Sun Life Long-Term Disability Benefits: What Happens After 2 Years (2025 Guide)

If you’re receiving Sun Life long-term disability benefits, the 2-year mark is often the most stressful point in your claim. At this stage, Sun Life typically reassesses your file, and as a result, applies the tougher “any occupation” test. Because of this, many Canadians see their benefits reduced or cut off entirely.

That’s why understanding what happens after 2 years is so important. In this guide, you’ll learn in simple terms why Sun Life stops LTD payments at 24 months, how the “any occupation” test works, and what steps you can take if your benefits are denied, delayed, or terminated.

You’ll also find clear answers about Sun Life LTD rules, payment dates, claim processing times, travel restrictions, and when to contact a disability lawyer for help. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect — and what your rights are.

1. What Are Sun Life Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Sun Life long-term disability (LTD) benefits replace part of your income when illness or injury prevents you from working. Coverage usually comes through:

A. Group Benefits (Most Common)

• Offered through your workplace
• Require ongoing medical updates
• Often include offsets (like CPP-D, severance pay)

B. Individual Disability Insurance

• Purchased privately
• Often provides stronger protection and higher benefit caps

Most Sun Life LTD policies include:

• 60%-80% income replacement
• Monthly payments
• Regular medical reporting
• The 2-year “change of definition” rule — a key issue explained below

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2. How to Apply for Sun Life LTD

Applying properly can help avoid delays or denials.

Step 1 — Collect Required Forms

• Employee Statement
• Employer Statement
• Attending Physician’s Statement (learn more about APS requirements)

Step 2 — Submit Online Through Sun Life

You can track updates, payments, and messages from your Sun Life disability case manager, through their group benefits login portal.

Step 3 — Wait Through the Elimination Period

The elimination (or waiting) period is typically 90–180 days. Many employees rely on:

• Sun Life short-term disability
• EI sickness benefits

Step 4 — Sun Life Reviews Your Claim

Typically 5–20 business days, depending on medical complexity.

Step 5 — Approval or Denial

If denied, you can appeal internally OR start a legal claim.

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2. Sun Life LTD Payments: Amounts, Dates & Delays

People often search for:

• sun life long-term disability payment dates
• sunlife disability payments
• sunlife long-term disability payments

Here’s what to expect.

How Much Sun Life Pays

Most plans cover 60%–80% of your pre-disability income.

Taxable vs. Tax-Free:

• Employer paid premiums → taxable payments
• You paid the premiums → tax-free payments

When Sun Life Issues Payments

• Monthly, usually at month-end
• Paid by direct deposit (fastest) or cheque

Why Payments May Be Delayed

Common reasons:

• Missing medical updates
• Case manager changes
• Policy review
• Upcoming 2-year reassessment
• Banking issues

If Sun Life repeatedly delays or “reviews” your claim, this may be treated as a denial.

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4. What Happens After 2 Years on Sun Life LTD? (24-Month Rule)

After 24 months, Sun Life applies a tougher test to decide whether you still qualify for LTD.

During the First 2 Years — “Own Occupation”

You qualify if you can’t perform the essential duties of your own job.

After 2 Years — “Any Occupation”

You must prove you can’t work in any job reasonably suited to your:

• Education
• Training
• Experience

This shift — called the change of definition — is the most common reason Sun Life cuts off disability benefits at 2 years.

You Do NOT Need to be Beridden to Qualify After 2 Years

Courts recognize that disability includes:

• Chronic Pain
• Fatigue
• Cognitive issues
• Mental Health Conditions
• Flare-ups
• Inconsistent Work Capacity

Common Reasons Sun Life Stops LTD at 24 Months:

• They claim you can do another job
• Insufficient medical evidence
• Surveillance footage
• IME or vocational assessment results
• Missed treatment steps
• Daily acitivites interpreted as “work capacity”

If Sun Life ends your LTD at 2 years, you may still fully qualify OR be entitled to a compensation payout.

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5. Why Sun Life Denies LTD Claims

Typical reasons include:

• Weak or inconsistent medical documentation
• Pre-existing condition clauses
• Missed appointments or treatment
• “Any occupation” denial after 2 years
• Surveillance or social media issues
• Conflicting specialist reports

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6. How Long Does Sun Life Take to Process LTD Claims?

Typical processing time: 5-20 business days

Delays are common when:

• Multiple specialists are involved
• Sun Life requests more information
• Case managers rotate
• Your 2-year mark is approaching

7. How to Check Your Sun Life LTD Claim Status

You can check your status through:

1. Sun Life Group Benefits Portal

See:

• Claim updates
• Required documents
• Messages from your case manager
• Payment schedule

2. Your Sun Life Disability Case Manager

If they do not respond or keep requesting unnecessary forms, your claim may be at risk.

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8. Sun Life LTD and Travel

Most Sun Life policies allow travel, but:

• You must stay available for assessments
• Trips must not interfere with treatment
• Long trips may need approval
• International travel may be restricted

Always confirm with your polciy before booking travel.

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9. What to Do If Sun Life Cuts Off Your Benefits

You have two options:

A. Internal Appeal (Low Success Rate)

This means Sun Life reviews its own decision. Learn more by reading our guide on Appealing Long-Term Disability Denials.

B. Legal Claim (Far More Effective)

This can lead to:

• Reinstated benefits
• Back pay
• Lump-sum settlement
• Compensation for future payments

10. FAQs About Sun Life LTD

How Long Can Sun Life LTD Last?

Depending on your policy:

• 2 years
• 5 years
• 10 years
• To age 65

Can Sun Life Monitor Me?

Yes — through surveillance and online activity.

Can I Work Part-Time While on LTD?

Possibly, but it can trigger reassessment.

Can I Travel While on LTD?

Sometimes — check your policy before traveling.

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11. Speak to a Disability Lawyer About Your Sun Life LTD Claim

If your Sun Life long-term disability benefits were denied, delayed, or cut off — especially after the two-year change of definition — you don’t have to handle this alone.

Why People Choose Our Disability Lawyers

• No upfront fees
• You don’t pay unless we win
• Deep knowledge of Sun Life’s rules and denial tactics
• 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
• Millions recovered for clients

📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900, email help@disabilityrights.ca, or use our online form for a FREE consultation.

We’ll explain your rights, deal with Sun Life for you, and help you move forward with confidence.