Not Returning to Work After Long Term Disability

When on long term disability (LTD) benefits for an extended period, many report feeling pressure to return to the workplace. Deciding whether to return to work can significantly impact your health and benefits, so it’s essential to consider various factors before making this decision.

You should be eligible for long term disability benefits for as long as your medical condition and symptoms dictate. While it is possible that a few months of years will help you get your health back on track, it’s also possible that you may never be able to work again at the same level as you once did. If your symptoms are such that you cannot return to work after long term disability, you should still be eligible for continued LTD benefits if you cannot return to work.

Need more information on not returning to work after long term disability? Share Lawyers’ experienced team can answer your questions.

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Not Returning to Work After Long Term Disability

There are various reasons for not returning to work after long term disability.


Reasons for Not Returning to Work After Long Term Disability

1. Persistent Health Challenges
  • Ongoing health conditions make returning to work difficult.
  • Prioritizing health and well-being is essential to avoid worsening your condition.
2. Financial Considerations & Stability

Returning to work may lead to losing these benefits, impacting financial stability.

3. Quality of Life Priorities

Focusing on your health may outweigh the benefits of returning to work and struggling through.

The Challenges of Not Returning to Work After Long Term Disability

There are threats to maintaining your benefits regardless of your reasons for not returning to work. Insurance companies use several tactics to avoid paying policyholders, especially in the long term.

Potential Interruptions to Your Disability Benefits

Changes to your policy can cause your benefits to end abruptly. Stay informed to avoid interruptions.

Key Points to Consider:

  • Policy Changes: Insurance companies may change the definition of disability at the two-year Change of Definition, affecting your eligibility.
  • Potential Cut-off: Benefits can be cut off abruptly if you don’t meet the new criteria.
  • Awareness: Stay informed about policy changes to understand their impact on your benefits.

If your benefits are cut due to the Change of Definition, Share Lawyers can help advocate on your behalf. We’ll gather comprehensive evidence to protect your benefits when your insurance company questions your ongoing eligibility for disability benefits.


Reaching Retirement Age

As retirement approaches, the prospect of the unknown can be intimidating. Most LTD policies in Canada last until age 65. Knowing these details can significantly impact your decision to stay on LTD rather than return to work:

  • LTD Benefits Duration: Most LTD benefits continue until age 65, with some policies offering extensions.
  • Impact on Decision: Understanding your benefits can influence your decision to stay on LTD rather than return to work.
  • Legal Assistance: If you feel your insurer is trying to cut off your benefits prematurely, seek legal advice from Share Lawyers.

Are You Getting All the Benefits You Deserve?

Understanding the full scope of your LTD benefits is critical. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely provide clear information about your rights—a convenient oversight that keeps you from taking full advantage of your benefits.

Share Lawyers will help you receive everything you are entitled to under your LTD policy.


Share Lawyers Helps You Maintain Your Benefits


Not returning to work after long term disability can be a tough decision. There is a lot to consider and too much at stake. Insurance companies might push you to return to work so they can stop paying benefits. That won’t happen on our watch.

For over 35 years, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians secure the benefits they deserve. As the first law firm in Canada to specialize in disability law, our expertise is unmatched. With Share Lawyers at your side, insurance companies are eager to resolve matters efficiently.

Let’s work together to safeguard your future. We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you do. Plus, you’ll get access to our exclusive Life reBUILDER™ service, which helps you regain control and improve your quality of life during and after your claim process.

Contact Share Lawyers today to explore your options.

Still need more information on not returning to work after long term disability? A quick conversation with one of our lawyers will help you understand your situation and provide a path forward.

Contact Share Lawyers today and let our 35+ years of experience work for you. We can help you win your case againstCanada 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.

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