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

If you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury, Sun Life’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 Sun Life short-term disability, what the waiting period is, how payments work, and what to do if your claim is denied or delayed. No matter which province you’re in (excluding Quebec), we’ll walk you through the essentials — and help you avoid common mistakes.

What Is Sun Life Short-Term Disability?

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

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

How long does Sun Life Short-Term Disability last?

The length of Sun Life’s short-term disability (STD) benefits depends on the specific terms of your group or individual insurance policy. There is no one-size-fits-all duration — most plans provide STD coverage for anywhere from 15 weeks to 26 weeks, but this can vary.

📝 Check your policy booklet or benefits portal to confirm how long your STD benefits will last under your specific plan.

If you’re unsure or have been cut off early, speak with an experienced disability lawyer to understand your rights.

How to Apply for Short-Term Disability with Sun Life

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

Sun Life Short-Term Disability Waiting Period

The Sun Life short-term disability waiting period — also called the elimination period — is the time between when your illness or injury begins and when you start receiving payments. This waiting period depends on your policy.

Most Sun Life policies have a waiting period that ranges from a few days to a few weeks.

How Long Does Sun Life Take to Process a Claim?

It varies, but most short-term disability claims are processed within 5 to 10 business days once all required medical documents are submitted. Delays can happen if paperwork is missing or incomplete.

How Much Does Sun Life Pay on Short-Term Disability?

While every plan is different, Sun Life 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 Payment Schedule
Sun Life’s short-term disability payments are typically made on a monthly basis, starting after the approval of a claim and the completion of any elimination period.

What to Do If Your Sun Life STD Claim Is Denied or Delayed

If your Sun Life 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 Sun Life STD Claim

If Sun Life 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 Sun Life. 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 Sun Life

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 Sun Life 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.

Sun Life Short-Term Disability Contact & Support

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

Visit the Sun Life Contact Page

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

💡 Quick Tip
Sun Life 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 Sun Life Short-Term Disability

What’s the Sun Life STD Waiting Period?

It’s typically a few days to a few weeks after your last worked day, depending on your policy.

How Do I Get Sun Life Short-Term Disability Forms?

From your employer’s HR department or by logging into Sun Life Group Benefits.

What Happens If My STD Claim Is Denied?

You can appeal the decision and get legal help. Don’t give up — many initial denials get overturned, especially once Samfiru Tumarkin LLP gets involved.

How Much Does Sun Life Pay for STD?

Usually 60%–70% of your gross weekly income, depending on your policy.

Get Expert Help with Your Sun Life Short-Term Disability Claim

If your Sun Life 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 Sun Life. We understand how Sun Life 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 Sun Life 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 other insurance-related claims in all Canadian provinces (excluding Quebec):

🔗 Sun Life Long-Term Disability Claims
Life Insurance Claims
Critical Illness Insurance
Mortgage Insurance
CPP Disability

💲 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 Sun Life 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

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

What Is Sun Life Short-Term Disability?

How long does Sun Life Short-Term Disability last?