Do I Qualify for Long Term Disability?
Many individuals with significant disabilities often persist in their work, with nearly one-third of people with a disability choosing to remain employed. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re likely curious about your eligibility for long term disability (LTD) insurance.
In Canada, 22 percent of individuals aged 15 and older report having at least one disabling medical condition. The qualifications for LTD benefits aren’t always clear-cut. Eligibility depends on two things: the insurance policy and the degree of impairment.
If you’re wondering, “Do I qualify for disability term disability?” then you’ve come to the right place. Understanding the eligibility criteria for LTD is crucial for securing your benefits.
How long can you claim long term disability? Our long term disability lawyers can help answer that question.
Do I Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits?
First, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from performing your regular job duties. Second, this condition must be supported by your doctor or other medical professional. Here are a few scenarios that are typically covered by insurance:
Medical Condition | Qualification Criteria |
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain | A medical professional confirms that the condition prevents you from performing your job. |
Mental Health Conditions | Diagnosis and assessment by a qualified mental health expert. The condition must significantly impair your ability to work. |
Back and Neck Injuries | Objective medical evidence, such as imaging and doctor’s reports, that confirm the severity of the injury and its impact on your work ability. |
Cancer | Medical Documentation, including diagnosis and treatment records, proving the conditions affects work capacity. |
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Diagnosis and assessment by a qualified mental health expert. The condition must significantly impair your ability to work. |
Migraines/Chronic Headaches | Medical records and expert opinion confirm the severity and frequency of migraines and their impact on your work capacity. |
Other medical conditions may also qualify for LTD benefits. Illnesses known as “invisible disabilities,” although often overlooked, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and ability to work.
Challenges in Qualifying for Long Term Disability
Each medical condition presents unique challenges when qualifying for long-term disability benefits. Mental illnesses, for instance, are not always apparent from diagnostic tests. Insurance companies may reject your doctor's assessment, considering it insufficiently persuasive. They may also use their medical consultants to review claims and make decisions based on their opinions.
Understanding Policy Differences
Not all long-term disability insurance policies are identical. Generally, it is required that your medical condition prevents you from performing your current job or any job for which you are qualified. Policies differ in their definition of a total disability. Carefully reviewing and understanding the definition of total disability that applies to your claim is essential for clarity.
Seeking Legal Assistance for Denied Claims
If your disability benefits have been denied or you’re worried about a possible denial, taking immediate action is imperative. At Share Lawyer, we can promptly initiate the appeal or lawsuit and recommend alternative sources of income during the waiting period. Our experience guides your chance of a successful claim while also taking a heavy burden from your shoulders.
You can take our short quiz to help determine if you have a valid disability case.
Let Share Lawyers Help You Get Your Benefits
If you’ve asked yourself, “Do I qualify for long term disability benefits?” you are likely already under a high level of stress. Even if you haven’t already submitted a claim, partnering with an expert LTD lawyer like Share Lawyers can help ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
You won't have to handle your insurance company on your own. We'll fight tirelessly to secure your benefits. With over 35 years of helping Canadians access their entitlements, insurance companies are well aware of our reputation—which is why most of our cases never reach the courtroom.
Get in touch with Share Lawyers, and you will only pay fees once we successfully win your case.
Still asking, “Do I qualify for long term disability benefits?”
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.
