Sun Life Mental Health Disability Coverage: What Claimants Should Know

Mental health conditions can qualify for Sun Life long-term disability (LTD) benefits, but these claims are often reviewed more closely than physical disability claims.

People living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions may face added scrutiny, reassessments, or benefit limitations — even when symptoms significantly affect daily functioning.

Understanding how Sun Life evaluates mental health disability claims can help you protect your benefits and avoid unexpected disruptions.

Does Sun Life Cover Mental Health Disabilities?

Yes.

Sun Life disability policies generally cover mental health conditions when symptoms prevent you from performing the essential duties of your job.

Covered conditions may include:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Chronic stress or burnout

Sun Life outlines how disability coverage works under its group benefits plans, including eligibility requirements and benefit limitations.

Coverage depends on how your condition affects your ability to function — not simply the diagnosis itself.

Why Are Mental Health Disability Claims Reviewed More Closely?

Mental health claims often rely on:

• Symptom reporting
• Functional limitations
• Ongoing treatment evidence

Because symptoms may not be visible, Sun Life may:

• Request frequent medical updates
• Seek detailed functional assessments
• Question whether you can perform lower-stress or sedentary work

This can feel frustrating, especially when symptoms fluctuate or worsen over time.

Are Mental Health Disability Benefits Time-Limited?

In some policies, yes.

Certain Sun Life disability plans limit benefits for mental health conditions to a specific duration, often 24 months, unless additional criteria are met.

After that period, Sun Life may reassess whether:

• Your condition qualifies under a different disability definition
• You meet an “any occupation” test
• Ongoing benefits are payable

Common Reasons Sun Life Denies Mental Health Claims

Mental health disability claims may be denied or terminated for reasons such as:

• Insufficient documentation of functional limitations
• Gaps in treatment or therapy
• Insurer opinions that symptoms are “manageable”
• Vocational assessments suggesting alternate work
• Reassessments after extended benefit periods

Can Surveillance Affect Mental Health Disability Claims?

Sometimes.

Sun Life may use surveillance or investigations as part of a mental health disability claim review. Activities captured during surveillance may be used to argue that a claimant appears more functional than reported.

However, mental health conditions often involve:

• Good days and bad days
• Variable energy or concentration
• The ability to perform limited activities occasionally

What If Your Mental Health Claim Is Denied or Cut Off?

If Sun Life denies or terminates your mental health disability benefits, it’s important to understand why.

Denials often occur:

• After reassessments
• At policy time limits
• When insurers conclude alternate work is possible

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help With Mental Health Claims

If you’re dealing with a Sun Life mental health disability claim, a short legal review can help determine whether:

• The correct disability definition was applied
• Functional limitations were fairly assessed
• Policy limits were interpreted properly
• You have options beyond the internal review process

Early guidance can help you avoid missteps that affect ongoing benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can depression or anxiety qualify for Sun Life disability?

Yes, if symptoms prevent you from performing the essential duties of your job.

Does Sun Life limit mental health disability benefits?

Some policies include time limits. Policy wording matters.

Can Sun Life deny a claim even if I’m in treatment?

Yes. Denials often focus on work capacity, not treatment alone.

What should I do if benefits stop suddenly?

You should seek clarification promptly and understand whether the change is temporary or permanent.

Speak With a Disability Lawyer About a Sun Life Mental Health Claim

If you’re struggling with a Sun Life mental health disability claim, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Speaking with a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand your rights.