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Disability & Employment Lawyers in Canada
How To Apply for Short Term Disability in 2025
Let us guide you through the short term disability application process
We understand that making the decision to stop working and apply for your short term disability benefits can be challenging. You've taken the first step of informing your employer and you're in the process of putting together the documents needed for your disability claim. But what’s next? You might find yourself with unanswered questions about the application process for short term disability benefits, questions that your employer or insurance provider may not be equipped or inclined to answer.
That's where we come in. We're committed to guiding you every step of the way and providing clear, comprehensive answers to all your questions and concerns. We're here for you, to ensure that you never feel alone in this journey.
How we can support you
When you call Share Lawyers, you’ll speak with someone who knows what you are going through and can offer you the best possible advice at no cost to you.
Why you should contact us:
Free to talk to us
Help with the application process and what you need to submit a claim
Discuss what happens after your claim has been submitted
Prepare you for what to do in the event your disability claim is denied
How does short term disability work?
Short term disability (STD) coverage is often the first step in the disability benefits process and is designed to provide income replacement for temporary illnesses or injuries that prevent you from working. Typically, this coverage lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a maximum of one year, depending on your specific policy. It is commonly used for conditions where you’re expected to return to work after a brief recovery period. If your employer offers a short term disability plan, you must apply through that plan. Some workplaces also provide paid sick leave, which may supplement or precede STD benefits.
To determine your eligibility and the extent of your benefits, you should review your employee benefits booklet or obtain a copy of your policy from your HR department or insurer. This document outlines the percentage of your income that will be covered, typically based on your base salary (excluding bonuses), and how "income" is defined in your policy.
If no STD plan is available through your employer, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits through the federal government
What qualifies for short term disability?
To qualify for STD benefits, you must be medically unable to perform the essential duties of your job due to illness or injury. A healthcare professional must confirm your condition and provide medical documentation in support of your claim. Every insurance policy is different, and eligibility can depend on how your plan defines “disability” and what supporting evidence is required. If you're unsure whether you qualify—or if your claim has been denied—our team can help you navigate the process.
Some common conditions that may qualify for short-term disability benefits include:
Mental health challenges – depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD
Muscle and joint issues – back pain, arthritis, repetitive strain injuries
Heart and circulation problems – heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke recovery
Chronic and autoimmune conditions – multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s disease
Serious illness and recovery – cancer, surgery recovery, long COVID
How much does short term disability pay?
The amount you receive from short term disability (STD) benefits depends on your specific insurance policy, but most plans provide a percentage of your regular income—typically between 50% and 85% of your pre-disability earnings. These benefits are intended to partially replace your income while you are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
Here are a few important points to consider:
Coverage varies by plan: Some employer-sponsored plans offer higher benefit rates or include additional coverage features.
Bonuses and commissions usually excluded: Most STD policies calculate benefits based on your base salary, not including performance bonuses or commissions.
Taxable or non-taxable?: If your employer pays the premiums, your STD benefits may be taxable. If you pay the premiums yourself, benefits are usually non-taxable.
If you don’t have STD coverage through your employer, you may qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits through the federal government.
How to extend short term disability
Short term disability benefits are meant to provide temporary income support, usually for a period of 12 to 26 weeks, though some plans may cover up to one year. These benefits generally cannot be extended beyond the maximum duration set out in your insurance policy. If you're still unable to work when your STD coverage is about to end, the next step is often to apply for long term disability (LTD) benefits. It’s important to start the LTD application process early—ideally while still receiving STD benefits—to avoid any gap in coverage.
If you’re unsure about your next steps or your insurer is making the process difficult, Share Lawyers can help. We assist clients every day with denied or delayed claims and can ensure you understand your rights and options moving forward.
Dos & don’ts of how to apply for short term disability
Do
Submit your disability claim to either Employment Insurance with Service Canada or your Insurance company promptly to prevent any missed deadlines.
Keep track of all interactions you have with EI or your insurance providers and healthcare professionals. You’ll never know when you’ll need to rely on this information.
Communicate honestly with all healthcare providers when discussing the details of your health and your disability claim.
When completing the forms, be concise—avoid giving EI or your insurance company an opportunity to misunderstand you or find fault. It's more beneficial to let your doctor detail the reasons why you need time off work.
Review government policies and/or your insurance policy. Get well-acquainted with the section that outlines the correct process for submitting a claim.
Always be truthful when submitting your disability claim—making false or overstated claims can have negative results, potentially leading to criminal charges.
Always be truthful when submitting your disability claim—making false or overstated claims can have negative results, potentially leading to criminal charges.
Don't
Don’t sign any documents from the insurance company without thoroughly reviewing them first.
Don’t reduce your work hours—decreasing your work hours could unintentionally lead to you losing your benefits or a reduction in the amount of your disability benefits.
Avoid engaging in public activities that could be interpreted as evidence of your lack of disability. Insurance companies may document this, potentially through video, and use it to contest your claim.
Don’t postpone sharing any additional information required by your insurance company. The longer you take to provide this information, the more it will delay the decision-making process.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Don’t delay in contacting an experienced short term disability lawyer. We can help you understand all options available to you. The earlier a lawyer is involved, the better your chances will be of receiving maximum benefits.
What should I do if my claim is denied?
If your disability claim has been denied, you might not know where to turn next. You may feel hopeless and unsupported. Unfortunately, your insurance company wants you to feel this way and expects you to give up. However, you are not alone in this.
We can guide you through every stage, from how to apply for short term disability benefits to fighting for and winning your case. Share is There. We have helped over 9,000 Canadians get the benefits they deserve, and we can help you as well.
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