What is the term for the duration between the beginning of a disability and when benefits start to be paid?

The correct term for the duration between the beginning of a disability and when benefits start to be paid is the "elimination period." This period is a specific timeframe defined in the policy during which the insured must be disabled before benefit payments will commence. The purpose of the elimination period is to ensure that a certain amount of time must pass during which the insured is unable to work due to the disability before they begin receiving benefits. It serves as a form of deductible in disability insurance policies.

Understanding this concept is critical in the context of disability insurance, as it can affect a policyholder's financial situation during the initial recovery phase when they might not receive any income. Therefore, knowing about the elimination period helps policyholders prepare for potential income gaps during their disability.

In contrast, terms like "waiting period" may sometimes be used interchangeably in casual conversation, but in insurance, an elimination period specifically relates to the start of benefits. The "benefit period" refers to how long the benefits are payable once they start, and the "grace period" typically pertains to the time after a premium due date during which the policyholder can still make a premium payment without losing coverage, rather than a disability context.