What Is Long-term Disability Insurance (LTD)?

Answer

LTD is a type of disability insurance coverage that pays employees a set percentage of their regular income after a specified waiting period. For example, if a worker is covered under short-term disability (STD) insurance as well, the LTD insurance would kick in once the STD policy is exhausted, typically after three to six months.

LTD insurance protects workers in the event they become disabled for a prolonged period prior to retirement. LTD policies are often offered through employers as part of a standard benefits package.

The length of LTD plans varies; some may be limited to a period between two and 10 years, while other plans continue paying out until age 65.