I don't think there was a definite limit? I mean when I had an employer and needed less than 6 months to recover it would be short-term disability, after that it's long-term disability...but as long as there's a doctor willing to say you are unable there was no fixed period... but that can vary wildly here in America, where companies can do whatever they damn well please, up to and including putting your organs up for sale on an Etsy page (probably)