The two primary differences between long and short term disability are the policy elimination periods, and the policy benefit duration.
The elimination periods describes how quickly benefit payments begin after the policyholder becomes disabled. Short term policies have much shorter elimination periods.
The benefit duration describes how long payments will continue while the policyholder is continuously disabled. Short term policies may have a benefit duration lasting up to 24 months, while long term policies may have a benefit duration lasting to age 65.
The elimination periods describes how quickly benefit payments begin after the policyholder becomes disabled. Short term policies have much shorter elimination periods.
The benefit duration describes how long payments will continue while the policyholder is continuously disabled. Short term policies may have a benefit duration lasting up to 24 months, while long term policies may have a benefit duration lasting to age 65.