Canada Life Short-Term Disability: 2025 Guide to Payments, Forms & Your Rights

If you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury, Canada Life’s short-term disability (STD) benefits can provide crucial income support. But navigating the process isn’t always easy — especially when dealing with forms, waiting periods, and delays.

This simple guide explains how to apply for Canada Life short-term disability, what the waiting period is, how payments work, and what to do if your claim is denied or delayed. Whether you’re in Ontario or another province, we’ll walk you through the essentials — and help you avoid common mistakes.

What Is Canada Life Short-Term Disability?

Short-term disability through Canada Life Group Benefits provides temporary income replacement if you can’t work due to a medical condition.

Key Features:

Available through many employer-sponsored group benefit plans
Provides partial income for several weeks or months (usually up to 6 months)
Requires medical documentation from your doctor

You may also see it called “Canada Life STD” or “short-term disability benefits through Canada Life.”

ℹ️ Questions About STD? Check out our Guide to Short-Term Disability Claims in Canada.

How to Apply for Short-Term Disability with Canada Life

To start your claim, you’ll need to fill out and submit several Canada Life short-term disability forms, typically including:

Employee Statement – completed by you\
Employer Statement – filled out by your HR team or employer
Attending Physician Statement – filled out by your treating doctor

Where to Find the Forms

You can access Canada Life’s STD claim forms through your employer’s HR department or directly from Canada Life’s website.

What Is the Canada Life Short-Term Disability Waiting Period?

Before benefits begin, most Canada Life policies include a waiting period, also called the elimination period.

Typical waiting period:

0 to 7 days after your last day worked
Varies by your group insurance plan

You won’t receive STD payments during the waiting period, but you must still submit your forms promptly.

How Much Does Canada Life Pay on Short-Term Disability?

While every plan is different, Canada Life typically pays a percentage of your regular income during the approved period.

Common Payment Features:

Usually 60% to 70% of gross salary
Paid weekly or biweekly, depending on your plan
May be taxable or non-taxable, depending on who pays the premiums

ℹ️ Check the Schedule: Refer to our Canada Life Disability Payment Dates Guide to find out when you can expect to receive your STD benefits.

What to Do if Your Canada Life STD Claim Is Denied or Delayed

If your Canada Life short-term disability claim is denied, you have the right to:

Appeal the decision using additional medical records
Speak to a disability lawyer to explore your legal options
Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits as a backup

How to Appeal a Denied Canada Life STD Claim

If Canada Life denies your short-term disability claim, know that you have the right to appeal their decision. The process can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach — and legal guidance — you can improve your chances of getting your STD benefits.

⚠️ Important: You have two years from the date of denial to take legal action against Canada Life. Don’t delay your appeal or claim.

Why Was Your STD Claim Denied?

Many people are wrongfully denied STD because their insurer doesn’t properly consider mental health issues, chronic pain, or recurring illnesses. See the most common conditions eligible for disability benefits.

📞 FREE Consultation: If your claim was denied or cut off, speak to a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to explore your legal options.

Transitioning from Short-Term to Long-Term Disability with Canada Life

If your medical condition continues past your STD period (usually 17 to 26 weeks), you may need to transition to long-term disability (LTD).

This process isn’t automatic. You must apply separately for LTD, and Canada Life will re-assess your eligibility.

WATCH: Disability lawyer Sivan Tumarkin explains how to transition from LTD to short-term disability on an episode of the Disability Law Show.

Canada Life Short-Term Disability Contact & Support

Need help with your claim? You can reach out to Canada Life directly:

Visit the Canada Life Contact Page

Or speak to disability law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP for a FREE consultation about your rights and next steps.

💡 Quick Tip
Canada Life short-term disability benefits may be cut off too early — especially if you’re recovering from a mental health issue or invisible illness. Don’t accept a denial without speaking to a legal professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Life Short-Term Disability

What’s the Canada Life STD Waiting Period?

It’s typically 0–7 days after your last worked day, depending on your policy.

How Do I Get Canada Life Short-Term Disability Forms?

From your employer’s HR department or by logging into Canada Life Group Benefits.

What Happens If My STD Claim Is Denied?

You can appeal the decision and/or get legal help. Don’t give up—many initial denials get overturned.

How Much Does Canada Life Pay for STD?

Usually 60%–70% of your gross weekly income, subject to your plan’s terms.

Get Expert Help with Your Canada Life Short-Term Disability Claim

If your Canada Life short-term disability claim has been denied or your benefits have been cut off, don’t face the challenge alone. Our experienced disability lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP have successfully represented thousands of Canadians, ensuring they receive the compensation they are legally entitled to when dealing with insurance companies like Canada Life.

💡 Insider Advantage: Sivan Tumarkin, co-founding partner of Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, previously worked for insurance companies. Now, he uses that experience to level the playing field for individuals who are denied the support they’re owed. He knows their strategies — and how to overcome them.

We also assist clients with related claims, including life insurance, critical illness, mortgage insurance, and CPP Disability claims, providing full support for various types of insurance disputes in all Canadian provinces (excluding Quebec).

💲 No Win, No Fee: Our disability lawyers work on a contingency basis — you don’t pay unless we secure compensation.

Whether you’re having trouble getting approved for benefits, appealing a denial, or dealing with a claim cut-off, we’re here to help. Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today for a FREE consultation. We’ll deal with Canada Life so you can focus on your health — with peace of mind.

✔️ Over 50,000 Canadians helped
✔️ Millions recovered in disability benefits
✔️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we succeed
✔️ 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
✔️ Named one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

Canada Life Short-Term Disability: 2025 Guide to Payments, Forms & Your Rights

What Is Canada Life Short-Term Disability?