Add Comment Question: How long do you have to be off work to claim Ltd? Answer: Every policy's different. There will be a term in your policy that says how long you have to be off before you're eligible. It's often called the "Qualifying Period". That said, you may have Short-Term Disability ("STD") benefits that pay before you're eligible for LTD. Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.