Transitioning from Short-Term Disability to Long-Term Disability FAQ

Short-term disability (STD) insurance provides you with financial benefits when you are unable to work temporarily due to an injury or illness. Depending on your specific group plan or private insurance policy, these benefits could last as little as a few weeks to a few months.

If you still can’t return to work at the end of the STD benefits period, you may be able to shift to your long-term disability (LTD) benefits. Continue reading to find out

Watch the video below from the Disability Law Show to learn about the transition from STD to LTD, and read on to get more answers to your questions. You can also email our team directly at Help@DisabilityRights.ca for more assistance.

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How can I best prepare for the transition from STD to LTD?

You should continue to receive treatment and follow all of the advice given by your treating physicians. It is also important to ensure that your LTD provider has any and all recent medical reports from your physicians, not just what was provided as part of your STD application.

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Will I be paid LTD benefits by the same company?

Not necessarily. If you have these benefits as part of your group benefits from your insurer, then you may have two different insurance companies.

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Do I need to submit a new application for LTD?

Absolutely. Chances are that your LTD benefits may not be provided by the same party who pays your STD benefit so the insurer will need an application

If your LTD benefits are provided by the same insurer, the application will likely request different information, and the definition of totally disabled may be different.

You should also provide the most recent medical information to your LTD insurer at this time.

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Do I automatically have LTD benefits if I have STD?

Unfortunately, no. You must have an LTD policy to be eligible to receive LTD benefits. If you or your employer only has an insurance policy for STD, then you are not eligible to receive LTD benefits. You can read about government income support programs that you may qualify for if you are still unable to return to work.

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If my STD was approved, will my LTD also be approved?

There is unfortunately no guarantee that just because your STD is approved, your LTD will automatically be approved as well. There are several common reasons insurers give when denying these claims. If your claim for LTD is denied, contact us and we will assist you.

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What are the similarities between STD and LTD?

Both short-term disability and long-term disability benefits are payments provided by insurance companies in the event that you become disabled from working. They both generally pay a percentage of your pre-disability income for the duration of your benefit period.

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What are the differences between STD and LTD?

STD benefits are generally paid on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and often pay 50-100% of the pre-disability income. LTD, on the other hand, often pay monthly benefits at 50-70% of your pre-disability income. Additionally, most STD policies pay benefits for a maximum of 6 months while LTD generally will pay benefits for 2 years, 5 years, or up to age 65.

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Questions? Concerns? Contact Us!

If you are experiencing an issue anywhere in Canada (excluding Quebec) with your long-term disability claim, your employer or the insurance company, we’re here to help. Call our team at 1-855-821-5900, email Help@DisabilityRights.ca, or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

You can also post your specific question about your long-term disability claim online for a quick answer by a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, at MyDisabilityQuestions.com.

As Canada’s most positively reviewed disability law firm, we have the experience, tenacity, and determination required to provide you with the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.