What Happens When Short-Term Disability Ends in Canada?

Short-term disability (STD) benefits are meant to provide temporary income support when you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. But STD benefits don’t last forever.

When short-term disability ends, many people are left asking the same questions:

• Do I have to go back to work?
• What happens if I’m still sick?
• Can I move to long-term disability?
• What if my benefits are cut off early?

This guide explains what typically happens when short-term disability ends in Canada, and what options may be available depending on your situation.

When Do Short-Term Disability Benefits End?

Short-term disability usually ends when one of three things happens:

1. You’re medically cleared to return to work
2. You reach the maximum length of your STD benefits
3. The insurer decides you no longer meet the definition of disability

Most STD plans last between 15 and 26 weeks, though the exact duration depends on the insurance policy.

Do You Have to Go Back to Work When STD Ends?

Not necessarily.

An insurer ending STD benefits does not automatically mean:

• you’re medically able to work, or
• you must return to your job right away.

If your doctor says you’re still unable to work, you should not return to work against medical advice, even if STD benefits have stopped.

What If You’re Still Unable to Work When STD Ends?

If you’re still unable to work when short-term disability ends, there are typically three possible paths.

Option 1: Apply for Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Many STD plans are designed to transition directly into long-term disability (LTD) if you remain disabled.

LTD benefits:

• last much longer than STD
• usually begin after STD ends
• have a different definition of disability

This transition period is critical. Mistakes or gaps at this stage can weaken an LTD claim.

Option 2: Apply for EI Sickness Benefits

If LTD is not available, or if there is a delay, you may be able to apply for EI sickness benefits.

EI sickness benefits:

• are provided by the federal government
• are time-limited
• require a medical certificate

EI may help bridge income gaps, but it is not a long-term solution.

Option 3: Challenge the Insurer’s Decision

In some cases, STD benefits end before the maximum benefit period, even though you’re still unable to work.

This is often referred to as an early cut-off, and it may be treated much like a denial.

Common reasons insurers give include:

• claims that you’ve recovered enough to work
• reinterpretation of medical evidence
• surveillance or file reviews

What If Your Short-Term Disability Was Cut Off Early?

If STD benefits were approved and then stopped early, this does not mean the insurer is right.

Early terminations can often be challenged, especially when:

• medical evidence still supports disability
• symptoms fluctuate or worsen
• the insurer relies on incomplete information

How STD Ending Can Affect Long-Term Disability Claims

What happens at the end of STD often has a direct impact on LTD.

Problems can arise if:

• there is a gap between STD and LTD
• the insurer argues you were fit to work when STD ended
• deadlines are missed
• medical evidence isn’t aligned

Handling the transition carefully can help protect future benefits.

Does Your Job Have to Be Held While You’re on Disability?

Income replacement benefits and job protection are separate issues.

Even if STD ends, you may still be entitled to job-protected medical leave under employment standards legislation, depending on your situation.

Key Takeaway

When short-term disability ends, it doesn’t automatically mean you must return to work — and it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Whether you transition to long-term disability, apply for EI sickness benefits, or challenge an insurer’s decision, what you do next matters.