Arthritis can qualify as a disability in Canada when pain, stiffness, fatigue or reduced mobility prevents you from working safely, consistently and reliably.
Arthritis includes many different conditions. Its effect on your ability to work depends on the joints affected, the severity of your symptoms and the demands of your occupation.
A diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify you for disability benefits. Your insurer must consider your symptoms, treatment and ability to sustain your actual job duties over time.
If your short-term or long-term disability claim has been denied or cut off, an arthritis disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can review the insurer’s decision during a free consultation.
On This Page:
- Is Arthritis a Disability?
- How It Affects Work
- Disability Benefits
- Proving Your Claim
- Why Claims Are Denied
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthritis Considered a Disability in Canada?
Yes. Arthritis can be considered a disability when it substantially limits your ability to work or complete important daily activities.
Potentially disabling symptoms may include:
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Persistent joint pain and tenderness
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Stiffness after rest or prolonged inactivity
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Joint swelling and inflammation
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Reduced range of motion or mobility
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Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
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Fatigue, poor sleep or difficulty concentrating
Can Different Types of Arthritis Be Disabling?
Yes. Different forms of arthritis may become disabling depending on their symptoms, severity and effect on your occupation.
Rheumatoid arthritis can qualify as a disability when inflammation, fatigue, pain or reduced joint function prevents reliable work.
Psoriatic arthritis can qualify as a disability when joint symptoms, fatigue, skin symptoms or recurring flare-ups interfere with employment.
Osteoarthritis may also qualify when pain, stiffness or reduced mobility prevents you from completing your job duties consistently.
Can Arthritis Be a Permanent or Fluctuating Disability?
Arthritis is generally a long-term condition, but its severity varies. Some people continue working with treatment and accommodations. Others experience progressive symptoms or recurring flare-ups that make employment unsustainable.
You do not have to prove that you will never work again. You may qualify for benefits for as long as arthritis prevents you from working under the terms of your insurance policy.
How Can Arthritis Affect Your Ability to Work?
Arthritis can interfere with physical, office-based, professional, customer-facing and safety-sensitive jobs.
Movement and Physical Demands
Pain, stiffness and reduced mobility may make it difficult to stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, lift or remain seated for extended periods.
Even sedentary work may become unsustainable if you need frequent breaks or can’t remain in one position throughout the day.
Hand Function and Dexterity
Arthritis in the hands, fingers, wrists or elbows may affect gripping, typing, writing, carrying and the use of tools or machinery.
Reduced strength and fine-motor control can also interfere with the speed and accuracy required by your job.
Fatigue, Attendance and Reliability
Inflammation, poor sleep, medical appointments and medication side effects may reduce stamina or cause unpredictable absences.
Being able to complete individual tasks does not necessarily mean that you can perform them reliably throughout a normal workweek.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Arthritis?
You may qualify for disability benefits if arthritis prevents you from completing the essential duties of your occupation.
Short-Term Disability Benefits
Short-term disability benefits may replace part of your income during a medically supported leave.
Your application should explain how pain, stiffness, fatigue or reduced mobility prevents you from performing your job.
Long-Term Disability Benefits
Long-term disability benefits may become available when your symptoms continue beyond the short-term disability period.
Many LTD policies initially consider whether you can perform your own occupation. Later, the insurer may assess whether you can perform another suitable occupation.
Learn more about the change of definition in long-term disability claims.
CPP Disability Benefits
Arthritis may qualify for CPP Disability benefits when your complete medical condition regularly prevents substantially gainful employment and meets the program’s other requirements.
Disability Tax Credit
Arthritis does not automatically qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Eligibility focuses on severe and prolonged restrictions in eligible areas of everyday functioning—not simply whether you can work.
Learn more about qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit with arthritis.
How Do You Prove an Arthritis Disability Claim?
A strong claim should explain how arthritis affects your ability to function and perform your actual job. A diagnosis alone may not provide enough information.
Helpful evidence may include:
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Records from your family doctor, rheumatologist, physiotherapist and other treatment providers
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X-rays, MRIs, bloodwork or other relevant test results
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The joints affected and your range-of-motion limitations
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Restrictions involving sitting, standing, walking, lifting, gripping or repetitive movement
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The frequency and duration of flare-ups
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Your treatment history and medication side effects
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A detailed description of your occupation and job duties
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Workplace accommodations and unsuccessful return-to-work attempts
Explain Your Functional Limitations
Medical records should explain more than the location of your arthritis. They should identify what you can’t do, how long you can tolerate activities and why your limitations prevent dependable work.
Your claim should also address your complete medical condition, including back pain, chronic pain, depression, anxiety or sleep problems.
Why Do Insurers Deny Arthritis Disability Claims?
An insurer may accept your arthritis diagnosis but argue that your symptoms are not severe enough to prevent work.
Common denial reasons include:
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Imaging is described as showing mild or moderate arthritis
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Treatment is said to have stabilized your condition
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Your medical records do not clearly explain your work restrictions
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The insurer says you can perform sedentary, modified or remote work
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Workplace accommodations are treated as a complete solution
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Daily activities are treated as proof that you can work
The Insurer Says Your Arthritis Is Mild
The wording of an imaging report does not fully measure pain, stiffness, fatigue, range of motion or your ability to repeat activities throughout the day.
Your claim should focus on your actual functional capacity and the combined effect of all your symptoms.
The Insurer Says You Can Perform Sedentary Work
Sedentary work still requires attendance, concentration and the ability to sit, type or use your hands for substantial periods.
Arthritis affecting the spine, hips, knees, hands or wrists may prevent you from sustaining office or remote work.
What Should You Do After a Denial?
Save the denial letter, continue receiving appropriate treatment and request a complete copy of your disability policy.
Speak with a disability lawyer before submitting an internal appeal. The same insurance company that denied your claim will review it, and important legal deadlines may continue to run.
Learn more about what to do when your long-term disability claim is denied.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis and Disability
Is arthritis considered a disability in Canada?
Arthritis can be considered a disability when pain, stiffness, fatigue or reduced mobility substantially affects your ability to work or complete important daily activities.
Does osteoarthritis qualify for disability?
Osteoarthritis may qualify when pain, stiffness or reduced function prevents you from performing your occupation or another suitable occupation under the terms of your policy.
Is arthritis a permanent disability?
Arthritis is generally a chronic condition, but its effect on work varies. You may receive benefits for as long as your symptoms meet the applicable definition of disability.
What are the chances of getting disability for arthritis?
There is no standard approval percentage. Your chances depend on your insurance policy, symptoms, treatment history, medical support, job duties and the quality of the evidence explaining your limitations.
Should you appeal a denied arthritis disability claim?
Do not assume an internal appeal is the best option. Speak with a disability lawyer before deciding how to challenge the denial.
Get Help With a Denied Arthritis Disability Claim
Managing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility is difficult enough. Fighting with an insurance company can add financial and emotional stress.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP represents people with denied and terminated disability claims throughout Canada, excluding Quebec.
An arthritis disability lawyer can review your insurance policy, medical evidence and denial letter and explain your options.
Contact us for a free consultation if your short-term or long-term disability claim has been denied or cut off.