Questions & answers · Disability insurance
My long-term disability policy limits mental health claims to 24 months. Is that allowed, and what can I do?
Disability insuranceDeniedChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: govinfo · 29 CFR 2560.503-1 View original ↗
In short
- For a job-based disability plan, the plan has 45 days to decide.
- You have at least 180 days to appeal.
- Ask in writing for the policy page with the mental health limit.
What this means
What is verifiable here is the clock, not the limit. If your long-term disability plan comes through your job, the federal claims rule applies. For a disability claim the plan must tell you about an adverse benefit determination within a reasonable time. That must be no later than 45 days after it gets the claim [1]. The plan can take longer twice. Each extension is up to 30 days. Each one needs a notice to you before the earlier period runs out. It must say why, and when a decision is expected [1].
The plan's procedures must also give you at least 180 days to appeal. That time runs from when you receive the notice [2].
You can also get the claim file. On request and free of charge, the plan must give you reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to your claim [3].
The appeal window is at least 180 days [2]. What the limit itself reaches depends on the words in your own policy: "Don't know yet".
Your next step
The deadlines these sources give are 45 days for the plan to decide and at least 180 days for your appeal [1] [2].
Check it yourself
Whether a state law limits this clause: "Don't know yet".
Where this comes from (3)
[1] govinfo · 29 CFR 2560.503-1 · checked 2026-11-06
In the case of a claim for disability benefits, the plan administrator shall notify the claimant, in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, of the plan's adverse benefit determination within a reasonable period of time, but not later than 45 days after receipt of the claim by the plan. This period may be extended by the plan for up to 30 days, provided that the plan administrator both determines that such an …
[2] govinfo · 29 CFR 2560.503-1 · checked 2026-11-06
Provide claimants at least 180 days following receipt of a notification of an adverse benefit determination within which to appeal the determination
[3] govinfo · 29 CFR 2560.503-1 · checked 2026-11-06
Provide that a claimant shall be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant's claim for benefits
How we found this
We matched your question to 3 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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