If you’re unable to work temporarily due to illness or injury, Desjardins short-term disability benefits can help replace your income.
Short-term disability (STD) benefits are designed to support you during the early stages of a medical leave.
But like long-term disability claims, approval isn’t automatic — and delays or denials can happen.
This guide explains how Desjardins short-term disability works, including:
- How to apply
- How long benefits last
- Why claims are denied
- What happens if your condition becomes long-term
What Is Desjardins Short-Term Disability?
Desjardins short-term disability (STD) insurance is usually part of a group benefits plan provided by your employer.
It provides temporary income replacement if you’re unable to work due to:
- Illness
- Injury
- Surgery recovery
- Mental health conditions
How Long Do Desjardins Short-Term Disability Benefits Last?
STD benefits are designed to cover short-term absences from work.
The duration of benefits depends on your policy, but commonly:
- Up to 15–17 weeks
- Sometimes shorter or longer depending on your plan
Once STD benefits end, you may:
- Return to work
- Transition to long-term disability (LTD)
- Remain without income if your claim is denied
The transition from STD to LTD is a critical stage where many claims run into issues.
How Do You Apply for Desjardins Short-Term Disability?
To apply for STD benefits, you’ll typically need to submit:
- An employee statement
- An attending physician statement (from your doctor)
- An employer statement
Your medical documentation must clearly show that you’re unable to perform your job duties.
Even with medical support, Desjardins may:
- Request additional documentation
- Ask for updates during your leave
- Review your claim before approving or continuing benefits
Why Do Desjardins STD Claims Get Denied?
Short-term disability claims are often denied for similar reasons as LTD claims.
Common reasons include:
- Insufficient medical evidence
- The insurer believes you can still work
- Incomplete or inconsistent forms
- Missed deadlines
- Disputes over the severity of your condition
What Happens if Your STD Claim Is Denied?
If your Desjardins short-term disability claim is denied, you still have options.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to:
- Provide additional medical information
- Request a review of the decision
- File a complaint with Desjardins
- Explore legal options
Acting quickly is important, especially if your income has stopped.
Transitioning From Short-Term to Long-Term Disability
If your condition lasts longer than your STD coverage period, you may need to apply for long-term disability benefits.
This process is not automatic.
You must:
- Submit a separate LTD application
- Meet a different definition of disability
- Provide updated medical evidence
Many claims are denied at this stage — even if STD benefits were approved.
Common Issues With Desjardins Short-Term Disability Claims
Even short-term claims can become complicated.
Common issues include:
- Delays in approval
- Requests for repeated medical updates
- Pressure to return to work early
- Disagreements about your ability to work
- Benefits ending sooner than expected
Key Takeaways
- Desjardins short-term disability provides temporary income support
- Claims require medical evidence and ongoing updates
- Denials can happen even with doctor support
- The transition to long-term disability is a key risk point
- You have options if your claim is denied or delayed
Speak to a Disability Lawyer About Your Desjardins STD Claim
If you’re dealing with issues related to your Desjardins short-term disability claim — including delays or denials — it may help to get clear answers about your situation.
A disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand:
- Whether your claim is being handled fairly
- What your options are moving forward
- What steps you can take to protect your benefits
There’s no cost to speak with our team.
Disclaimer: This guide was created by Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. It is an independent resource designed to help individuals understand their insurance rights and the appeals process. It is not produced by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Desjardins or any other insurance provider.