Long-Term Disability for Mental Health in Canada

Mental health conditions are one of the leading reasons Canadians go on long-term disability (LTD). Anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric or cognitive conditions can make it impossible to function safely and consistently at work.

If your symptoms prevent you from performing your job, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits — even if your condition is invisible, subjective, or fluctuating.

This guide explains how to get long-term disability for mental health in Canada, what insurers look for, and what to do if your claim is denied.

Can You Get Long-Term Disability for Mental Health in Canada?

Yes. Mental health conditions can qualify for LTD benefits when:

• your symptoms prevent you from doing the essential duties of your job, and
• a medical professional confirms your diagnosis and functional limitations.

You do not need to be hospitalized or under the care of a psychiatrist to qualify — though specialist support can strengthen your claim.

What Mental Health Conditions Qualify for LTD?

You can qualify for LTD benefits for a wide range of psychological, psychiatric, and cognitive conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Panic disorder
• PTSD
• OCD
• Bipolar disorder
• ADHD
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Burnout / stress-related disorders
• Personality disorders
• Trauma-related conditions
• Substance use disorders (addiction)

What matters most is functional impairment, not the label.

How to Get Long-Term Disability for Mental Health

Insurance companies use strict criteria when reviewing mental health LTD claims. To increase your chances of approval, focus on these four elements:

1. Have a Clear Diagnosis

Your doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist should clearly document:

• your condition
• your symptoms
• how your symptoms affect your daily and work functioning

A diagnosis alone isn’t enough — insurers want functional evidence.

2. Show Consistent Treatment

Insurers often deny mental health LTD claims by saying someone isn’t in “active treatment.”

Strong treatment evidence includes:

• family doctor visits
• therapy or counselling
• psychiatrist appointments
• medication trials or adjustments
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• support groups
• specialized programs

You don’t need every treatment — just consistent, ongoing care.

3. Prove You Can’t Perform Your Job Duties

Explain how symptoms affect your essential duties. Examples:

• panic attacks preventing meetings or client interactions
• concentration issues affecting safety or accuracy
• fatigue or low motivation affecting productivity
• inability to handle workplace stressors
• emotional dysregulation affecting communication

Your doctor should clearly state why you can’t safely or consistently perform your job.

4. Provide Strong Medical Documentation

Insurance companies rely heavily on:

• doctor’s notes
• psychological assessments
• psychiatric reports
• functional ability statements
• workplace incident reports
• medication history

The more detailed, the stronger your claim.

Why Mental Health LTD Claims Get Denied

Mental health claims are denied more often than physical injuries because symptoms are “invisible” and can’t be measured with imaging or blood tests.

Common insurer reasons include:

• “insufficient objective evidence”
• “inconsistent treatment”
• “you’re capable of modified work”
• “no specialist involvement”
• “symptoms don’t match the diagnosis”
• “you can work in another job”
• surveillance or social media misinterpretation

A denial doesn’t mean you don’t qualify — it means the insurer is protecting their bottom line.

What to Do If Your Mental Health LTD Claim Is Denied

Don’t panic — and don’t file an internal appeal yet.

Instead:

• Continue your treatment
• Tell your doctor about all symptom
• Keep copies of all insurer letters and emails
• Don’t quit your job
• Speak to a disability lawyer before appealing

Internal appeals keep your case inside the insurance company and rarely succeed.
A legal claim is usually faster and far more effective.

off after 2 years, legal help is often necessary.

What Happens After Two Years on LTD (Mental Health)

Most LTD policies have a change of definition at the two-year mark:

• First 2 years: Can you perform your own job?
• After 2 years: Can you perform any job you are reasonably suited for?

Many mental health claims are cut off at this point. If your symptoms still prevent you from working in any appropriate job, you may continue receiving benefits.

If your claim is cut off after 2 years, legal help is often necessary.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Mental Health LTD Denial?

You don’t have to fight your insurance company alone.
Many people with legitimate mental health disabilities are denied despite strong evidence.

A long-term disability lawyer can:

• deal directly with the insurer
• collect the medical evidence needed
• challenge unfair denials
• ensure your benefits are reinstated
• pursue full compensation if benefits were improperly denied

You don’t pay anything upfront — legal fees come from the settlement once the case is resolved.

Speak to a Disability Lawyer About Long-Term Disability for Mental Health

If your long-term disability claim for mental health was denied, delayed, or cut off, we can help. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our long-term disability lawyers have helped thousands of Canadians secure the benefits they’re owed.

There are no upfront fees, and you don’t pay unless we win.

📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900, email help@disabilityrights.ca, or use our online form for a FREE consultation.