The elimination period is the time before you can start receiving disability benefits. You’ll have to wait through the period after becoming disabled before the company pays a disability claim. Olmstead said you have to be under physician care to collect disability payments. The doctor will communicate with the insurer to figure out when you can return to work. The longer the elimination period, the lower your rates. The insurer won’t chip in any money if the elimination period is longer than the time you’re disabled. You usually can decide between 30-, 60-, 90-, 180- or 365-day elimination periods. A good idea to keep down costs is to choose a higher elimination period and put aside enough money to help you if you become disabled. For instance, try to allocate three months’ salary and choose a 90-day elimination period rather than pick a more expensive 60-day period.