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

If you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury, Manulife’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 Manulife 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 Manulife Short-Term Disability?

Short-term disability through Manulife 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 “Manulife STD” or “short-term disability benefits through Manulife.”

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

How long does Manulife Short-Term Disability last?

The duration of STD benefits under Manulife generally covers up to 17 weeks, though some plans may offer coverage for up to 52 weeks depending on the policy.

How to Apply for Short-Term Disability with Manulife

To start your claim, you’ll need to fill out and submit several Manulife 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 Manulife’s STD claim forms through your employer’s HR department or directly from Manulife’s website.

What Is the Manulife Short-Term Disability Waiting Period?

Before benefits begin, most Manulife 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 Manulife Pay on Short-Term Disability?

While every plan is different, Manulife 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 Manulife Disability Payment Dates Section to find out when you can expect to receive your STD benefits.

What to Do If Your Manulife STD Claim Is Denied or Delayed

If your Manulife 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 Manulife STD Claim

If Manulife 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 Manulife. 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 Manulife

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 Manulife 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.

Manulife Short-Term Disability Contact & Support

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

Visit the Manulife Contact Page

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

💡 Quick Tip
Manulife 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 at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manulife Short-Term Disability

What’s the Manulife STD Waiting Period?

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

How Do I Get Manulife Short-Term Disability Forms?

From your employer’s HR department or by logging into Manulife 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 Manulife Pay for STD?

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

Get Expert Help with Your Manulife Short-Term Disability Claim

If your Manulife short-term disability claim has been denied, delayed, or cut off, you don’t have to go through it alone. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is Canada’s leading disability law firm, with extensive experience successfully representing clients against Manulife. We understand how Manulife handles STD claims — and we know how to challenge unfair denials.

Whether you need help appealing a denial or want to know your rights, our lawyers can review your Manulife disability claim and get the compensation you’re legally entitled to. We’ve helped thousands of Canadians get the benefits they were promised — and we can help you, too.

💡 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).

- 🔗 Explore Manulife LTD claim options

💲 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 Manulife 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

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

What Is Manulife Short-Term Disability?

How long does Manulife Short-Term Disability last?