Short-term disability in Canada typically provides benefits for up to six months, but the exact length depends on your insurance plan. Some plans have shorter or longer maximum benefit periods. Your benefits can also be stopped before the maximum date if the insurer decides that you no longer meet the policy’s definition of disability.

The maximum benefit period is not a guarantee that you will be paid until that date. An insurer may approve your claim for only a few weeks at a time and ask for updated medical information before continuing benefits.

If you are still unable to work when short-term disability ends, you may need to apply for long-term disability benefits, consider Employment Insurance sickness benefits or review other income-support options.

This guide explains how long short-term disability can last, what determines the length of your claim, why benefits may end early and what happens if you are still unable to return to work.

💡 Your insurance policy—not your diagnosis alone—determines the maximum length of your short-term disability benefits.

On This Page:

How Long Does Short-Term Disability Last?

Short-term disability benefits typically last for up to six months in Canada. However, there is no single maximum period that applies to every employee.

Your actual benefit period depends on the specific short-term disability plan provided through your employer or private insurance policy.

A plan may provide benefits for:

  • a fixed number of weeks
  • several months
  • the period before long-term disability benefits can begin
  • another maximum period stated in the policy

To find the exact answer for your claim, check your benefits booklet, insurance policy or plan summary for terms such as:

  • maximum benefit period
  • benefit duration
  • maximum payment period
  • elimination period for long-term disability

For a broader explanation of how STD coverage works, visit our guide to short-term disability in Canada.

Does Short-Term Disability Always Last Six Months?

No. Six months is a common general maximum, but your plan may be different.

The only reliable way to determine the maximum length of your own benefits is to review the policy or plan that applies to you.

⚠️ Do not assume that you will automatically receive benefits until the maximum date shown in your policy. You must continue to meet the definition of disability and comply with reasonable claim requirements.

What Is The Maximum Short-Term Disability Period?

The maximum short-term disability period is the longest time your plan can pay STD benefits for one period of disability, subject to the terms of the policy.

For example, imagine that your plan has a maximum benefit period of six months.

That does not necessarily mean:

  • your claim will be approved for six months immediately
  • benefits cannot be reviewed during that period
  • updated medical evidence will not be required
  • you will be paid even after you recover or return to work

It means that, under the plan, STD benefits cannot normally continue beyond that maximum period for the same disability claim.

Where Can You Find Your Maximum Benefit Period?

Look in:

  • your group benefits booklet
  • your insurance policy
  • your employee benefits portal
  • the approval letter for your claim
  • information provided by your employer or benefits administrator

If the wording is unclear, ask the insurer to confirm in writing:

  • the maximum STD benefit period
  • the date benefits began
  • the expected maximum end date
  • whether LTD coverage begins after STD

If you are still preparing your initial claim, our guide explains how to apply for short-term disability in Canada.

What Determines How Long Short-Term Disability Lasts?

Several factors can determine how long you actually receive short-term disability benefits.

1. The Maximum Period In Your Insurance Plan

The policy sets the outer limit for the claim.

An insurer cannot normally pay STD benefits beyond the plan’s maximum benefit period simply because you remain unable to work.

At that point, another benefit may need to take over.

2. How Long You Remain Medically Unable To Work

Benefits may continue while you meet the policy’s definition of disability and remain within the maximum benefit period.

If your health improves and you can safely return to work, STD benefits may end before the maximum date.

3. The Strength Of Your Medical Evidence

Insurers often require updated medical information during a claim.

The evidence may need to explain:

  • your current symptoms
  • your restrictions and limitations
  • why you remain unable to perform your job
  • your treatment and response to treatment
  • your expected recovery
  • whether a return to work is medically appropriate

A claim can run into problems when updated forms simply repeat that the employee is “still unable to work” without explaining why.

4. Whether You Continue To Meet The Policy Definition Of Disability

The exact definition of disability matters.

An insurer may review whether your medical condition continues to prevent you from performing the duties required by the policy.

A diagnosis that supported the original claim does not automatically guarantee ongoing benefits.

5. Whether You Participate In Reasonable Treatment Or Rehabilitation

Your policy may require you to remain under appropriate medical care or participate in reasonable rehabilitation or return-to-work efforts.

The insurer may question ongoing benefits if it believes that:

  • you are no longer receiving appropriate treatment
  • you are not following reasonable medical recommendations
  • you are refusing suitable rehabilitation
  • you can return to work with appropriate restrictions

There can be legitimate reasons why a treatment is unavailable, delayed, unaffordable or medically inappropriate. Document those reasons.

6. Whether You Return To Work

Benefits may end when you return to your regular job.

A gradual or modified return to work can be more complicated. Depending on the plan, benefits may stop, continue in part or be managed through a rehabilitation or partial-disability arrangement.

📌 The maximum STD period is only one part of the answer. Your actual claim can be shorter because of recovery, a return to work or an insurer’s decision to stop benefits.

Approval Period vs. Maximum Benefit Period

One of the most important things to understand is the difference between your current approval period and the maximum benefit period.

Term What It Means
Current approval period How long the insurer has currently agreed to pay your claim before another review or update
Maximum benefit period The longest period STD benefits can potentially continue under the plan

For example, your plan may allow STD benefits for several months, but the insurer may initially approve only four weeks.

Before the four weeks ends, it may ask for:

  • updated medical forms
  • clinical notes
  • specialist information
  • a treatment update
  • information about a possible return to work

If the insurer accepts the updated evidence, it may extend the approval period.

This process can repeat until you:

  • recover
  • return to work
  • stop meeting the policy requirements
  • reach the maximum STD benefit period
⚠️ An approval letter that covers only a few weeks does not necessarily mean your policy only provides a few weeks of STD. Check both the current approval date and the plan’s actual maximum benefit period.

Can Short-Term Disability Benefits End Early?

Yes. An insurer can stop short-term disability benefits before the maximum benefit date if it decides that you no longer qualify under the policy.

Common reasons include:

  • the insurer believes you can return to work
  • updated medical evidence does not support ongoing disability
  • the insurer says your restrictions and limitations are unclear
  • requested medical information was not provided
  • the insurer believes you are no longer receiving appropriate treatment
  • you return to work
  • you no longer satisfy another requirement in the plan

Can Benefits Stop Even If Your Doctor Says You Cannot Work?

Yes.

Your doctor’s opinion is important medical evidence, but the insurer or plan administrator usually makes the benefit decision.

An insurer may say that:

  • the medical information is too limited
  • the evidence does not explain your functional limitations
  • your condition has improved
  • you can return to modified or regular work

A benefit cut-off does not necessarily mean that you are medically able to work.

If your payments have stopped before you recovered, read our guide to short-term disability denials and early benefit cut-offs.

Can Short-Term Disability Be Extended?

Short-term disability benefits may be extended within the maximum benefit period if you remain unable to work and continue to meet the policy requirements.

For example, an insurer may initially approve benefits for several weeks and later continue them after reviewing updated medical evidence.

However, short-term disability normally cannot simply be extended beyond the plan’s maximum benefit period.

At that point, you may need to move to:

  • long-term disability benefits
  • EI sickness benefits
  • another income-support program
  • a medically supported return-to-work plan

What Do You Need To Extend An STD Approval?

The insurer may request:

  • an updated attending physician statement
  • new clinical notes
  • specialist reports
  • test results
  • information about your treatment
  • an updated recovery estimate
  • information about possible workplace restrictions

Provide requested information promptly where reasonable and keep copies of everything submitted.

When Does Short-Term Disability Become Long-Term Disability?

Short-term disability does not automatically become long-term disability.

If you have LTD coverage, long-term disability benefits may become available after you complete the required waiting or elimination period.

In some workplace plans, the end of the STD maximum period is designed to line up with the point when LTD benefits can begin.

However, you may still need to:

  • submit a separate LTD application
  • complete new claim forms
  • provide updated medical evidence
  • meet a different definition of disability
  • respond to additional insurer questions
⚠️ Do not assume that receiving STD guarantees approval for LTD. Start preparing for the next stage before your short-term benefits expire.

When Should You Apply For LTD?

Do not wait until your final STD payment to begin thinking about long-term disability.

If it appears that you will remain unable to work, find out:

  • whether you have LTD coverage
  • when the LTD waiting period ends
  • what application forms are required
  • when the insurer needs the forms
  • what medical evidence is needed

For a detailed comparison, read our guide to short-term disability vs. EI sickness benefits vs. long-term disability.

What If You Still Cannot Work When Short-Term Disability Ends?

If you are still medically unable to work when STD ends, do not assume that you must immediately return to your job.

Your next step depends on:

  • whether you have LTD coverage
  • whether an LTD claim has been started
  • whether you qualify for EI sickness benefits
  • your medical restrictions
  • whether a gradual or accommodated return is possible
  • why the STD benefits ended

Option 1: Apply For Long-Term Disability

If you have LTD coverage and your condition is expected to continue, this may be the next benefit.

Option 2: Consider EI Sickness Benefits

If you do not have LTD coverage, or there is a gap between benefits, EI sickness benefits may be an option if you meet the federal eligibility requirements.

The Government of Canada currently provides up to 26 weeks of EI sickness benefits for eligible workers who cannot work for medical reasons.

Option 3: Consider A Medically Supported Return To Work

You may be able to return through:

  • reduced hours
  • modified duties
  • temporary restrictions
  • a gradual return-to-work plan

The plan should be based on medical information and your actual functional abilities.

For a full breakdown of the transition, visit what happens when short-term disability ends.

➡️ The end of STD benefits and the end of your medical disability are not necessarily the same date.

Can You Return To Work Before Short-Term Disability Ends?

Yes. You do not need to remain on short-term disability until the maximum benefit date if you are medically able to return to work sooner.

A return may be:

  • full-time with no restrictions
  • gradual
  • part-time at first
  • with modified duties
  • with temporary workplace accommodations

Who Decides When You Are Ready To Return?

Your treating healthcare providers should provide medical information about your functional abilities, restrictions and readiness to return.

The insurer, employer and employee may also be involved in planning the return.

Problems can arise when an insurer believes you can work before you and your treating professionals believe you are medically ready.

⚠️ Do not agree to a return-to-work plan that you believe is medically unsafe simply because your STD approval is about to end. Get clear medical advice about your restrictions and capabilities.

Ontario employees can also review our guide to returning to work after short-term disability in Ontario.

What If You Become Disabled Again After Returning To Work?

What happens depends on the recurrence provisions in your plan.

A policy may treat a later absence as:

  • a continuation of the original claim
  • a recurrent disability
  • a completely new claim

Factors may include:

  • how long you were back at work
  • whether the new absence is caused by the same condition
  • whether the conditions are related
  • whether you satisfied any required return-to-work period

This distinction can affect:

  • whether a new waiting period applies
  • how much of the maximum STD period remains
  • whether new application forms are needed

Check your policy for terms such as recurrent disability, recurrence or successive periods of disability.

Does Your Medical Condition Affect How Long STD Lasts?

Your medical condition can affect how long you are unable to work, but it does not usually change the maximum benefit period written into the plan.

For example, the same policy maximum may apply whether a claim involves:

  • an injury
  • surgery
  • a chronic illness
  • depression or anxiety
  • insomnia
  • pregnancy-related medical complications

What can differ is how long the medical evidence supports an inability to work.

How Long Can You Be On STD For Mental Health?

A mental health claim can continue for as long as you meet the policy requirements, remain disabled from working and stay within the plan’s maximum benefit period.

There is not usually a separate shorter maximum simply because the claim involves depression, anxiety, PTSD or another mental health condition.

Learn more about short-term disability for mental health conditions.

How Long Can You Be On STD For Pregnancy?

Pregnancy itself does not automatically determine the length of STD benefits.

The relevant questions usually involve:

  • whether a pregnancy-related medical condition prevents you from working
  • how long that medical disability continues
  • the terms of the STD plan
  • the transition to maternity or parental benefits

Read our guide to short-term disability for pregnancy in Canada.

How Long Can You Be On STD For Insomnia?

The same principle applies to insomnia and other sleep-related conditions.

Benefits can potentially continue while the condition prevents you from doing your job, the medical evidence supports the claim and the maximum benefit period has not been reached.

Learn more about short-term disability for insomnia in Canada.

Does Short-Term Disability Duration Vary By Province?

The maximum length of private or employer-provided short-term disability benefits is generally determined by the insurance plan, not by one province-wide STD duration rule.

However, your province can affect related workplace issues such as:

  • job-protected leave
  • human rights protections
  • the duty to accommodate
  • return-to-work rights
  • termination and employment issues

For more information, visit our provincial guides:

Does The Insurance Company Affect How Long STD Lasts?

Different employers can choose different plan designs, even when they use the same insurance company.

Do not assume that another person with the same insurer has the same:

  • maximum benefit period
  • waiting period
  • benefit amount
  • definition of disability

For insurer-specific guidance, review our pages on:

What If Your Short-Term Disability Benefits Are Cut Off Early?

If your insurer stops STD benefits before the maximum benefit period and you remain unable to work, get the decision and reasons in writing.

Review:

  • the date benefits are ending
  • why the insurer says you no longer qualify
  • what medical evidence it reviewed
  • what policy wording it relied on
  • all response and appeal deadlines
  • whether LTD coverage is approaching

Do Not Assume An Appeal Is Automatically The Best Option

Insurers often invite people to submit an internal appeal.

Before doing so, understand:

  • why the claim was stopped
  • whether important medical evidence is missing
  • whether the insurer misunderstood your job
  • whether the cut-off could affect an LTD claim
  • what other legal or benefit options may exist

Read our full guide to what to do when short-term disability is denied or cut off.

If problems have already developed, a short-term disability lawyer can explain your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does short-term disability last in Canada?

Short-term disability typically provides benefits for up to six months, but the exact maximum period depends on your insurance plan.

How long can you stay on short-term disability?

You can generally remain on STD while you continue to meet the policy’s definition of disability and have not reached the maximum benefit period.

What is the maximum length of short-term disability?

There is no single maximum for every Canadian plan. Check your benefits booklet or policy for the maximum benefit period that applies to you.

Does short-term disability always last six months?

No. Six months is a common general maximum, but some plans have different benefit periods.

Can short-term disability be extended?

An insurer may extend your current approval within the maximum benefit period if updated medical evidence shows that you remain unable to work. STD usually cannot continue beyond the maximum period stated in the plan.

Can short-term disability benefits end before the maximum date?

Yes. Benefits may end early if the insurer decides that you no longer meet the policy requirements, you return to work or required supporting information is not provided.

Can an insurer stop STD even if my doctor says I cannot work?

Yes. Your doctor’s opinion is important evidence, but the insurer or plan administrator usually makes the benefit decision based on the policy and claim file.

When does short-term disability become long-term disability?

LTD may become available after the required waiting period, but the transition is not always automatic. You may need to submit a separate application and satisfy the LTD policy requirements.

What happens if I am still sick when short-term disability ends?

You may need to apply for LTD, consider EI sickness benefits, explore other income support or plan a medically appropriate return to work.

Can I get EI after short-term disability ends?

Possibly. EI sickness benefits may be available if you meet the federal eligibility requirements and do not have another benefit that must be used first.

How long can you be on STD for mental health?

A mental health claim can potentially continue while you remain unable to work, meet the policy requirements and stay within the plan’s maximum benefit period.

Can I go back to work before my STD benefits expire?

Yes. You can return earlier if you are medically able. Depending on your needs, the return may be full-time, gradual or subject to temporary restrictions.

What happens if I return to work and become disabled again?

Your plan’s recurrence rules will determine whether the later absence continues the old claim or starts a new one.

How much do you get while on short-term disability?

The amount depends on your plan’s benefit formula, earnings and other applicable rules. Read our guide to how much short-term disability pays in Canada.

Is short-term disability taxable?

It depends largely on who paid the insurance premiums and how the plan is structured. Read our guide to whether short-term disability is taxable in Canada.

Short-Term Disability Ending Before You Can Return To Work?

The end of your STD benefits does not necessarily mean that you have medically recovered or are ready to return to your job.

If your benefits have been cut off early, your claim is approaching the maximum period or you are facing problems moving from STD to LTD, understand your options before making decisions about work or your disability claim.

Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP for a free, confidential consultation with a disability lawyer.

STD Ending Before You Can Return To Work?

Your benefits can end even when your medical condition has not improved. Understand your options if STD is cut off early or you are still unable to work.

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