Guide to Long Term Disability Claims in Alberta - Share Lawyers

You may qualify for long term disability Alberta benefits if:

• You have insurance coverage through a job or private insurance plan.
• You’ve met the required waiting period in your policy.
• Your condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job for an extended period of time.

Almost any illness or injury that keeps you from doing the main tasks of your job should qualify you for disability benefits. You don’t have to be bedridden or house-bound—you just need to prove that your symptoms negatively impact your ability to continue working.

• Functional Impairment: Does your condition make it hard to do the core duties of your work?
• Specific Policy Guidelines: Every insurance company has specific rules, so understanding your policy's criteria is critical to qualifying for benefits.

Here’s an example:

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In Alberta, LTD benefits from private or employer-sponsored plans are typically paid as a percentage of your pre-disability income, usually between 60% and 80%. The exact amount you receive will depend on the details of your policy.

Payments are generally made monthly to help cover your expenses while you cannot work due to illness or injury. Some policies may also have a maximum cap, meaning even if the percentage suggests a higher amount, you won't receive more than the set limit in your policy.

You won't receive benefits yet during this waiting period, usually 90-120 days. During this time, short term disability or other temporary financial support can help you manage. Once the elimination period is over, your LTD benefits will begin.

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• Insufficient Medical Evidence: If your insurance company feels that the medical documents don’t clearly show how your condition prevents you from working, they might deny your claim.

• Pre-Existing Conditions: If the insurer believes your disability is linked to a pre-existing condition that wasn’t disclosed or covered by the policy, they may reject the claim.

• Failure to Meet the Policy’s Definition of Disability: LTD policies in Alberta may have changing definitions of disability over time. At first, you may need to prove you can’t do your current job, but later, you might have to demonstrate you can’t perform any job, depending on your policy. Always keep track of these changes as your claim progresses.

If your long term disability claim in Alberta is denied, don’t lose hope! Insurance companies often deny claims, even valid ones, to reduce costs.

Your best first step is to contact an experienced disability lawyer like Share Lawyers, who has over 35 years of experience helping clients get the benefits they deserve. While you can appeal independently, having legal support can significantly improve your chances of success and speed up the process.

At Share Lawyers, we know how discouraging it can be to face a denial for your long term disability in Alberta. That’s why we’re dedicated to fighting for Canadians like you, ensuring you get the benefits you need and deserve.

Don’t lose hope—our team is here to support you through this tough time. With a proven track record and happy clients, we’re confident in our ability to help. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any upfront costs; we offer free consultations and only charge when we win your case.

Let us take on the fight so you can focus on what matters most—your health.

Need more information on long term disability in Alberta? Share Lawyers is here for you.

Contact Share Lawyers today and let our experience 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.