Canada Life Long-Term Disability Claims: How Benefits Work

Canada Life long-term disability (LTD) benefits replace income when an illness or injury prevents you from working. These benefits often play a critical role, but Canada Life frequently delays, reassesses, or denies LTD claims — especially as time passes.

This guide explains how Canada Life long-term disability claims work, how the insurer reviews benefits, and what steps to take if Canada Life delays, reduces, or stops payments.

What Are Canada Life Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Canada Life long-term disability benefits replace a portion of your income if a medical condition prevents you from performing your job.

Most Canada Life LTD coverage comes through:

• Employer-sponsored group benefits plans
• Union or professional association plans

LTD benefits are intended for long-term or ongoing disabilities, not short-term illness or injury.

How Much Does Canada Life Pay for Long-Term Disability?

Most Canada Life LTD plans pay approximately:

• 60%–70% of your pre-disability income

Payments may be:

• Taxable, if premiums were paid by your employer
• Tax-free, if you paid the premiums yourself

Benefits are usually paid monthly, by direct deposit.

How to Submit a Canada Life LTD Claim

Most Canada Life long-term disability claims are submitted through your employer’s group benefits plan.

In general, submitting a claim involves:

• Completing an employee statement
• Having your employer complete an employer statement
• Submitting medical information from your treating doctor

Claims are typically submitted online through Canada Life’s group benefits system, where you can upload documents and receive updates.

Once a claim is submitted, Canada Life will review the information provided and may request additional medical records before making a decision.

How Canada Life Reviews LTD Claims

Canada Life evaluates LTD claims based on:

• Medical documentation
• Functional capacity
• Ability to work

Your claim may be reviewed:

• At approval
• Periodically during payment
• At key milestones (especially after 2 years)

Canada Life may also rely on:

• File reviews by internal medical consultants
• Requests for updated medical records
• Functional or vocational assessments

How Long Does Canada Life Take to Process a Disability Claim?

Initial Canada Life LTD decisions are often made within:

• 4–8 weeks

However, delays are common if:

• Medical records are incomplete
• Specialists disagree
• Additional assessments are requested
• Your claim is approaching a reassessment period

A claim that remains “under review” for months may signal a problem.

Reassessments After Two Years

Many Canada Life LTD claims are reassessed after two years, when the definition of disability may change.

At this stage, Canada Life may review whether you can perform any occupation reasonably suited to your education, training, or experience. This reassessment is one of the most common points at which benefits are reduced or terminated.

Common Reasons Canada Life Denies or Cuts Off LTD Benefits

Canada Life may deny or terminate benefits based on claims that:

• Medical evidence is insufficient
• Treatment is inconsistent or incomplete
• You can perform alternate work
• Surveillance contradicts reported limitations
• Functional assessments suggest work capacity

Denials often occur after months or years of payments, not just at the start.

Surveillance and Disability Claims

In some cases, Canda Life may rely on surveillance or investigations as part of a disability claim review. They sometimes introduce evidence during reassessments or before they terminate benefits.

Common Concerns and Complaints

Many claimants raise similar concerns during the Canada Life LTD process, including:

• Delays in decisions or payments
• Communication issues with case managers
• Repeated requests for documentation
• Unexpected reassessments

Canada Life LTD Payments and Delays

Canada Life usually pays long-term disability benefits monthly, but the policy terms and your claim status can affect the payment schedule.

When the insurer delays, interrupts, or stops payments, it often signals a reassessment or an administrative issue.

Mental Health and Canada Life Disability Claims

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout can qualify for Canada Life long-term disability benefits. They often review these claims closely and may apply policy limits or conduct reassessments.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help With a Canada Life Claim

If you are dealing with a Canada Life long-term disability claim — whether you’re facing delays, reassessments, or a denial — a short legal review can help clarify:

• How your policy applies
• How they make their decisions
• Whether benefits are at risk
• What options may be available

Understanding the process early can help you avoid costly missteps.

Speak With a Disability Lawyer About a Canada Life Claim

If you have questions about a Canada Life long-term disability claim or concerns about your benefits, help is available.

Speaking with an LTD lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand your rights.

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 Canada Life or any other insurance provider.