This article was updated: July 13th, 2026


If you’re too sick or hurt to work, you may be entitled to long-term disability (LTD) benefits. These benefits can greatly assist you when you are suffering from an injury, illness, or disability, mental or physical. For many, the application process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already facing new challenges due to your condition.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know when navigating LTD. You’ll learn what LTD insurance is, who qualifies, how to apply, what medical evidence you need, and what to do if your claim is denied.

Many people make avoidable mistakes that cost them their benefits. Continue reading to find out how to avoid those mistakes and protect your rights from the very beginning.

What Is Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance?

Long-term disability insurance replaces part of your income when you can’t work because of an illness or injury. It is not the same as government programs like CPP Disability or Employment Insurance. Most LTD insurance in Canada comes from your employer as part of your benefits package, while some people use their private LTD policies which they would have purchased on their own. 

Quick facts about LTD benefits:

  • They typically replace 60% to 85% of your pre-disability income.
  • Benefits can last for two years, five years, or until age 65 depending on your policy.
  • You must meet your policy’s specific definition of “disability” to qualify.

Each LTD policy and payout will generally look a little different depending on your circumstances and policy. LTD insurance is a contract between you and your insurer, and your policy wording dictates everything, so it’s important to review it carefully. 

How Does Long-Term Disability Work in Canada?

Most people will not receive LTD benefits directly after an injury occurs. There is a process and a timeline, often looking something like this:

  • You become unable to work due to illness or injury
  • You use sick leave provided by your employer
  • You receive short-term disability benefits (typically for the first 17 weeks)
  • You may apply for EI sickness benefits if STD is not available
  • Your elimination period ends and LTD benefits begin

What Is an Elimination Period?

The elimination period is the waiting period before your LTD benefits start. It is usually 119 days roughly four months. You must be continuously disabled for this entire period before your LTD benefits can begin. 

Own Occupation vs. Any Occupation

These two terms are very important. They describe how your policy defines “disability”:

  • Own occupation: You are considered disabled if you cannot do your specific job. This definition is more favourable to you.
  • Any occupation: You are considered disabled if you cannot do any job for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience. This is a stricter standard.

Many policies start with an own occupation definition and then switch to any occupation after two years. This is one of the most common reasons LTD benefits are terminated. Know which definition your policy uses and when it changes.

Own occupation vs. any occupation for LTD.

Who Qualifies for Long-Term Disability?

To qualify for LTD benefits in Canada, you generally must:

  • Be covered by an LTD insurance policy (through your employer or a private plan)
  • Meet your policy’s definition of disability
  • Be unable to work due to your condition
  • Be under the regular care of a doctor
  • Have medical evidence that supports your claim

What Conditions Can Qualify?

Many different conditions can qualify for LTD, but a diagnosis alone is not usually enough. Insurers will look at how your condition specifically affects your ability to function and do your job.

Physical conditions:

  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Cancer
  • Neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease)
  • Arthritis and joint conditions
  • Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or Crohn’s disease)

Mental health conditions:

  • Major depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Bipolar disorder

Injuries:

  • Motor vehicle accident injuries
  • Workplace injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

These are some common conditions that qualify, not a complete list, and eligibility will still depend on your particular circumstances. 

Insurers will usually ask: What can this person no longer do because of their condition? If you have a diagnosis but can still perform the essential duties of your job, your claim may be denied. You must show that your condition causes real, lasting functional limitations.

Before You Apply for Long-Term Disability

1. Review Your Policy

Find your LTD policy and read it carefully. Look for:

  • The elimination period: how long you must wait before benefits begin
  • The benefit amount: what percentage of your income you will receive
  • The maximum monthly benefit: the dollar cap on your payments
  • The definition of disability: own occupation vs. any occupation, and when it changes
  • Policy exclusions: conditions that are specifically not covered
  • Offset provisions: other income (such as CPP Disability) that reduces your LTD payments
  • Deadlines: when you must apply

Missing a deadline can permanently eliminate your right to claim benefits. Don’t skip this step.

2. Talk to Your HR Department

Your human resources department can help you understand the application package and what forms you need, know what your employer is required to complete and stay informed about any internal deadlines. 

3. Continue Medical Treatment

Insurers look closely at your treatment history. A strong claim shows:

  • Consistent, ongoing treatment with your doctor
  • Referrals to specialists when appropriate
  • Compliance with prescribed medications and therapies

If you stop treatment, insurers may argue that you are not as disabled as you claim, or that you are no longer trying to get better.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Long-Term Disability

Step 1: Confirm Your Coverage

Before anything else, confirm that you actually have LTD coverage. Check your employee benefits booklet, your HR department, or your insurance card. Get the name of your insurer and your policy or group number.

Step 2: Understand Your Waiting Period

You cannot apply for LTD on day one of your disability. You must first complete the elimination period, which is typically 119 days. During this time, you may be receiving sick leave pay, short-term disability benefits, or EI sickness benefits.

  • Why does the elimination period exist? It is designed to filter out short-term illness and ensure LTD is reserved for longer, more serious disabilities. Plan ahead. Start gathering your documents and medical evidence during the elimination period not after.

Step 3: Gather Your Medical Evidence

This is the most important step in your application. Weak medical evidence is a very common reason claims are denied. Collect the following:

  • Physician reports: from your family doctor documenting your diagnosis, symptoms, restrictions, and limitations
  • Specialist reports: from any specialists treating your condition (psychiatrists, neurologists, rheumatologists, etc.)
  • Diagnostics: MRI, CT scan, or X-ray results, bloodwork and lab results
  • Functional capacity evaluations: professional assessments of what physical or mental tasks you can and cannot do
  • Occupational therapy reports: likely where you will receive functional capacity evaluations, along with treatment plans
  • Psychological or neuropsychological testing: especially important for mental health or brain injury claims

The more objective, documented evidence you have, the stronger your claim.

Complete the Claimant Statement

This is your personal account of why you cannot work. Be thorough and honest. Cover:

  • Your symptoms and how they affect your daily life
  • Your specific restrictions and limitations
  • What activities you can no longer do (driving, cooking, concentrating, lifting, walking)
  • Why you cannot perform the duties of your job

Important: Be consistent. What you write on this form must match what you have told your doctors. Inconsistencies are a major red flag for insurers, even if by accident. 

Step 5: Your Employer Completes Their Section

Your employer is usually required to complete a section of the application form. This typically includes:

  • Your job title and job duties
  • Your last day worked
  • Your earnings and work schedule
  • Whether modified duties or accommodation were offered

Review this section if you can. Make sure it accurately describes your job.

Step 6: Your Doctor Completes the Medical Forms

Your insurer will send a form for your treating physician to complete. This is a critical document. It should include:

  • Your confirmed diagnosis
  • Your prognosis (expected course of your condition)
  • Your functional restrictions and limitations
  • Your treatment plan
  • Expected recovery timeline (if any)

Recommendation: Speak with your doctor before they complete this form. Make sure they understand how your condition affects your ability to work, and ask them to be as specific and detailed as possible. 

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Once everything is complete:

  • Make copies of everything before you submit
  • Keep records of when and how you submitted your application
  • Request written confirmation that your insurer received your claim
  • Note your submission date. You may need this later

Missing the submission deadline can immediately invalidate your claim. If you are unsure about the deadline, contact your insurer or speak with a personal injury lawyer promptly.

What Medical Evidence Makes a Strong LTD Claim?

This is one of the most important things to understand, and one of the areas where many applicants fall short.

Diagnosis vs. Disability

Having a diagnosis does not automatically mean you qualify for LTD. Insurers are not evaluating your condition, rather your ability to function. They want to know what you can no longer do because of your condition. A strong claim documents your functional limitations in detail. For example, a physician report:

  • Weak: “Patient has fibromyalgia.”
  • Strong: “Due to fibromyalgia, patient cannot sit or stand for more than 20 minutes at a time, cannot concentrate for periods longer than 10 to 15 minutes, and is unable to drive due to medication side effects.”

Objective Evidence

Having objective medical evidence strengthens your claim in insurance evaluations. This type of evidence relies on test results and findings rather than self reporting. Examples include:

  • MRI and CT scan results
  • Nerve conduction studies (EMG)
  • Bloodwork
  • Specialist reports and assessments
  • Neuropsychological testing

Subjective Symptoms

Many disabling conditions, including chronic pain, fatigue, and brain fog, cannot easily be confirmed by a test. This does not mean they won’t be accepted. It does mean your doctor must clearly document them, explain why they limit your function, and connect them to your diagnosis.

If your insurer treats your subjective symptoms as “not credible,” a disability lawyer can help challenge that conclusion. Thorough self-reporting and medical evidence can greatly increase the success in disputing these limitations. 

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

Once your application is received, your insurance company will begin analyzing your claim. Here is what to expect:

Claim Review

Your file will be assigned to a case manager. They will review all submitted documents and may:

  • Request additional medical records from your doctors
  • Ask you to complete additional questionnaires
  • Require you to attend an exam by a doctor chosen and paid for by the insurer, known as an independent medical examination (IME). 

Surveillance

Insurers sometimes conduct surveillance on claimants, including reviewing your social media accounts. If surveillance shows you doing something inconsistent with what you reported (for example, lifting heavy objects when you said you cannot), your claim can be denied.

Be accurate and consistent about your limitations at all times.

Vocational Assessments

Under the “any occupation” definition, your insurer may arrange a vocational assessment to determine whether you can perform any work in the Canadian economy.

Decision Timeline

Most insurers aim to make a decision within 30 to 60 days of receiving a complete application. If your claim is approved, you will receive monthly benefit payments. If denied, you will receive a denial letter.

Why Long-Term Disability Claims Are Denied

  • Insufficient Medical Evidence: The most common reason. Your medical records don’t clearly show what you can and cannot do. See the medical evidence section above.
  • Missed Deadlines: If you apply late, your insurer may reject the claim on procedural grounds alone.
  • Inconsistent Medical Records: If your reported symptoms change significantly from visit to visit, or don’t match what you told the insurer, your credibility may be questioned.
  • Failure to Follow Treatment: If you stopped seeing your doctor, refused medication, or declined recommended therapy, the insurer may deny your claim on the grounds that you are not doing everything possible to recover.
  • Returning to Work Too Early: If you return to work before you are medically ready, your insurer may use this as evidence that you were not disabled in the first place.
  • Policy Exclusions: Some conditions are specifically excluded from coverage. For example, pre-existing conditions or self-inflicted injuries. Review your policy for any exclusions that may apply.
  • Definition of Disability Not Met: The insurer may accept that you have a medical condition but disagree that it prevents you from working, either in your own occupation or any occupation.

What If Your LTD Claim Is Denied?

A denial is not the end. Many denied claims are successfully overturned on appeal, especially with the right legal help. Don’t give up, whether independently or through legal counsel, there are steps you can take after a claim is denied. 

  • Read the Denial Letter Carefully: The denial letter must explain why your claim was rejected. Read it closely. It tells you exactly what evidence the insurer found lacking and what arguments you will need to address on appeal.
  • Consider an Internal Appeal: Most insurers offer an internal appeal process. You typically have 90 days from the date of denial to file an appeal. Use this time to gather additional medical evidence and address the reasons for denial.
    • Important: Internal appeal deadlines are strict. Missing them can eliminate your right to challenge the decision.
  • Gather Additional Evidence: Address the specific gaps the insurer identified. This may include:
    • Updated reports from your treating doctors
    • Reports from specialists you haven’t seen yet
    • Functional capacity evaluations
    • Letters from your employer or coworkers
  • Consider Legal Action: If the internal appeal fails, you may have the right to sue. A personal injury lawyer can assess your options and help you navigate this process.

What Happens After Your Claim Is Approved?

Approval is great news, but it is not the end of the process. Here is what comes next.

Monthly Payments: You will receive monthly benefit payments, typically equal to 60%–85% of your pre-disability earnings.

Ongoing Medical Updates: Your insurer will periodically ask you to provide updated medical information to confirm that you remain disabled. This may include new doctor’s reports, attending an IME, or completing questionnaires.

Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Programs: Some insurers will offer or require participation in vocational rehabilitation or a return-to-work program. These programs are designed to help you return to work gradually when your health allows. Participate in good faith. Refusing reasonable rehabilitation offers without medical justification can result in termination of benefits.

The Switch from Own Occupation to Any Occupation: As previously mentioned, many policies change the definition of disability after two years. When this switch happens, your insurer will re-evaluate whether you can perform any occupation, not just your previous job. This is usually when benefits are ended. 

CPP Disability vs. Long-Term Disability: What’s the Difference?

Some people may not realize that CPP Disability and LTD are two completely separate programs. Here’s a quick comparison:

How It Works Long-Term Disability (LTD) CPP Disability
Who pays? Insurance companies Federal government (Service Canada)
Based on what? Your insurance policy CPP contributions
Who qualifies? Private insurance plan owners or employees with coverage Most Canadians who worked and contributed to CPP
Can you get both?  Often yes Often yes
Offsets CPP often reduces LTD payouts No offsets from LTD plans

Why Do Insurers Require You to Apply for CPP Disability?

Most LTD policies include an offset clause, meaning your LTD payment is reduced by the amount you receive from CPP Disability.

Because of this, most insurers will require you to apply for CPP Disability as a condition of receiving LTD benefits. If you don’t apply, the insurer may reduce your LTD payment by the amount they estimate CPP Disability would have paid anyway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with LTD Claims

  • Waiting too long to apply: deadlines are strict, note important dates and don’t delay once your elimination period is ending.
  • Submitting incomplete forms: missing information gives insurers an easy reason to deny your claim. Fill out every section carefully and thoroughly.
  • Minimizing your symptoms: many applicants downplay how bad they feel or the extent of their limitations. This can be for a variety of reasons, but it’s important to be honest and specific here.
  • Exaggerating your symptoms: overstating symptoms makes you look less credible, especially if surveillance or test results don’t align with your claim. 
  • Inconsistent information: what you tell your doctor, what you write on your application form, and how you behave in daily life should all be consistent.
  • Stopping treatment: gaps in treatment give insurers grounds to argue you are no longer disabled or not committed to recovery.
  • Not understanding your policy: many claimants are blindsided by policy exclusions, offset clauses, or the own-to-any occupation switch because they never read their policy. Read your policy or have a lawyer assist you in understanding it in order to avoid these issues.

When Should You Speak with a Long-Term Disability Lawyer?

You do not always need a lawyer. But there are situations where getting legal advice is important:

  • Your claim has been denied and you are considering an appeal
  • Your benefits have been terminated unexpectedly
  • Your insurer is not responding or is requesting unreasonable amounts of documentation
  • You believe your insurer is acting in bad faith (I.E, ignoring clear medical evidence)
  • Your appeal deadline is approaching and you have not filed
  • The insurer disputes your disability but your doctors clearly say you cannot work
  • You do not understand your policy and are not sure of your rights

Our personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. There is no financial burden in getting a second opinion on your case!

Final Thoughts

Applying for LTD benefits is a process that requires preparation, attention to detail, and strong medical evidence, but the peace of mind granted by financial support during your recovery makes it worthwhile. 

This guide aims to provide you with the information you need to strengthen your LTD claim, so you can receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s a brief summary of important factors we covered:

  • Review your policy: before you apply know your deadlines, definitions, and exclusions
  • Build strong medical evidence: document your functional limitations, not just your diagnosis
  • Meet every deadline: missing them can end your claim before it starts
  • Stay consistent: what you report to your doctors, your insurer, and in daily life must all line up
  • Stay engaged in treatment: continuing care shows your condition is real and serious
  • Know your appeal rights: a denial is not the end, and legal help is available

If you have questions about your long-term disability claim, our legal team is here to help. Our lawyers are available 24/7 for no obligation, free case evaluations! Allow us to support you while you focus on healing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an LTD application take?

Most decisions are made within 30 to 60 days of receiving a complete application. Complex cases may take longer.

Can I apply while receiving short-term disability benefits? Yes, and you should. Start gathering your documents and completing forms during your short-term disability period so you don’t miss the LTD deadline.

Can I work while on LTD?

Some policies allow partial or own occupation claims that permit limited work. In most cases, returning to full-time work ends your benefits. Always check your policy before returning to work.

What percentage of my salary will I receive?

Most policies pay between 60% and 85% of your pre-disability earnings, up to a monthly maximum.

How long do LTD benefits last?

It depends on your policy. Benefits may last for two years, five years, or until age 65.

Will my employer know my diagnosis?

Your employer is not generally entitled to know your specific diagnosis. However, they will know you are on disability leave. The laws protecting your medical information still stand when you take time off work.

Can mental illness qualify for LTD?

Yes. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions are recognized disabilities. The same rules apply, namely proving functional limitations that prevent you from working.

What happens if my condition improves?

If your condition improves enough that you can return to work, your benefits will end. If it improves partially, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits depending on your policy.

Can my insurer ask for another medical exam?

Yes. Insurers can require you to attend an independent medical examination (IME) at any point during your claim. You are generally required to attend. The doctor conducting the exam is chosen and paid for by the insurer.

Do I need a lawyer to apply?

You do not need a lawyer to apply. But if your claim is denied, your benefits are terminated, or you feel the insurer is not dealing with you fairly, speaking with a disability lawyer is strongly recommended.