Are You Eligible for Disability Benefits in Manitoba?

If you’re facing an illness or injury that may affect your ability to work, disability benefits can be lifesaving. In Manitoba, as in the rest of Canada, disability benefits are designed to provide financial support when you cannot work due to a medical condition. This guide will walk you through the critical information you need to understand your eligibility for disability benefits in Manitoba.

Are you looking for information on disability benefits in Manitoba? Share Lawyers’ experienced disability lawyers work with you to explore your options.

Book a Free Consultation

Eligibility for Disability Benefits in Manitoba

Understanding Your Benefits Package

When starting a new job, review the benefits offered, especially those for medical, dental, and vision expenses not covered by provincial health plans. Many group plans in Manitoba also include life insurance, accidental death, critical illness, and disability benefits, but these details are often overlooked.

Be sure to review your benefits booklet or company portal to understand your coverage. Disability benefits can be confusing and may differ from what you expect. If filing a disability claim, ensure you clearly understand your benefits.

Important Questions to Ask

  1. Do you have Short Term Disability Benefits?
  2. Do you have Long Term Disability Benefits?

For long term disability benefits, coverage is usually provided to those until age 65.

Are You Eligible to Receive Disability Benefits in Manitoba?

If you have disability benefits, your eligibility depends on your plan’s definition of disability and whether your condition prevents you from doing your current job or any job. You’ll need to provide medical proof and complete the required paperwork to show you cannot work.

Eligibility Criteria

Employment Status

If you have an employer-sponsored plan, you must have worked for the employer for the minimum time specified in your policy to qualify for coverage.

Elimination Period

Typically, you must be unable to work for 90 to 180 days before LTD benefits start.

Definition of Disability

LTD benefits cover you if you cannot perform your occupation for the first two years. After that, it will often shift to any occupation for which you are qualified. This is called the Change of Definition.

Medical Evidence

You need medical proof, such as doctor’s records, to show your condition prevents you from working.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless an elimination period has passed.

Impact on Ability to Work

To qualify, your disability must prevent you from doing your job for the first two years and any job after that.

Coverage Duration

Benefits typically last until age 65, but some plans offer shorter terms, such as 5 or 10 years.

What to Do if You Face Challenges

It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to deny disability benefits in Manitoba, even when you meet all the qualifications outlined in your policy. Unfortunately, many insurers focus on minimizing their payouts and may exploit technicalities to deny your claim.

We understand how frustrating and overwhelming this can be, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Share Lawyers if your claim has been denied despite meeting the requirements. We’re here to help you secure the benefits you need. The sooner you reach out, the better we can support you through this process.


Share is There for Manitobans


At Share Lawyers, we’ve been helping people secure their disability benefits in Manitoba for decades. We have successfully supported over 9,000 clients across Canada. Our mission is to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.

We take on the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to deal with added stress during this challenging time. Our commitment to accessibility means we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay anything until we win your case.

“I was leery at first having lawyers dealing with my employer and their insurer, but my concerns were quickly resolved. I could finally step back and relax while someone advocated for my best interest. Share lawyers have far exceeded my expectations, and I am forever thankful for them.”

— Daniel C., Winnipeg

Contact us today for a free consultation and start your journey toward securing the benefits you need.

Need more information on disability benefits in Manitoba? Share Lawyers is here for you.

Contact Share Lawyers today and put our experience to work for you. Our 35+ 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.

Related Articles

We’re here to support you during this difficult time

How can we help?