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

If you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury, Wawanesa’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 Wawanesa 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 Wawanesa Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability through Wawanesa 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 “Wawanesa STD” or “short-term disability benefits through Wawanesa.”
How long does Wawanesa Short-Term Disability last?
Wawanesa’s short-term disability (STD) coverage usually lasts for 17, 26, or 52 weeks, depending on the policy — there is no one-size-fits-all duration.
If you think you’ve been cut off STD early, speak with an experienced disability lawyer to understand your rights.
How to Apply for Short-Term Disability with Wawanesa
To start your claim, you’ll need to fill out and submit several Wawanesa short-term disability forms, typically including:
- Plan Member Statement for STD – completed by you
- Plan Sponsor Statement for STD – filled out by your HR team or employer
- Attending Physician Statement for STD – filled out by your treating doctor
- Direct Deposit Authorization and Short Term Disability Checklist – filled out by you
Where to Find the Forms
You can access Wawanesa’s STD claim forms through your employer’s HR department or directly from Wawanesa’s website.
- 🔗 Find a Wawanesa Disability Claim Form
- 🔗 More Details On Applying for Short-term Disability in Canada
Wawanesa Short-Term Disability Waiting Period
The Wawanesa 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 typically ranges from 7-14 days, depending on your plan.
How Long Does Wawanesa Take to Process a Claim?
Wawanesa short-term disability claims are processed within 5 business days once all required medical documents are submitted. Delays can happen if paperwork is missing or incomplete.
How Much Does Wawanesa Pay on Short-Term Disability?
While every plan is different, Wawanesa typically pays a percentage of your regular income during the approved period.
Common Payment Features:
- Usually 60% to 70% of gross salary
- STD benefits are paid out weekly
- May be taxable or non-taxable, depending on who pays the premiums
What to Do If Your Wawanesa STD Claim Is Denied or Delayed
If your Wawanesa 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 Wawanesa STD Claim
If Wawanesa 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.
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.
Transitioning from Short-Term to Long-Term Disability with Wawanesa
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 Wawanesa 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.
Wawanesa Short-Term Disability Contact & Support
Need help with your claim? You can reach out to Wawanesa directly:
Or speak to disability law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP for a FREE consultation about your rights and next steps.
Wawanesa 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 Wawanesa Short-Term Disability
What’s the Wawanesa STD Waiting Period?
It’s generally 7-14 days, depending on the policy.
How Do I Get Wawanesa Short-Term Disability Forms?
From your employer’s HR department or by logging into Wawanesa 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 Wawanesa Pay for STD?
Usually 60%–70% of your gross weekly income, depending on your policy.
Get Expert Help with Your Wawanesa Short-Term Disability Claim
If your Wawanesa 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 Wawanesa. We understand how Wawanesa 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 Wawanesa 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.
We also assist clients with other insurance-related claims in all Canadian provinces (excluding Quebec):
- 🔗 Wawanesa Long-Term Disability Claims
- Life Insurance Claims
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Mortgage Insurance
- 🔗 CPP Disability
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 Wawanesa 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
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- ✔️ Named one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail