Short-term disability benefits in Canada provide income replacement when an illness, injury or medical condition prevents you from working for a temporary period. STD benefits are usually provided through an employer, group insurance plan or private disability policy—not automatically by the government.
Short-term disability can help when you are medically unable to work because of:
- a physical injury
- an illness
- surgery or recovery
- a mental health condition
- a pregnancy-related complication
- another medical condition that prevents you from doing your job
The exact rules depend on your disability plan. Your plan will usually determine who qualifies, how much benefits pay, when payments start, how long benefits can last and what medical evidence is required.
On This Page:
- 1. What Is Short-Term Disability?
- 2. Who Qualifies For STD?
- 3. How To Apply
- 4. Pay, Duration And Taxes
- 5. STD vs. EI vs. LTD
- 6. What If STD Is Denied?
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability is an income-replacement benefit for people who are temporarily unable to work because of a medical condition.
It is often available through:
- an employer group benefits plan
- a workplace insurance policy
- a union or association plan
- a private disability insurance policy
Short-term disability is usually designed for the early stage of a medical absence. If your condition continues beyond the short-term period, long-term disability may become relevant.
Is Short-Term Disability A Government Benefit?
Usually, no.
Short-term disability is typically provided by an employer or insurance company.
If you do not have STD coverage, you may need to consider other options, such as EI sickness benefits, if you meet the federal eligibility requirements.
Is Short-Term Disability The Same As Sick Leave?
No.
| Benefit | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | Paid time off provided by an employer, contract or workplace policy |
| Short-term disability | Insurance or workplace benefit for a medical inability to work |
| EI sickness benefits | Federal income support for eligible workers who cannot work for medical reasons |
| Long-term disability | Insurance benefit for a longer period of disability |
Read Short-Term Disability vs. EI Sickness Benefits vs. Long-Term Disability.
What Medical Conditions Can Qualify?
Many conditions can potentially qualify for short-term disability if they prevent you from doing your job.
Examples include:
- back injuries
- broken bones
- surgery recovery
- cancer treatment
- heart-related conditions
- severe migraines
- depression
- anxiety
- PTSD
- insomnia
- pregnancy-related complications
The diagnosis alone is not usually enough. The medical evidence should explain why your symptoms and limitations prevent you from working.
Who Qualifies For Short-Term Disability In Canada?
You may qualify for short-term disability if:
- you have STD coverage
- you meet the plan’s eligibility rules
- you are medically unable to work
- you provide the required medical evidence
- you apply within the required deadline
The disability plan—not a general national rule—usually controls the details.
Do All Employees Have Short-Term Disability?
No.
Some workers have STD coverage through their workplace. Others do not.
Coverage can depend on:
- your employer’s benefits plan
- your employment status
- whether you are full-time, part-time or contract
- the waiting period before benefits begin
- whether you enrolled in optional coverage
- the terms of a private insurance policy
Ask your employer, benefits administrator or insurer for the plan booklet and claim forms.
Who Decides If You Qualify?
The insurer or plan administrator usually decides whether to approve the claim.
Your doctor provides medical evidence, but the insurer decides whether the claim meets the plan’s requirements.
That means an STD claim can be denied even when your doctor supports time off work.
What Does “Unable To Work” Mean?
In many STD claims, the issue is whether your medical condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your own job.
The insurer may consider whether you can work:
- safely
- reliably
- consistently
- with your current restrictions
- with medically suitable modified duties
Your job duties matter. A condition that prevents one person from working may not affect another job in the same way.
Can Mental Health Conditions Qualify?
Yes.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorder and other psychological conditions can qualify if symptoms prevent you from doing your job.
Read Short-Term Disability For Mental Health Conditions In Canada.
Can Pregnancy Complications Qualify?
Yes.
Pregnancy itself does not automatically qualify someone for STD, but pregnancy-related medical complications may qualify when they prevent work.
Read Short-Term Disability For Pregnancy In Canada.
How To Apply For Short-Term Disability
To apply for short-term disability, start by confirming that you have coverage and getting the correct claim forms.
Most STD applications involve:
- an employee statement
- a medical statement from your doctor or treating provider
- employer information about your job, earnings and last day worked
- supporting medical records where required
- submission before the plan deadline
For the full step-by-step process, visit How To Apply For Short-Term Disability In Canada.
What Medical Evidence Do You Need?
Useful medical evidence often explains:
- your diagnosis or medical condition
- your symptoms
- your functional restrictions
- why you cannot perform your job
- your treatment plan
- when you will be reassessed
- how long you may need to be off work
A short doctor’s note may not be enough if it does not explain your functional limitations.
Can Your Employer Refuse To Provide STD Forms?
If your employer provides STD coverage, it should generally provide access to the claim process or direct you to the insurer or benefits administrator.
If your employer will not provide information, ask for the plan booklet, insurer contact information and claim forms in writing.
How Long Does Approval Take?
There is no single approval timeline for every STD claim.
Timing can depend on:
- how complete the application is
- how quickly medical information is provided
- whether the insurer needs clarification
- whether employer information is missing
- the insurer’s review process
If the insurer delays or repeatedly asks for the same information, keep a written record of all communication.
How Much Does Short-Term Disability Pay And How Long Does It Last?
Short-term disability pay and duration depend on your plan.
Most plans replace a percentage of your pre-disability income, up to a maximum weekly or monthly amount.
Short-term disability typically lasts for weeks or months. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada says short-term disability coverage typically provides benefits for up to six months while you are sick or injured.
| Question | General Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does STD pay? | Usually a percentage of eligible earnings, subject to plan maximums |
| How long does STD last? | Usually weeks or months, often up to six months depending on the plan |
| Is STD taxable? | It depends largely on who paid the premiums |
| Can STD be extended? | Only within the plan’s rules and maximum benefit period |
How Is STD Pay Calculated?
A plan may calculate benefits using:
- base salary
- hourly earnings
- average weekly earnings
- commissions or variable income, depending on the plan
- a maximum weekly or monthly cap
Read How Much Does Short-Term Disability Pay In Canada?.
How Long Can You Be On STD?
The maximum benefit period is set by the plan.
You may be approved for only a shorter period at first, even if the plan maximum is longer.
For example, a plan might have a maximum period of several months, but the insurer may approve benefits for a few weeks and ask for updated medical evidence before extending the claim.
Read How Long Does Short-Term Disability Last In Canada?.
Is Short-Term Disability Taxable?
It depends largely on who paid the insurance premiums.
STD benefits are generally tax-free if you paid the entire cost of the disability insurance premiums yourself.
If your employer paid all or part of the premiums, the benefits are generally taxable.
Read Is Short-Term Disability Taxable In Canada?.
Short-Term Disability vs. EI Sickness Benefits vs. Long-Term Disability
Short-term disability is only one type of income support during a medical absence.
| Benefit | Who Provides It? | What It Is For |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term disability | Employer, insurer or private plan | Temporary medical inability to work |
| EI sickness benefits | Federal government | Temporary inability to work for medical reasons where EI rules are met |
| Long-term disability | Employer, insurer or private plan | Longer periods of disability after a waiting period |
What If You Do Not Have STD Coverage?
If you do not have short-term disability coverage, EI sickness benefits may be an option if you meet the federal requirements.
The Government of Canada says EI sickness benefits can provide up to 26 weeks of financial assistance to eligible workers who cannot work for medical reasons.
EI sickness benefits generally pay 55% of earnings up to a maximum of $729 per week for claims beginning in 2026.
You can review the Government of Canada EI sickness benefits program.
Can You Choose EI Instead Of STD?
Do not assume that you can simply choose whichever benefit you prefer.
If your employer has an STD plan, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada says claims must be made through that disability plan.
Check your plan before deciding whether EI sickness benefits apply.
What Happens When STD Ends?
When STD ends, you may:
- return to work
- begin a gradual return
- apply for or begin long-term disability
- apply for EI sickness benefits where available
- face a gap in income if another benefit is delayed or denied
Read What Happens When Short-Term Disability Ends?.
What If Short-Term Disability Is Denied?
Short-term disability claims can be denied at the beginning or cut off after benefits have already started.
Common reasons include:
- insufficient medical evidence
- unclear functional limitations
- missing forms
- the insurer’s view that you can still work
- disagreement about treatment
- coverage or eligibility issues
- the insurer’s belief that modified work is available
A denial does not automatically mean:
- you are medically able to work
- your doctor is wrong
- your condition is not serious
- you have no options
Should You Appeal A Denial?
Not automatically.
Insurers often describe an internal appeal process in the denial letter, but that does not always mean an appeal is the best next step.
Before appealing, understand:
- why the claim was denied
- what evidence is missing
- whether the insurer misunderstood your job duties
- whether LTD deadlines are approaching
- whether legal action or another option should be considered
Read Short-Term Disability Denied In Canada.
Can Your Benefits Be Cut Off Early?
Yes.
The insurer may stop STD before the plan maximum if it decides that you no longer meet the requirements.
If benefits are cut off, ask for the decision in writing and compare the insurer’s reason with your doctor’s current medical restrictions.
Returning To Work After Short-Term Disability
Some people return to regular duties when STD ends.
Others return with:
- modified duties
- reduced hours
- temporary restrictions
- a gradual return-to-work plan
- ongoing accommodation
The end of STD does not automatically mean you are cleared for full duties.
Ontario employees can read Returning To Work After Short-Term Disability In Ontario.
Can You Travel While On Short-Term Disability?
Travel is not automatically banned while receiving STD, but it can create problems if it conflicts with your medical restrictions, interrupts treatment or violates the insurer’s reporting rules.
Before travelling, check your plan, speak with your doctor and notify the insurer if approval or disclosure is required.
Read Can You Travel While On Short-Term Disability?.
Short-Term Disability By Province
Private and employer-provided STD benefits are usually controlled by the disability plan, not by a single province-wide payment formula.
However, related employment-law rights, job-protected leaves and accommodation rules can vary by province.
Province-specific STD resources:
- Short-Term Disability In Ontario
- Short-Term Disability In Alberta
- Short-Term Disability In BC
- Short-Term Disability In Manitoba
- Short-Term Disability In Saskatchewan
- Short-Term Disability In Nova Scotia
Short-Term Disability By Insurance Company
STD forms, review processes and approval practices can differ by insurance company.
Insurer-specific resources:
- Manulife Short-Term Disability
- Sun Life Short-Term Disability
- Canada Life Short-Term Disability
- Blue Cross Short-Term Disability
- Desjardins Short-Term Disability
- RBC Short-Term Disability
The specific plan wording remains more important than the insurer’s name alone.
When Should You Contact A Short-Term Disability Lawyer?
Many people can apply for STD without a lawyer.
Legal advice becomes more important when:
- your claim is denied
- benefits are cut off early
- the insurer says you can return but your doctor disagrees
- you are unsure whether to appeal
- STD denial could affect LTD
- your employer is pressuring you to return
- you are terminated while sick or disabled
Learn more about working with a short-term disability lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is short-term disability in Canada?
Short-term disability is an income-replacement benefit for people who are temporarily unable to work because of illness, injury or another medical condition.
Is short-term disability a government benefit?
Usually, no. STD is typically provided through an employer, insurer or private disability plan. EI sickness benefits are the federal government program.
Who qualifies for short-term disability?
You may qualify if you have STD coverage, meet the plan requirements, are medically unable to work and provide the required evidence.
Do all employees get short-term disability?
No. Not every workplace provides STD coverage.
How do you apply for short-term disability?
You usually need claim forms from the insurer or plan administrator, a medical statement from your doctor and employer information about your job and earnings.
How much does short-term disability pay?
STD usually pays a percentage of eligible earnings, up to a maximum set by the plan.
How long does short-term disability last?
The exact period depends on the plan. STD often lasts for weeks or months and may provide benefits for up to six months in many plans.
Is short-term disability taxable?
It depends largely on who paid the insurance premiums. Benefits are generally taxable if the employer paid all or part of the premiums.
Can mental health qualify for short-term disability?
Yes. Mental health conditions can qualify when symptoms prevent you from performing your job and the evidence supports the claim.
Can pregnancy qualify for short-term disability?
Pregnancy-related medical complications can qualify when they prevent you from working. Pregnancy itself does not automatically qualify.
Can insomnia qualify for short-term disability?
Yes, potentially. Severe insomnia can qualify when sleep-related symptoms prevent safe, reliable work.
What happens if short-term disability is denied?
Get the denial in writing, identify the reason, continue medical treatment and understand how the denial could affect LTD before deciding whether to appeal.
Can short-term disability be cut off early?
Yes. The insurer may stop benefits before the maximum period if it decides that you no longer meet the plan requirements.
Can you get EI instead of short-term disability?
Possibly, if you do not have STD coverage or if EI applies in your circumstances. If your employer has an STD plan, claims usually go through that plan first.
Does short-term disability automatically become long-term disability?
No. LTD often requires a separate application and updated medical evidence.
Short-Term Disability Denied Or Cut Off?
Short-term disability can protect your income while you recover, but problems arise when insurers delay, deny or stop benefits before you are ready to return to work.
If your STD claim has been denied, cut off or delayed, understand your options before filing a rushed appeal or returning to work before you are medically ready.
Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP for a free, confidential consultation with a disability lawyer.