What does the Elimination Period mean when Applying for Disability Benefits?

There is usually a qualifying or elimination period, which can range from 90 to 180 days, during which no benefits are paid but during this period the person may cover their lost wages by drawing on a short-term disability (STD) policy, employment insurance or government sickness benefits, which may provide an additional 15 weeks of sick benefits.  STD policies are usually paid for by the employer and cover income replacement for the first 120 days of injury or illness. The longer the elimination period, the lower the disability premium, often dramatically so. The most common elimination that we see is 90 days.