Duration of Long-Term Disability Benefits After Approval

Author: Disability Attorneys Dell & Schaefer
Published: 2010/09/16 - Updated: 2026/01/11
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Claims - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information from disability insurance attorneys explains the often-misunderstood reality of long-term disability benefit duration and the ongoing review process that affects recipients throughout their claim period. While initial approval letters typically state benefits may continue until age 65, carriers conduct monthly evaluations of each claim, meaning recipients can face denial at any point regardless of how long they've received benefits. The guidance proves particularly valuable for people with disabilities who need to understand that approval is never permanent and requires continuous justification, helping them prepare for potential challenges even after years or decades of receiving benefits. Drawing on real case examples including claimants who faced scrutiny after 20 and 25 years on benefits, this professional legal insight clarifies the precarious nature of disability insurance coverage and the importance of vigilant claim management - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

How Long Will I Receive Disability Benefits Once My Disability Claim is Approved?

A lot of claimants who get approved for long-term disability will get a letter from the disability carrier that will say that, "We've approved your long-term disability claim and you have the potential to receive benefits until age 65.

Main Content

The key in those letters is that it says "you have the potential to receive benefits to age 65."

A long-term disability carrier evaluates your claim for benefits on a month-to-month basis.

So while you're approved one month, you could just as easily be denied the next month.

Just this week, we received two phone calls from one disability claim that had been on benefit for 20 years and was getting hassled with their disability benefit, and another one that has been on claim for 25 years.

So the unfortunate thing with these long-term disability claims is that at any given time, the long-term disability carrier can make the determination that they no longer believe that you're eligible for benefits.

If you have any questions about the handling of your long-term disability claim, feel free to call us.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The month-to-month evaluation structure of long-term disability claims represents one of the most significant yet poorly understood aspects of disability insurance. Recipients who receive that initial approval letter mentioning "potential benefits to age 65" often interpret this as a guarantee, only to discover years later that their carrier can - and frequently does - reassess their eligibility without warning. This reality underscores why ongoing documentation of medical conditions and functional limitations remains just as critical five, ten, or even twenty years into a claim as it was during the initial application process. For anyone navigating the disability insurance system, understanding that "approved" doesn't mean "secure" can make the difference between maintaining essential benefits and facing unexpected termination of income when alternative employment options may no longer exist - Disabled World (DW).