T
The Daily Insight

Does long-term disability cover your spouse?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published May 15, 2026

Workers who have a long-term disability and have earned sufficient Social Security credits are often entitled to a monthly Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, and sometimes their spouses are entitled to collect a monthly spouse’s benefit as well.

What does long-term disability usually cover?

Long-term disability insurance (LTD) is an insurance policy that protects an employee from loss of income in the event that he or she is unable to work due to illness, injury, or accident for a long period of time. But, they do cover an employee in the event of a personal accident such as a car accident or a fall.

How long can someone take long-term disability?

Most long-term disability insurance policies pay out for two, five, or 10 years, or until retirement, and a five-year benefit period is typically enough to cover people; according to the Council for Disability Awareness, the average individual disability claim lasts for a little under three years.

What are the rules for long term disability?

3.3.1 Subject to the terms of the long-term disability plan, the employee will be eligible for long-term disability benefits at the expiry of the period stipulated in paragraph 3.2.2 and 3.2.3. 3.3.2 An employee will not receive credit for service while on long-term disability leave for the purposes of the Employment Security or Vacation Policy.

How long do long term disability ( LTD ) benefits last?

Many LTD policies contain a Maximum Benefit Period, which defines how long long-term disability benefits last. Because the Maximum Benefit Period can vary from policy to policy, it is important to read your policy to determine how your policy defines it and thus how long your benefits will last.

What’s the difference between short and long term disability insurance?

Long-term disability insurance is coverage intended to protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. While short-term disability insurance usually lasts a maximum of two years, long-term coverage can often last five or 10 years, if not all the way through to your retirement.

Where can I buy long term disability insurance?

Long Term Disability Insurance – Long term disability (LTD) insurance is purchased to provide monthly benefits (income replacement) if a person becomes ill or injured and is unable to work for a period extending beyond two years. You may buy it directly from the insurance provider, or it may be part of your employer-sponsored group disability plan.