Sun Life Short-Term Disability (STD): How Benefits Work, Timelines & Common Issues

Short-term disability (STD) benefits through Sun Life provide temporary income replacement when illness or injury prevents you from working. These benefits often act as a bridge between working and long-term disability (LTD) — and confusion at this stage can put future LTD claims at risk.

This guide explains how Sun Life short-term disability works, how long benefits last, and what to watch for if your claim is delayed, denied, or about to end.

What Is Sun Life Short-Term Disability?

Sun Life short-term disability (STD) benefits replace a portion of your income when you are temporarily unable to work due to a medical condition.

STD coverage is usually provided through:

• Employer-sponsored group benefits plans
• Workplace disability programs administered by Sun Life

How Long Do Sun Life STD Benefits Last?

Most Sun Life STD plans last between:

• 6 weeks
• 13 weeks
• 17 weeks
• 26 weeks

The exact duration depends on:

• Your employer’s benefits plan
• The type of condition
• Whether medical updates support continued disability

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

Most STD plans pay between:

• 60% and 100% of your regular income

Payment details depend on:

• Whether premiums are employer-paid or employee-paid
• Plan design
• Collective agreements (if applicable)

Payments are typically issued:

• Weekly or biweekly
• By direct deposit

How to Apply for Sun Life Short-Term Disability

The STD application process usually includes:

1. Employee Statement

You describe:

• Your condition
• Your job duties
• When symptoms began

2. Employer Statement

Your employer confirms:

• Employment status
• Job duties
• Income details

3. Medical Information

Your doctor provides:

• Diagnosis (when available)
• Functional restrictions
• Expected recovery timeline

How Long Does Sun Life Take to Approve STD Claims?

Sun Life typically reviews STD claims within:

• 5–15 business days

Delays may occur if:

• Medical information is missing
• Forms are inconsistent
• Sun Life requests clarification
• Case managers change

Common Reasons Sun Life STD Claims Are Denied or Cut Short

Sun Life may deny or end STD benefits if they believe:

• Medical evidence does not support work absence
• Treatment is inconsistent or delayed
• Functional limitations are unclear
• Recovery should have occurred
• Job duties can be modified

STD denials are often framed as “not medically supported”, even when symptoms are real and ongoing.

What Happens When Sun Life STD Benefits End?

When STD benefits end, one of three things usually happens:

1. You Return to Work

If your condition improves, benefits stop and employment resumes.

2. You Are Expected to Return — But Can’t

This is a high-risk transition point. Returning too early can harm both your health and your future LTD claim.

3. You Apply for Sun Life Long-Term Disability

If you remain unable to work, Sun Life may direct you to apply for LTD.

The Link Between Sun Life STD and Long-Term Disability

Sun Life often relies on:

• STD medical records
• Functional assessments
• Return-to-work discussions

when evaluating LTD claims.

Gaps, inconsistencies, or premature return-to-work attempts during STD can later be used to justify LTD denials.

If your condition is not improving as STD ends, it is important to understand your LTD rights early.

Can Sun Life Monitor You During Short-Term Disability?

Yes. In some cases, Sun Life may:

• Review activity reports
• Assess return-to-work capability
• Compare reported symptoms with daily activities

While surveillance is more common in LTD claims, STD files are often reviewed closely — especially when benefits approach their maximum duration.

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

If Sun Life:

• Denies your STD claim
• Ends benefits sooner than expected
• Pressures you to return to work before you are medically ready

you still have options.

In many cases, early legal guidance helps:

• Protect your LTD eligibility
• Prevent damaging file notes
• Clarify next steps before benefits stop entirely

Speak With a Disability Lawyer About a Sun Life STD Claim

Problems during short-term disability often surface later, when long-term disability benefits are denied.

A short legal review with a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help determine:

• Whether Sun Life applied the correct standard
• Whether medical evidence was fairly assessed
• Whether your LTD rights are at risk