Manulife Long Term Disability Benefits: What Happens After Two Years?

Posted on Sep 24, 2024

If you’ve been dealing with an illness or injury that’s kept you from working, you likely depend on your long term disability benefits to cover expenses and compensate for lost wages. These benefits are a crucial lifeline, and it’s only natural to worry about what might happen to them over time.

Like most insurance policies, long term disability coverage can change—especially around the two-year mark. If you’re one of the many Canadians receiving Manulife long term disability benefits and are wondering, “What happens after 2 years?” this guide explains what to expect and how to protect the benefits you rely on.

Are you receiving Manulife Group long term disability benefits and wondering what happens after 2 years? Share Lawyers’ experienced long term disability lawyers can help secure the benefits to which you’re entitled.

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Manulife Group Long Term Disability Benefits: What Happens After 2 Years?

If you rely on your Manulife policy for long term disability benefits, you might be asking, "What happens after two years?" In Canada, long term disability benefits often face critical reviews at the two-year mark, especially with providers like Manulife.

Understanding these changes is crucial to ensuring you continue to receive the support you depend on.

Why Are Manulife LTD Benefits Often Denied After Two Years?

Denials often occur after two years due to a change in the definition of “totally disabled” in your policy. Initially, you only need to show that you can't perform the tasks of your pre-disability job, such as a bookkeeper who has a herniated disc and cannot sit at a computer all day.

After two years, this changes. You must now prove you are “totally disabled,” meaning you can’t perform any job that you're reasonably qualified for based on your education, training, or experience. Insurance companies, including Manulife, often end benefits under this stricter standard to encourage a return to work.

Understanding “Totally Disabled”

“Totally disabled” doesn’t mean you have to be incapacitated or unable to care for yourself. The critical consideration is whether you can perform the essential duties of any job you’re qualified for, not just whether such a job is available.

What to Know About Your Manulife LTD Policy After 2 Years
Change of Definition	First Two Years: Benefits are based on the inability to perform the essential duties of your occupation. After Two Years:The definition often shifts to being totally disabled, meaning you cannot perform any occupation for which you are reasonably qualified based on education, training, or experience. Do not be discouraged by this. Many people qualify for continuing benefits after the change of definition if they fight for their rights.
Reassessment of Eligibility	Manulife conducts a thorough reassessment of your condition around the two-year mark. This may include updated medical evaluations, documentation, and reviews of your ability to work in any suitable occupation.
Potential Benefits Reduction or Termination	Benefits may be reduced or terminated if deemed capable of performing another suitable job. Manulife aims to encourage a return to work to minimize ongoing benefit payments. The stricter "any occupation" standard makes it more challenging to maintain benefits after two years.
Legal Rights	If benefits are denied after two years, you have the right to appeal the decision, but you should seek legal help to increase your odds of success. Experienced disability lawyers like Share Lawyers can assist in challenging denials by providing additional medical evidence and protecting your rights.
Understanding "Totally Disabled"	Manulife’s Definition: Strict interpretation requiring the inability to perform any suitable occupation. Legal Interpretation: Based on factors like education, age, work experience, and medical condition.
Seeking Legal Help	Share Lawyers specializes in LTD claims and can help you if your benefits are denied after two years. We provide legal support to protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Our guidance allows you to navigate policy changes and safeguard your financial future.

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Experienced difficulties qualifying for "Any Occupation" benefits?

Insurance companies assume if you can get out of bed in the morning, then you are able to work. They might even try to convince you it's impossible to qualify for "any occupation" benefits. They’ll order an assessment to determine any transferable skills they can use to keep you in the workforce, like answering phones, flipping burgers, or attending to a parking lot.

The good news is that this does not necessarily mean that you are no longer entitled to your disability benefits! Your experience, education, skills, and salary prior to applying for disability determine whether you are still entitled to benefits after the 24 months or Change of Definition has occurred.

It's always best to consult a lawyer during your case. Share Lawyers will fight to help you win the benefits you deserve.

Here’s What You Can Expect as a Share Lawyer's Client

As a client of Share Lawyers, you’ll experience unmatched respect and compassion as we help you challenge the insurance company. We take a focused approach, treating every client as our top priority.

Now that you know more about Manulife's long term disability benefits and what happens after 2 years, you should consider your next steps. Just because you experience a change of definition and Manulife threatens to end your benefits, you don’t have to accept it or face this alone.

No matter where you are in Canada, Share Lawyers is here for you.

Let Share Lawyers Fight to Keep Your Benefits

When your long term disability benefits are at risk, enlist Share Lawyers to lead the fight for your benefits. We’ve held Manulife accountable before, and we’ll do it again for you.

“I have had a truly positive experience with Share Lawyers. They were compassionate & extremely patient with me, especially considering my limitations & health challenges, as at most times, these limitations definitely impacted my ability to communicate consistently & in a timely manner.

The team overseeing my case was very understanding and would make special accommodations to successfully navigate these limitations. I am not sure that many other firms or teams would have made the same accommodations as Share Lawyers did with me.

I am truly grateful!

They did a fantastic job of acquiring a very reasonable and fair settlement, especially considering that my case was extremely complex in nature. I would definitely recommend this firm as a consideration for anyone who is seeking a knowledgeable, effective, & compassionate law firm.”

— Frances U., Toronto, Ontario

Start your journey to securing benefits and becoming one of our thousands of success stories. With our free consultation, you’ll receive guidance with no upfront costs. With affordable payment options and no fees until you win, financial concerns won’t stand in your way.

Still need more information on Manulife long term disability benefits and what happens after two years? We’ve got you covered.

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.