It depends on your specific long-term disability insurance policy. Most policies in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia—especially those from major insurers like Guardian, Hartford, Unum, and Lincoln—set the length of benefits based on your age and type of disability.
Typical Coverage Length
-
Most policies pay benefits until age 65 if you remain disabled and meet the definition of disability in your policy.
-
If you’re over 60 when you become disabled, some policies may extend benefits past age 65.
Example: If you’re disabled at 63, benefits may continue until 67.
Mental Health Limitation
-
Most policies limit benefits to 24 months if your disability is due to depression, anxiety, or another mental illness—even if the condition continues beyond that time.
Payment Amount
-
Under most ERISA-governed policies, benefits are typically 60% to 67% of your pre-disability income.
-
These benefits continue only if you continue to prove that you’re disabled under your policy’s definition.
Why Your Policy Matters
Every long-term disability policy has different terms, especially around:
-
How disability is defined
-
How long benefits last
-
What restrictions or exclusions apply
That’s why it’s so important to carefully review your policy—and not rely on the insurance company to explain it.
Our Long-Term Disability Lawyers Can Help
If your claim is denied—or you’re not sure how long your benefits should last—we can help. Our experienced long-term disability lawyers work with clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to review their policies, build strong claims, and make sure they stay eligible for benefits.
If you want more information on how to prepare for your ERISA long term disability claim, or want to talk it through, call us at 202-393-3320. You can also schedule a time to talk by clicking here.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Long-Term Disability?
Related Articles:
How Do I Appeal Long-Term Disability in DC?