What is the benefit period on a long-term disability policy and how do I choose one?

The benefit period is how long the policy keeps paying once you qualify for a claim, separate from the elimination period, which is how long you wait before benefits begin. Common benefit periods are two years, five years, to age 65, or to age 67. A longer benefit period protects against the worst case, a permanent disability that ends your career, which is exactly the scenario that would financially devastate a household. Shorter periods are cheaper but leave you exposed if a disability becomes lifelong. For your primary income protection, most planners recommend a benefit period that runs to your expected retirement age so a career-ending disability is fully covered. If budget forces a trade-off, prioritize a longer benefit period over a lower elimination period.