Long term disability coverage provides wage replacement for individuals who experience wage loss due to a disability. LTD insurance coverage may last for at least one year.

Coverage can be obtained either by a group or individually. Group coverage can be offered through an employer, professional group, or association. Individual coverage can be purchased directly from an insurance broker based on an individual's medical history. Individual policies are usually available if you have not had any medical treatment during the past ten years for a potentially disabling medical condition. Medical treatment includes prescription medications and physician consultations.

If long term disability coverage is offered by an employer, the individual must work for a specified period of time, known as a "service wait" prior to becoming eligible for benefits. For professional or association affiliated LTD coverage the individual must be a member of the group for a set period of time.

If you have employer sponsored LTD coverage, you must meet an active work requirement to be eligible to enroll in LTD coverage. For professional or association affiliated LTD coverage you must meet their specific requirements to be eligible to enroll in coverage.

Disability Benefits 101
Disability Benefits 101 website is supported by the World Institute on Disability. It is a comprehensive website providing updated and accurate information on employment, health coverage, and benefits for people with disabilities. All of the programs that are used by people with disabilities are discussed here, in one location regardless of whether they are administered by the state, federal government or private organization.