What Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability in Canada?

When you’re unable to work due to a medical condition, you may qualify for disability benefits in Canada. But which conditions qualify? Many physical and mental health conditions—including less visible ones like chronic pain or anxiety—may make you eligible if they significantly affect your ability to work.

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Understanding disability benefits in Canada

Disability benefits can come from employer-sponsored plans or private coverage, in the form of short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) payments. The key isn’t just your diagnosis; it’s how your condition affects your ability to work. To qualify, your condition must prevent you from performing essential duties of your job. If it significantly impacts your work, you may be eligible for benefits.

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Common medical conditions that qualify for disability in Canada

The following are some common physical and mental conditions that may qualify for disability benefits in Canada:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Arthritis
• Chronic Back Pain
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Stroke
• Arrhythmias

Neurological Disorders

• Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
• Migraines

Mental Health Conditions

• Anxiety Disorders
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• ADHD

Chronic Pain and Fatigue Syndromes

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Long COVID

Respiratory Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis

Cancer and Treatment-Related Disabilities

• Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
• Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Endocrine Disorders

• Diabetes
• Thyroid Disorders

Autoimmune Disorders

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Other Autoimmune Disorders

Each of these conditions can have a profound impact on your work and daily life, and many qualify for disability benefits in Canada.

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How to Qualify for Disability Benefits

Your eligibility depends on your insurance policy and the severity of your condition. To apply, you’ll need medical evidence proving that your condition substantially limits your ability to work.

For detailed guidance, check out our resources on long-term disability claims and short-term disability claims. See our comprehensive list of long-term disability insurance companies in Canada to learn more about how to apply based on your specific insurer.

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You’re not alone in this journey.

Living with an injury or illness can be challenging, and obtaining the disability benefits you’re entitled to shouldn’t add to your stress. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’re here to listen, support you, and advocate for your rights—ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Our compassionate team of experienced disability lawyers understands the complexities of short-term and long-term disability claims in Canada. Some of our lawyers have previously worked for insurers; we know how they think, why they deny certain disability claims, and how to successfully navigate the system on your behalf.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is a nationally recognized leader in insurance and disability law, dedicated to informing Canadians of their rights through:

• The Disability Law Show on TV and radio
• Insightful livestreams
• Over 1,000 media interviews
• Comprehensive resources, such as FAQs on long-term disability and guides on how to apply for different LTD medical conditions.

We’re proud to have helped clients like you overcome these obstacles and obtain the benefits they needed. Here are some of their stories:

Whether you’re struggling to get approved for benefits, appealing a denial, or dealing with a claim cut-off after two years, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can support you through the process and protect your rights. Our services extend across all Canadian provinces, excluding Quebec.

Don’t wait. Discover how our experts can help with your disability claim.

Areas We Serve

Our team of experienced disability lawyers can help individuals in all provinces (excluding Quebec) when their insurance company denies their short-term or long-term disability claim or their CPP Disability benefits are denied.

Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland & Labrador | Nova Scotia | Ontario | P.E.I. | Saskatchewan