How to Apply for Long Term Disability in Ontario
Managing a disabling injury or illness can negatively impact your ability to work, and in some cases, it may render you unable to work at all. This situation poses a unique challenge, as our financial stability hinges on our income to cover expenses, manage bills, and sustain our daily lives.
The added burden of being unable to work due to medical issues may increase the stress associated with your circumstances. Luckily, long term disability insurance provides a way to fill in the gaps when you cannot work.
However, knowing the available options and how to access them is important — though not always straightforward. If you’re wondering how to apply for long term disability in Ontario, Share Lawyers can help.
Need more information on how to apply for long term disability in Ontario? Share Lawyers’ can help secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
How to Apply for Long Term Disability in Ontario
If you find yourself seriously injured or facing a chronic illness, it's likely that your ability to work has been affected. This is where long term disability insurance steps in, serving as a safety net that replaces a portion of your income and provides financial protection during extended periods when you cannot work.
Despite its vital role in unforeseen emergencies, many residents of Ontario may be unfamiliar with the process of applying for long term disability and may have to confront new and challenging hurdles.
Don’t be disheartened. Here are some steps you can follow to help you understand how to apply for long term disability in Ontario.
How to Apply for Long Term Disability | |
| Obtain a copy of your long term disability insurance policy. This document will outline the terms, conditions, and requirements for filing a claim. Make sure you understand the eligibility criteria and any waiting periods. |
| Inform your employer when you know that you need to apply for long term disability. Your employer can provide you with the necessary forms and guidance. |
| Your employer or insurance provider will typically give you claim forms to fill out. Complete these forms accurately and thoroughly. They may include information about your medical condition, treatment, and how it affects your ability to work. |
| Gather supporting documentation from your healthcare providers. This may include medical reports, test results, and other relevant documents supporting your disability. |
| Send the completed forms and supporting documents to the designated address provided by your employer or insurance company. Ensure that you keep copies of everything for your records. |
| After submitting your claim, follow up with your employer or the insurance company to confirm receipt. Stay informed about the status of your claim and inquire about any additional information needed. |
| The insurance company will review your claim, which may involve assessing your medical records and possibly consulting healthcare professionals. This process can take some time. |
| Once a decision is made, you will be notified of the outcome. If your claim is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. However, we recommend you consider seeking legal advice first. |
| It’s not unusual to encounter challenges in the application process. If your claim is denied, you should always seek legal advice from a lawyer specializing in disability law, like Share Lawyers, as we can provide guidance on your rights and options. |
Every policy for every employer is different. As such, it’s crucial to carefully review your policy details, including definitions, waiting periods, benefit amounts, and any potential exclusions or limitations.
Applying for long term disability may be confusing or overly stressful for many, especially during a time when you are likely under increased duress due to your disability.
That’s why you should consider consulting an experienced disability like Share Lawyers, who can help walk you through your policy and options, especially since it’s in your insurance company’s best interest to deny your claim and avoid paying you.
Share Lawyers Helps Ontarians Acquire Their Disability Benefits
Now that you know how to apply for long term disability in Ontario, it’s time to consider professional legal assistance. Even if you haven’t had a denial yet, working with a disability lawyer leads to the path of least resistance and increases the chances of getting your disability benefits sooner.
For over 35 years, Share Lawyers has been working with Canadians to help them obtain the disability benefits they deserve. We understand just how stressful and frustrating being unable to work is, so we want to support you and ensure that you’re taking the proper path.
We take care of all communication with your insurance company, allowing you to concentrate on your well-being throughout this period. The best part? Our consultations are free, and you won’t pay any fees until you have gotten your disability benefits.
Want to learn more about how to apply for long term disability in Ontario?
This episode of Your Disability Lawyers, featuring David Share and Samantha Share, discusses how to get approved for disability benefits and the top seven reasons disability claims get denied.
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.