Sun Life Long-Term Disability Claims: How Benefits Work

Sun Life long-term disability (LTD) benefits are designed to replace income when an illness or injury prevents you from working. While many claims are approved initially, others are delayed, reassessed, or denied — sometimes after benefits have been paid for years.

This page explains how Sun Life long-term disability claims work, what to expect during the claims process, and where problems commonly arise. It also links to more detailed guides on key issues, such as reassessments after two years, denials, surveillance, and payment dates.

What Are Sun Life Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Sun Life long-term disability benefits provide income replacement when you are unable to work due to a medical condition.

Coverage most often comes through:

Group Benefits (Most Common)

• Offered through your employer
• Require ongoing medical updates
• Often include offsets, such as CPP Disability or other income sources

Individual Disability Insurance

• Purchased privately
• May offer stronger protections and higher benefit caps

Most Sun Life LTD policies include:

• Partial income replacement (often 60-80%)
• Monthly payments
• Ongoing medical reporting requirements
• Periodic reviews of eligibility

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How to Submit a Sun Life Long-Term Disability Claim

Most Sun 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 Sun Life’s group benefits system, where you can upload documents and receive updates.

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

Sun Life provides general information about submitting disability claims through its group benefits plans on its website.

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How Sun Life LTD Claims Are Reviewed

Sun Life typically assesses LTD claims using medical and functional evidence, including:

• Physician and specialist reports
• Functional limitations
• Treatment history and compliance

Even after approval, claims are usually reviewed periodically to confirm continued eligibility.

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

Sun Life typically takes 5 to 20 business days to process a long-term disability claim once all required forms and medical information are received.

Processing times may be longer if:

• Medical records are incomplete or unclear
• Multiple doctors or specialists are involved
• Sun Life requests clarification or additional documentation
• Your claim is undergoing a more detailed review

It’s also common for processing times to increase if a claim is being reassessed or reviewed more closely.

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Reassessments After Two Years

Many Sun Life long-term disability claims are reassessed after two years, when the definition of disability may change.

At this stage, Sun 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.

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Why Sun Life Long-Term Disability Claims Are Denied or Cut Off

Sun Life may deny or terminate LTD benefits for reasons such as:

• Insufficient or inconsistent medical evidence
• Gaps in treatment
• Reassessments under a different disability definition
• Vocational assessments suggesting alternate work
• Surveillance or investigations

If your benefits were denied or stopped, understanding why the decision was made is critical.

Surveillance and Disability Claims

In some cases, Sun Life may rely on surveillance or investigations as part of a disability claim review. Surveillance evidence is sometimes introduced during reassessments or before benefits are terminated.

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Common Concerns and Complaints

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

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

Sun Life LTD Payments and Timing

Sun Life long-term disability benefits are usually paid monthly, but payment timing can vary depending on the policy and the status of your claim.

If payments are delayed, interrupted, or stopped, it may signal a reassessment or administrative issue.

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Mental Health Disability Claims

Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout can qualify for Sun Life long-term disability benefits. However, these claims are often reviewed closely and may be subject to policy limits or reassessments.

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How a Disability Lawyer Can Help With a Sun Life Claim

If you are dealing with a Sun 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
• Why a decision was made
• 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 Sun Life LTD Claim

If you have questions about a Sun 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.