Last reviewed October 27, 2026 by Vivek Sharma, licensed Pennsylvania insurance producer (License #719000).
Two choices shape most of a disability policy’s cost: how long you wait before benefits start (the elimination period) and how long they can continue (the benefit period).
The elimination period
The elimination period is the number of days you must be disabled before benefits begin, similar to a deductible measured in time. Common choices are 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365 days, and 90 days is the most common for individual long-term coverage.
- Shorter periods cost more. Lengthening the elimination period lowers the premium.
- Benefits are usually paid monthly after the period ends, so the first check may arrive about a month after the elimination period is satisfied. Plan your emergency fund around the full gap.
- Interrupted disabilities: many policies let separate periods of disability from the same or related cause count toward the elimination period, within a set time frame. Check the wording.
The benefit period
The benefit period is the maximum length of time benefits can be paid for a disability: commonly 2, 5 or 10 years, or to age 65, 67 or 70. Longer benefit periods cost more.
Most disabilities are short, but the ones that do the most financial damage are long. For professionals with decades of earnings ahead, a benefit period to age 65 or 67 protects against the scenario that would hurt most. A shorter benefit period can make sense later in a career or when other assets could fill the gap.
How to choose
- Pick the longest elimination period your savings can cover comfortably.
- Pick a benefit period that lasts until your other resources could support you.
- Compare quotes with different combinations; the savings from a longer waiting period are often better spent on a longer benefit period or a stronger definition of disability.
Not sure? Choose “Not sure, advise me” on the quote form and we’ll show you the options side by side.
Related: How much coverage do you need? · Disability Insurance Guide