Sun Life Long-Term Disability Denied: What You Can Do Next

Having your Sun Life long-term disability claim denied can be overwhelming — especially if you rely on monthly benefits to support yourself or your family.

Many people are denied after initially being approved, or after years of receiving benefits. In most cases, the denial comes as a surprise and is based on how Sun Life interprets medical evidence, policy wording, or work capacity.

If your benefits were denied, delayed, or cut off, understanding why matters — and so does knowing your next step.

Common Reasons Sun Life Denies LTD Claims

Sun Life may deny or terminate Sun Life long-term disability claims for several reasons, including:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Gaps in treatment
• Surveillance or investigation findings
• File reviews by internal medical consultants
• Vocational assessments suggesting alternative work
• A change from “own occupation” to “any occupation”

Denied After Being Approved? You’re Not Alone

It is common for Sun Life to approve claims initially and later deny them.

This often happens:

• At the 24-month (2-year) mark
• After updated medical information is requested
• Following a paper review or independent medical examination
• After a vocational assessment

Can Mental Health Disability Claims Be Denied?

Yes.

Sun Life frequently denies or terminates LTD claims involving:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Burnout
• Chronic stress

Does Sun Life Use Surveillance or Investigations?

In some cases, yes.

Sun Life may rely on:

• Video surveillance
• Social media monitoring
• Private investigations

Surveillance footage is sometimes used to argue that a claimant’s functional abilities are greater than reported.

Should You Appeal a Sun Life LTD Denial?

Typically, no.

Sun Life usually offers an internal appeal process.

While appeals can be appropriate in some situations, they are still reviewed by the insurer — the same company that denied your claim.

Appeals often require:

• New or stronger medical evidence
• Detailed functional assessments
• Specialist support

What If Sun Life Cut Off Your Benefits?

If Sun Life stopped paying your long-term disability benefits, timing matters.

There may be:

• Deadlines for appealing
• Limitation periods for legal action
• Waiting too long can limit your options.

If your benefits were terminated, early guidance can help you avoid missteps that may affect your claim.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help With a Sun Life Denial

If your Sun Life long-term disability claim was denied or terminated, a short legal review can determine whether:

• Sun Life applied the correct disability test
• Sun Life properly interpreted the policy definition
• Sun Life fairly assessed your medical evidence

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Sun Life deny long-term disability claims?

Claims are often denied due to medical evidence issues, reassessments after two years, or insurer conclusions about work capacity.

Can Sun Life deny benefits after paying for years?

Yes. Benefits are commonly terminated after reassessments, particularly when the definition of disability changes.

Is it worth appealing a Sun Life denial?

It depends. Some appeals succeed, but many do not. Legal advice can help clarify the best approach.

How long do I have to challenge a denial?

Time limits vary. Acting quickly helps protect your options.

Speak With a Disability Lawyer About a Sun Life Denial

If Sun Life has denied or cut off your long-term disability benefits, you do not have to accept the decision at face value.

Speaking with an experienced long-term disability lawyer in Canada at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand whether Sun Life applied the correct test — and whether your denial can be challenged.