If you are a Canadian worker thinking about applying for long term disability benefits, this article explains the most common mistakes to avoid in long term disability claims and what to do instead so you give yourself the best chance of getting your claim approved.

We focus on private and employer-sponsored disability insurance plans across Canada, and when you should speak with a disability lawyer before or after a denial.

When you file a long term disability claim, insurance companies look for reasons to say you do not meet the policy’s definition of disability or that there is insufficient medical evidence. Many common mistakes are simple paperwork or timing issues that can be fixed if you know what to watch for.

Typical problems include incomplete forms or conflicting information between your claim forms, employer statement, and doctor’s report; vague descriptions of how your medical condition affects your job duties and daily life; weak or missing medical documentation, especially from specialists; waiting too long to apply or to challenge a denial and missing strict deadlines; and trying to deal with the insurance company alone, without legal advice.

Common Long Term Disability Claim Mistakes

Submitting Incomplete Forms

Leaving blanks or skipping sections on your LTD claim package is one of the fastest ways to trigger a denial or delay. Insurers expect full answers about your medical history, treatment plan, and how your condition affects your work and essential duties.

Common incomplete form problems include missing dates, not listing all treatment providers, failing to attach test results or specialist reports, and leaving employer or physician sections unsigned. To avoid this, review everything line by line, and if a question does not apply, write “N/A” instead of leaving it blank.

Providing Vague or Generic Descriptions of Symptoms

Insurers regularly deny disability benefits when medical records only say you are “unwell” or “stressed” without explaining your functional limitations. Vague answers make it easy for the insurer to argue there is not enough proof.

Instead of writing “pain” or “fatigue,” describe where the symptoms are, how often they happen, how long they last, and which essential duties you cannot perform. Ask your medical team to clearly explain how your condition prevents you from doing your own job, and later, possibly any occupation under the policy.

Relying Only on a Family Doctor’s Statement

Your family doctor is important, but many insurers say a GP’s note alone is not enough, especially for chronic pain, mental health conditions, or other invisible illnesses. They often want objective medical evidence and more detailed support from specialists.

Your claim is stronger when specialists confirm the diagnosis, your doctors explain restrictions and limitations in detail, and your records show an ongoing treatment plan. A lawyer can also help your doctors understand what should be included in a stronger disability report.

Not Including Crucial Medical Evidence

Many valid claims are denied because the insurer says the file lacks enough medical evidence. This usually means the records do not clearly connect your diagnosis to your inability to work.

Helpful evidence may include specialist reports, imaging or lab results where relevant, detailed clinical notes, and letters explaining your functional limits. If your denial letter says there is insufficient medical information, you usually need better evidence, not just repeated paperwork.

Inconsistencies Between Forms

Another common mistake is when your claim form, your doctor’s statement, and your employer’s report do not match. Even small differences in dates, duties, or restrictions can create problems.

Before submitting, compare all forms carefully to make sure the information is consistent. If your documents contradict each other, the insurer may argue your claim is unreliable.

Downplaying Symptoms

Many people minimize their symptoms because they do not want to complain or they hope to return to work soon. Unfortunately, that can seriously weaken a claim.

Be honest and specific about your bad days, your limits, and what you can no longer manage safely or reliably. This also matters because insurers may use surveillance or social media activity to argue your reported limitations are inconsistent.

Missing Filing Deadlines or Waiting Too Long

Missing a deadline is one of the most damaging mistakes in an LTD claim. Policies often require you to apply within a specific time after the end of the elimination period, and legal claims may also be subject to strict contractual or statutory limitation periods.

If you file late, the insurer may say you lost your right to benefits, even if your claim is otherwise strong. That is why it is important to review deadlines early and get legal advice quickly if there has already been a denial.

Failing to Review the Insurance Policy Before Filing

Not reading your LTD policy is another avoidable mistake. Every policy has its own wording for total disability, own occupation, any occupation, waiting periods, exclusions, and offsets.

Understanding the policy helps you see what the insurer will look for and what evidence you need to provide. It also helps you understand issues like the change from own occupation to any occupation.

Not Getting Legal Advice Early

Many people contact a disability lawyer only after getting a denial letter, but earlier advice can help prevent weak forms, missing evidence, and missed deadlines. In many cases, early help can make the claim stronger from the start.

Legal advice can help you decide when to stop working, how to prepare the forms, and whether an internal appeal is really the best next step. Sometimes it is more important to protect your legal rights than to spend months in the insurer’s appeal process.

How to Properly File a Long Term Disability Claim in Canada

To file a stronger claim, focus on both medical proof and consistency.

Key steps include:

• Get the full policy or benefits booklet and confirm how disability is defined.

• Work closely with your family doctor and specialists so your records clearly describe symptoms, restrictions, and treatment.

• Complete all forms carefully and make sure they match.

• File as early as possible and track all deadlines.

• Keep copies of everything you send and receive.

• If your claim is denied, review the denial letter and speak with a disability lawyer before relying only on an internal appeal.

Seek Legal Assistance from a Disability Lawyer

You do not have to wait for a denial to ask for help. Early legal guidance can help prevent mistakes, strengthen the medical evidence, and protect your income.

A disability lawyer can review your policy, explain the claims process, identify weaknesses in the file, and help you respond properly if the insurer says there is not enough evidence or that you do not meet the policy definition.

Contact Share Lawyers today and let our experience work for you. Our 40 years of experience can help you win your case against Canada Life, Desjardins, Manulife, RBC Insurance, Sun Life, and other insurance companies. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.