does the Elimination Period Start?

The clock usually starts on your first day of disability — the day you stop working because of your condition.

However, some insurers require proof that you are receiving ongoing medical treatment or that you are completely unable to perform your job duties before counting those days.

If your insurer says your elimination period “hasn’t started” or “was interrupted,” get legal advice. Even small technicalities can delay or deny your benefits.

How to Handle the Waiting Period Financially

During the elimination period, you may need to rely on:

• Paid sick leave or vacation days
• Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits
• Short-term disability coverage
• Savings or emergency funds

If you’re not receiving any income, a lawyer can help you determine if your employer or insurer is responsible for covering that gap.

Common Issues With LTD Elimination Periods

Insurance companies sometimes misuse elimination periods to avoid paying claims. Common issues include:

• Wrongly claiming your medical leave was “interrupted”
• Arguing your condition wasn’t disabling early enough
• Resetting the waiting period after a brief return to work
• Delaying approval so the elimination period never “officially” ends

FAQ: Elimination Periods and Disability Insurance

What Is an Elimination Period for Disability Insurance?

It’s the waiting period between when your disability begins and when benefit payments start — usually 90 to 180 days for LTD insurance.

Can I Receive Any Money During the Elimination Period?

Yes, through EI sickness benefits, short-term disability, or paid leave, depending on your situation.

What Happens if I Recover and Become Disabled Again?

Some policies let you waive a new elimination period if you relapse within a certain time frame (often 6 months).

Does the Elimination Period Affect How Long I Get Paid?

No. Once benefits start, your payment duration depends on your policy — often until you can return to work or reach age 65.

Speak to a Disability Lawyer About Your Elimination Period

If your disability insurance claim is being delayed or denied because of the elimination period, don’t wait. The insurance company may be misinterpreting your policy or applying the waiting period unfairly.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped thousands of Canadians across the country resolve these types of disputes. Our experienced disability lawyers can review your policy, contact your insurer, and ensure you get the benefits you’re owed.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

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Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today at 1-855-821-5900 or fill out a short online form to get your free consultation.

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