Elimination period
The waiting period before disability benefits start.
The elimination period is the time a claimant must be continuously disabled before benefits become payable — commonly 17 or 26 weeks for LTD.
Lengthening it reduces premium, because more claims resolve before benefits begin. Shortening it does the opposite.
What this means for a BC plan
The elimination period should be set to match where your STD or sick leave actually ends. Mismatches between the two layers are among the most common design faults we find in inherited BC plans.
Related terms
Where this comes up
Disability coverage · All glossary terms · Ask an advisor directly
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