This paper propose a novel fault-tolerant controller (FTC) design strategy for linear time-delay systems. The considered actuator fault are time-varying. We design an indirect fault-tolerant controller in two steps. First, actuator fault are estimated by an adaptive observer. Then the proposed fault-tolerant controller is designed in the framework of indirect adaptive technique based on the estimated fault parameters. The adaptive fault estimator and the robust controller can be designed independently. The corresponding closed-loop system is asymptotical stable with adaptive H_∞ performance, regardless of actuator faults, time delay and disturbances cases. Simulation studies are carried out to show the effectiveness of this method.