The Disability Insurance Definition of Disability: What You Need To Know
When injury or illness impacts one's ability to work, disability benefits can cover financial gaps caused by lost wages. To the disappointment of patients and doctors alike, too many Canadians are denied crucial benefits because their medical condition doesn’t align with the insurance company’s definition of disability.
Our handy guide will help you understand your situation, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding your potential disability benefits.
Contact Share Lawyers for more information on your insurance policy’s definition of disability.
Who Determines the Definition of Disability
The insurance policy determines the definition of disability, and it typically falls into two categories as it relates to receiving benefits:
- Own Occupation: This definition considers you disabled if you cannot perform the substantial duties of your specific occupation. This is usually more favourable to you, as it acknowledges the unique demands of your particular job.
- Any Occupation: This stricter definition deems you disabled only if you cannot perform the duties of any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience. Policies with this definition can be more challenging when you're trying to qualify for benefits.
The Broader Scope of Disability
The definition of disability includes both mental and physical conditions; either one or a combination thereof can prevent you from performing occupational duties. The term “disability” encompasses a broad range of conditions, making the most crucial factor your symptoms and their impact on your ability to perform duties.
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can impact your ability to work just as much as chronic pain and physical injuries can. Moreover, the combination of mental and physical conditions can create complex scenarios where the cumulative effect of multiple conditions makes it impossible to work. In fact, it’s not uncommon for physical injuries or illnesses to create or exacerbate mental health conditions.
Additionally, while you may already be receiving benefits, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to change the definition of disability as outlined in your policy.
If you cannot work and have an insurance plan, you are entitled to disability benefits.
Key Definition of Disability Takeaways | |
Definition of Disability | Varies by policy, typically categorized into Own Occupation and Any Occupation. |
Own Occupation | Considered disabled if unable to perform duties of your specific occupation. |
Any Occupation | Considered disabled if unable to perform duties of any suitable occupation. |
Mental Health Conditions | Includes mental health issues that impede job performance. |
Physical Conditions | Includes physical ailments that hinder job duties. |
Impact of Symptoms | Emphasis on how symptoms affect your ability to perform job duties. |
