Thursday, December 25, 2025
Legally Reviewed and Edited by:Jeff Jacobs
Published on: October 30, 2025
When you can’t work anymore because of a serious injury or illness, long-term disability benefits can make a huge difference, but a lot of folks don’t realize that these benefits are limited and don’t go on forever.
Knowing how long-term disability works lets you plan ahead and avoid unexpected gaps when your policy changes or your payments end. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. guides clients all over Michigan on how disability claims work and what to expect.
How Long-Term Disability Works
Long-term disability insurance makes up for part of your income when you can’t work because of an injury or illness. Most employer-sponsored plans pay about 50 or 60 percent of your salary, but you’ve got to show medical documentation that you can’t do your job anymore because of your condition.
You start the process by filing a claim through your employer or insurer; they’ll review your medical records, work history, and policy terms, and approval can take weeks or months, depending on how complex your situation is.
A lot of policies have a waiting period before benefits begin, and this elimination period usually lasts from 90 to 180 days. Since you won’t get payments for that time, it’s best to have short-term disability or savings in the bank.
When Does Long-Term Disability Start?
When does long-term disability start? Benefits start once the elimination period’s done. For example, if your policy has a 90-day waiting period, you’ll start getting payments on day 91.
Short-term disability can help tide you over before you start getting long-term coverage, and some employers offer both, which makes the transition smoother, but if you only get long-term coverage, you’ll need another source of income during those first few months.
The elimination period starts from the day your disability begins, not the day you file your claim. That means you’ve got to have medical records that show when and why you stopped working in case your insurer disputes your start date.
How Long Do Long-Term Disability Benefits Last?
How long do disability benefits last? Most policies pay until you reach the age of 65 or qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, but some plans limit payments to two, five, or ten years. It depends on your condition, and the periods for mental health claims are often shorter.
Your policy determines how long you’ll get payments, so read the fine print or ask your HR department for specifics. Durations vary a lot, depending on your condition and policy terms.
Some conditions qualify for lifetime benefits if they’re severe enough. Catastrophic injuries like paralysis or traumatic brain injury may mean your coverage goes beyond typical limits.
Factors That Affect How Long Benefits Last
The way your policy defines disability is a big factor. Most plans use two phases: at first, you’re disabled if you can’t do your own job. But after 24 months, a lot of policies only consider you disabled if you can’t do any job that suits your education and experience.
A lot of folks don’t see this shift in long-term disability after 2 years coming. For example, if you had to leave your job as an accountant because of chronic back pain, you might stop getting payments after 2 years because they expect you to find “any occupation” you’re qualified for, like a data entry clerk. These are the kind of terminations Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. sees the most.
You’ll also see that your policy lists specific benefit periods by condition, so some plans cap mental health or chronic pain claims at 24 months, but give coverage for physical injuries until you’re 65. And with pre-existing conditions, they might deny your benefits altogether. The Social Security Administration provides additional resources about federal disability programs that could supplement your private policy.
What Happens When Benefits Are Denied or Terminated
Insurers deny a significant portion of initial disability claims. Common reasons include insufficient medical evidence, missed deadlines, or disputes over whether you meet the policy’s definition of disabled.
Most policies require an internal appeal before you can file a lawsuit, so you’ll have to submit additional medical records, statements from doctors, and other evidence to support your inability to work. Insurers review these appeals, but your chances of approval are low if you don’t have legal help from a qualified disability lawyer in Michigan.
If your benefits stop after the two-year mark, it’s probably because the insurer determined you can do some other job, and they might send you for independent medical exams or hire investigators to watch your daily activities. The U.S. Department of Labor can guide you on employee benefit protections that might apply to your situation.
We Fight for Your Disability Benefits
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. fights for Michigan workers who’ve been denied long-term disability benefits or had their claims wrongfully terminated. Insurance companies profit from paying less, and they’ll use any excuse to cut off your income.
Our team reviews your policy, gathers medical evidence, and builds a case to show you meet the definition of disabled, and we deal with appeals, negotiate with insurers, and file lawsuits when companies refuse to honor their obligations.
We work on contingency, so no fees until we win your case. Understanding how long permanent disability lasts and navigating complex insurance policies is what Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. does best.
If your long-term disability claim’s been denied or cut off, you need attorneys who understand what you’re going through, so contact us at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. today for a free consultation.
We’re available 24/7 at 1-866-MICH-LAW , or you can contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do long-term disability benefits start?
Long-term disability benefits start after you’re done with the elimination period, which is usually 90 to 180 days long. It’s like a time-based deductible, so once you’ve been unable to work for the full elimination period, you start getting your payments. Short-term disability or personal savings usually cover this gap.
How long do disability benefits usually last?
Most long-term disability policies pay until you reach age 65 or qualify for Social Security retirement, but some plans only give you benefits for two, five, or ten years, depending on your condition and policy terms. The maximum benefit periods for mental health claims tend to be shorter than they are for physical injuries.
What happens after two years on long-term disability?
After 24 months, many policies change from “own occupation” to “any occupation” coverage. So, at first, you qualify as long as you can’t do your specific job, but long-term disability after 2 years means you have to prove you can’t do “any occupation” suited to your skills and education. If you can’t prove that, then you’ll lose your benefits.
How long does permanent disability last?
How long does permanent disability last? If your condition is severe and meets your policy’s definition of permanent disability, then you can get benefits until you’re 65 or even for life. Catastrophic injuries like paralysis or severe brain damage often qualify for extended coverage. Just the same, insurance adjusters are going to want ongoing medical proof, and they’ll review your claims frequently.
What should I do if my benefits are terminated?
File an appeal immediately if your long-term disability benefits get terminated. Most policies require an internal appeal before you can take legal action. Gather updated medical records, doctor statements, and other evidence that support your disability, and get an experienced attorney to review your case and strengthen your appeal before you miss any deadlines.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legaladvice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationshipis created nor intended.