Definition of Long Term Disability

Posted on Jul. 12, 2024

Many people are familiar with the concept of long term disability, but fewer understand its specifics and implications. Broadly speaking, LTD refers to the benefits you receive if you have an illness or injury that prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job.

Long term disability insurance is designed to be a safety net in cases like these. However, failing to meet your insurance company’s definition of long term disability could result in a denial. Don’t let this happen to you. Read what Share Lawyers has to say about it to learn more.

Looking for more information on what qualifies as a long term disability? Share Lawyers’ experienced team can answer your questions.

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What is the Definition of Long Term Disability?

Broadly speaking, the definition of LTD in Canada is straightforward:

There is an illness or injury which makes it impossible for the person to perform the essential duties of their job.
The inability to perform essential duties prevents the person from working for an extended period.

How is LTD Defined?

Individual insurance companies might narrow down the definition even further. The table below presents some of the considerations for defining long term disability:

Key Factors in Defining Long Term Disability
Policy Dependence	The specific definition of LTD will depend on the details of the insurance policy.
Duration of Disability	Typically, a disability must last longer than six months or a year; otherwise, it could be classified as a short term disability.
Inability to Work	The condition causes the inability to perform essential duties.
Medical Documentation	Medical evidence is required to support the severity and limitations imposed by the disabling condition.

Understanding the Definition of Long Term Disability Matters

It is essential to know the definition of LTD and the criteria to qualify for benefits.

Claim Approval: Knowing the requirements helps you meet your policy's criteria and gather all necessary information, increasing the chances of your claim being approved.
Policy Selection: Understanding what constitutes a long term disability allows you to choose the best LTD coverage for your needs.
Legal Rights: If your claim is denied, understanding the definition and requirements of long term disability can aid in appealing the decision or seeking legal assistance.

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What If You Don’t Meet the Definition of a Long Term Disability?

If it doesn't meet the definition outlined in your policy, your long term disability claim may be denied. Denials are extremely common, but they aren’t always for honorable reasons. For instance, insurance companies are known to minimize their costs by any means possible, including denying valid LTD claims.

Common Reasons for Claim Denials

When navigating the realities of living with a disability, receiving a denial on your LTD claim can feel like a low blow. We understand how disheartening it is when you can’t access the things you need to survive. Share Lawyers has seen this before, so we know that denials often happen for these reasons:

Definition Not Met: If your claim doesn't meet the definition of long term disability in your policy, it likely hasn't sufficiently proved that you are "sick or injured enough" to be eligible for benefits.
Insufficient Medical Evidence: Your claim may be rejected without adequate medical documentation and proof of your inability to work.
The insurance company believes you can work: The insurance company may base their decision on the opinions of their doctors, but the opinions of your healthcare providers are important as well. If their doctor’s review has resulted in a denial of disability benefits, then you need to contact us immediately.
The insurance company’s doctors believe you can work: Your insurance company’s doctor may have only reviewed a paper file or spent a very limited amount of time assessing your disability. If their doctor’s review has resulted in a denial of disability benefits, then you need to contact us immediately.
Pre-existing medical condition: Your insurance company may claim that your disability is a pre-existing condition. This doesn’t mean they’re disputing whether you are disabled. It only means that the medical issue that is causing you to stop working existed prior to your disability insurance coverage coming into effect.

This kind of denial requires a proper review of your medical records to determine if they were right to have denied you. It’s best to speak to one of our long term disability lawyers to see if it is possible to fight their decision.
Surveillance: Insurance companies surveil your social media sites and hire private investigators to look into your activities. Sometimes they jump to conclusions without fact-checking first. They may try to prove you aren’t capable of doing your job, but they’re not necessarily right in their assessment. Talk to our team of disability lawyers to see how you can fight their decision to deny your disability claim.

Fighting a Denial

While you can appeal a denial on your own, contacting an experienced disability law firm like Share Lawyers is a better option. Here's why:

Unparalleled Expertise: We leverage our experience to effectively and quickly overturn your denial.
Serious Dedication: Getting your lawyer involved shows the insurance company that you mean business, which often results in your claim being escalated and reviewed more seriously.
Better Outcomes: Appeals are often reviewed by the party that initially denied your claim, making it challenging to succeed independently. By hiring Share Lawyers, you ensure your claim is thoroughly re-evaluated, significantly increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Share Lawyers Fights for Your Rights

If you’ve been denied long term disability benefits, reaching out to Share Lawyers promptly can significantly improve your chances of securing the support you need.

We understand how frustrating and stressful it is to be denied benefits while unable to work. That’s why we fight insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you get the peace of mind and support you deserve.

For over 35 years, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians like you get what they deserve. It all starts with a free consultation, and you owe us nothing until your benefits are secured.

Contact Share Lawyers today to get back on track.

Still need more information about the definition of long term disability? A quick conversation with one of our lawyers will help you understand your situation and provide a path forward.