Understanding approval timelines, common delays, and how to move your long-term disability claim forward.
Filing for long-term disability (LTD) benefits can feel like stepping into a waiting game. One of the most common questions claimants ask is simple on its face: How long will this take? The answer is often more complex and depends on several variables, from the responsiveness of your doctors to the complexity of your condition. Still, there are general patterns to be aware of, as well as actions you can take to avoid delays.
The Typical Timeline for an LTD Claim
Under most employer-sponsored group LTD plans governed by ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act), insurers must decide on your initial claim within 45 days of receiving your complete application. However, they can request extensions: one for 30 days and another for an additional 30 days, if they need more time to evaluate your file. That means the whole process can take up to 105 days, or about 3.5 months.
Importantly, that clock doesn’t start until your application is deemed complete. If any medical records, forms, or additional information are missing, the insurer can pause the review and request the missing items. The more complete your application is at the outset, the sooner that 45-day window begins—and the more likely it is to conclude without delay.
Causes for LTD Review Delays
There are several factors that can contribute to delayed claims, such as:
Incomplete or missing medical records: If your doctors haven’t submitted all notes, imaging results, or test reports, the insurer will wait—or continue requesting until the file is complete.
Unresponsive providers: Some physicians delay in completing required forms or questionnaires. Others may not provide detailed information unless specifically asked.
Additional evaluations: The insurer may request a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) or schedule an Independent Medical Examination (IME), which can take several weeks to arrange.
Pending SSDI claims: Many insurers prefer to wait for a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) decision before finalizing their own. While they can’t legally require this to delay your LTD claim, in practice, it often creates bottlenecks.
Administrative backlog: Even when everything is in order, internal delays within the insurance company (such as understaffing, high claim volume, or slow internal processing) can extend the timeline.
How Your Condition Affects the Timeline
The nature of your condition plays a significant role in how quickly your claim is processed. Insurers tend to process claims more quickly when they involve objective medical evidence or conditions that are supported by diagnostic tests, imaging, laboratory results, or surgical reports.
For example, if you’re recovering from a major surgery, undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, or rehabilitating after an injury, your medical records will likely contain detailed, measurable proof of your diagnosis and treatment. In these cases, there’s less room for debate, and insurers often have the necessary information to approve or deny a claim within the standard timeline.
In contrast, claims involving subjective symptoms (those that rely more heavily on patient-reported experiences rather than concrete test results) often face more scrutiny. Conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, and many mental health disorders don’t always show up on X-rays or bloodwork, even though they can be profoundly disabling. Because these conditions are more challenging to “prove” in a conventional sense, insurers often request additional documentation to validate the severity and functional impact.
How Employers Affect the Timeline
In group plans, your employer’s HR or benefits department can play a gatekeeping role. They may be asked to submit your job description, confirm the last day worked, and verify salary or benefits eligibility. If these tasks are delayed—or if the employer is uncooperative—it can stall your claim. While some employers are proactive, others may be slow to respond or overlook the importance of timely communication.
Additionally, if your employer or supervisor provides a job description that conflicts with how your physician has described your work demands, the insurer may request clarification or challenge your eligibility outright. These discrepancies can trigger further investigation.
How to Avoid Delays and Strengthen Your Claim
While you can’t control every step, you can take proactive measures to streamline the process:
Submit a thorough application: Ensure all required forms are complete and that your doctor has provided detailed medical support, including treatment notes and functional limitations.
Coordinate with your healthcare providers: Let them know what’s coming and encourage them to respond promptly to record requests. If they’re unfamiliar with LTD forms, offer to walk them through what’s needed—or have your lawyer’s office reach out.
Follow up with the insurer regularly: Don’t assume that “no news” means progress. Confirm that each item has been received and logged.
Stay organized: Keep detailed records of every email, letter, or call related to your claim, including the names of contacts and the dates of communication.
Get legal support: An LTD lawyer can help preempt issues, catch correspondence errors, and hold insurers accountable to their timelines (especially if you suspect stalling or bad faith).
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long an LTD claim takes. But understanding the key steps and common delays can help you set expectations and take control where possible. While the wait can be stressful, especially during a health crisis, preparation and persistence make a meaningful difference. By submitting a strong claim and actively managing the process, you’ll be in the best position to avoid preventable delays and get the benefits you deserve sooner.