The main difference between short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) is how long they replace your income when a medical condition prevents you from working.
Short-term disability covers the earlier stages of an illness or injury. Long-term disability provides income when you remain unable to work for a longer period.
Both benefits are usually provided through workplace or private disability insurance. How much you receive, when payments begin and how long they last depend on your insurance plan.
On This Page:
- 1. Key Differences
- 2. How Long STD Lasts
- 3. When LTD Starts
- 4. Moving From STD to LTD
- 5. How Much Benefits Pay
- 6. LTD Denied After STD
- 7. Where EI Fits
- 8. Common Questions
What Is the Difference Between Short-Term and Long-Term Disability?
Short-term disability provides temporary income replacement. Long-term disability provides income when a medical condition prevents you from working for an extended period.
Here are the key differences between STD and LTD benefits in Canada.
| Question | Short-Term Disability (STD) | Long-Term Disability (LTD) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Covers shorter medical absences | Covers longer periods of disability |
| When It Starts | Near the beginning of a medical absence, after any waiting period | After the LTD waiting period |
| How Long It Lasts | Usually weeks or months | Potentially months or years |
| Payment Amount | Depends on your STD plan | Often 60% to 70% of income, depending on the policy |
| Medical Evidence | Required | Required |
| Approval | Based on STD eligibility rules | Based on separate LTD eligibility rules |
The most important distinction is that STD and LTD are separate benefits with different eligibility requirements. Approval for one doesn’t guarantee approval for the other.
How Long Does Short-Term Disability Last?
Short-term disability usually lasts several weeks or months. Many plans provide coverage for up to six months, although the maximum duration depends on your policy.
STD replaces part of your income when an illness, injury, surgery or other medical condition temporarily prevents you from working.
If you’re still unable to work when STD ends, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits.
For more information, read our Short-Term Disability in Canada guide.
When Does Long-Term Disability Start?
Long-term disability can begin after the waiting period in your LTD insurance policy ends. This often happens around the time short-term disability benefits expire.
LTD is designed for people whose medical conditions prevent them from returning to work for a longer period.
Depending on your policy and continued eligibility, LTD benefits can last for months or years. The insurance company can also review your medical condition while you’re receiving payments.
Learn more about Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada.
Does Short-Term Disability Automatically Become Long-Term Disability?
No. Short-term disability doesn’t automatically turn into long-term disability when your STD benefits end.
If you’re still unable to work, you may need to submit a separate LTD application and provide updated medical information.
Before your short-term disability ends:
- Check when your LTD waiting period ends
- Confirm whether a separate LTD application is required
- Ask your doctor for updated medical records and forms
- Submit your application before the deadline
Read our complete guide to Moving From Short-Term to Long-Term Disability.
How Much Do Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Pay?
STD and LTD both replace part of your income, but the payment amounts can be different.
Short-term disability payments depend on your workplace or private insurance plan. Many long-term disability policies replace approximately 60% to 70% of your regular income, although some provide more or less.
Your actual payments may also depend on:
- Your salary or eligible earnings
- The benefit percentage in your policy
- Maximum weekly or monthly payment limits
- Whether your benefits are taxable
- Other income or benefits you receive
Don’t assume your LTD payments will be the same as your STD payments. Check both plans to understand what you’re entitled to receive.
Can Long-Term Disability Be Denied After Short-Term Disability Was Approved?
Yes. You can be approved for short-term disability and still be denied long-term disability.
The insurance company may require new medical evidence or decide that you don’t meet the LTD policy’s definition of disability.
For example, your insurer might claim that:
- You haven’t provided enough medical evidence
- Your condition has improved
- You’re capable of returning to work
- You don’t meet the LTD policy’s eligibility requirements
This can happen even when the same insurance company manages both your STD and LTD benefits.
Read our guides to Short-Term Disability Denials and Long-Term Disability Denials.
Where Do EI Sickness Benefits Fit?
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits are different from STD and LTD. EI is a federal government program that provides temporary income to eligible workers who can’t work for medical reasons.
EI may be available if you don’t have short-term disability coverage or during certain gaps between benefits. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the applicable rules.
For a full explanation, read Short-Term Disability vs. EI vs. Long-Term Disability.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability: Frequently Asked Questions
Which comes first, short-term or long-term disability?
Short-term disability usually comes first. Long-term disability can begin after the waiting period in your LTD insurance policy, provided you meet the requirements for approval.
Can you get LTD without short-term disability?
Yes. You can qualify for long-term disability even if you don’t have short-term disability coverage. Your eligibility depends on your LTD insurance policy.
Can STD and LTD be provided by different insurance companies?
Yes. The same insurer may handle both benefits, but some workplaces use different insurance companies or administrators. Check your benefits information to confirm who manages each claim.
Do STD and LTD require the same medical evidence?
Not necessarily. LTD insurers may require more detailed or updated medical evidence to confirm that your condition continues to prevent you from working.
Can you receive LTD benefits for several years?
Yes. LTD benefits can continue for years if your medical condition prevents you from working and you continue to meet your policy’s requirements. Some policies provide coverage up to age 65, although limits vary.
Short-Term or Long-Term Disability Benefits Denied? We Can Help.
If your short-term or long-term disability benefits have been denied, delayed or cut off, you don’t have to accept the insurance company’s decision as final.
Denied doesn’t mean defeated.
The disability lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help Canadians challenge insurance company denials and fight for the benefits they’re owed.
We assist clients across Canada, excluding Quebec.
Or call 1-855-821-5900.