What is the Elimination (Waiting) Period in disability coverage?

• A. The time disability benefits are paid after onset
• B. The waiting period after the start of a disability before benefits begin
• C. A period during which COLA adjustments apply
• D. The period in which premiums are waived

Answer: (B)

The elimination period is the amount of time you must be continuously disabled before disability benefits begin. It’s like a time-based deductible: you don’t receive payments during this waiting period, but once it passes, benefits start. The length of this period affects your premium—the longer the waiting period, the lower the premium because the insurer has a longer stretch without paying benefits.

For example, with a 90-day elimination period, if you become disabled, benefits won’t start until 90 days of continuous disability have passed. This concept is not about a COLA adjustment, nor about waiving premiums; those are separate features.