Sun Life Long-Term Disability: What Happens After 2 Years?

If you’re receiving long-term disability benefits through Sun Life, you may have heard about the “2-year change.”

Many people are approved for benefits initially — only to face a reassessment at the 24-month mark.

Understanding what happens after two years can help you avoid unexpected termination of your disability payments.

Why Does Sun Life Reassess LTD Claims After 2 Years?

Most Sun Life long-term disability policies contain two definitions of disability:

1️⃣ “Own Occupation” (First 24 Months)

During the first two years, you qualify for benefits if you are unable to perform the essential duties of your own job.

You do not need to prove you are incapable of all work — only that you can’t perform your specific occupation.

2️⃣ “Any Occupation” (After 24 Months)

After 24 months, the definition typically changes.

You must now prove that you are unable to perform any occupation that is:

• Reasonably suited to your education
• Training
• Experience

This is where many claims are cut off.

What Changes at the 2-Year Mark?

At or near the 24-month mark, Sun Life may:

• Request updated medical records
• Require specialist reports
• Conduct a paper review of your file
• Order an independent medical examination (IME)
• Assess transferable skills
• Conduct surveillance
• Refer your file to a vocational consultant

Why Are Benefits Often Terminated After 2 Years?

Benefits may be stopped if Sun Life concludes that:

• Your condition has improved
• You can perform sedentary work
• Your medical evidence does not support total disability
• There are “alternative occupations” you could perform

In many cases, claimants are told they are capable of:

• Administrative roles
• Customer service positions
• Remote or desk-based jobs

Even if those roles are unrealistic given your condition.

What Counts as “Any Occupation” Under Sun Life Policies?

“Any occupation” does not mean any job whatsoever.

👉 The difference between “own occupation” and “any occupation” is critical in long-term disability claims and is explained in more detail in our guide on own occupation vs any occupation disability in Canada.

It usually means a job that:

• Is consistent with your background
• Pays a certain percentage of your previous income
• Exists in the labour market

However, insurers often take an aggressive interpretation of this definition.

Does Sun Life Conduct Surveillance Before the 2-Year Review?

Sometimes.

Surveillance often occurs:

• Before the 24-month review
• After submitting medical updates
• When there are potential inconsistencies

Surveillance footage may be used to argue that your functional capacity is greater than reported.

What Should You Do Before the 2-Year Change?

If you are approaching the 24-month mark:

• ✔ Ensure your medical documentation is current
• ✔ Obtain detailed functional capacity descriptions
• ✔ Confirm specialist involvement where appropriate
• ✔ Avoid gaps in treatment
• ✔ Understand how your condition affects daily functioning

The quality of medical evidence at this stage is critical.

What If Sun Life Stops Your Benefits After 2 Years?

If Sun Life terminates your long-term disability benefits, you typically have two options:

1. Internal appeal
2. Legal action

Appeals may involve submitting additional medical evidence. However, internal appeals are handled by the insurer.

In many cases, legal action may be necessary to fully challenge a termination.

Can Mental Health Claims Be Terminated at 2 Years?

Yes.

Sun Life frequently reassesses mental health claims at the 24-month mark under the “any occupation” test.

This can include claims involving:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Burnout
• Chronic stress

Sun Life may argue that certain mental health conditions do not prevent sedentary work, even where significant functional limitations remain.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help After the 2-Year Review

If you are approaching or have passed the 2-year mark:

• Your policy language matters
• Your medical documentation matters
• Your vocational profile matters

A short legal review with a long term disability lawyer can determine whether:

• Sun Life applied the correct test
• Sun Life is interpreting the “any occupation” definition properly
• Sun Life fairly assessed the medical evidence

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens exactly at 24 months of Sun Life LTD?

The definition of disability typically changes from “own occupation” to “any occupation,” triggering a reassessment of your ability to work in other roles.

Does Sun Life automatically cut off benefits after 2 years?

No. However, they reassess and terminate many claims at this stage.

Can Sun Life say I can work a desk job?

Yes, insurers often argue claimants can perform sedentary work. Whether that is accurate depends on your medical and functional limitations.

What if I disagree with Sun Life’s decision?

You may appeal or pursue legal action, depending on the circumstances and timelines involved.

Speak With a Disability Lawyer About Your Sun Life Claim

If Sun Life has reassessed or terminated your long-term disability benefits after 2 years, you do not have to navigate the process alone.

A free consultation with a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand your options and protect your right to ongoing benefits.