If your long-term disability insurer is reviewing your claim or has warned that your benefits could end, don’t wait for the cutoff to take action.

Insurance companies regularly review LTD claims. They can ask for updated medical records, forms, assessments or information about returning to work.

A review doesn’t automatically mean your benefits will stop. But certain requests can signal that the insurer is deciding whether you still qualify.

This is often the best time to make sure the insurer has the right medical evidence and understands why you still can’t work.

⚠️ You don’t have to wait until your LTD benefits are actually cut off to speak with a disability lawyer. Problems can sometimes be addressed while the insurer is still making its decision.

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Warning Signs Your LTD Benefits Could Be at Risk

Not every request from the insurer means that a cutoff is coming. However, pay close attention if the insurer:

  • Asks for extensive updated medical records

  • Sends your doctor a new functional abilities or medical form

  • Schedules an independent medical examination (IME)

  • Starts asking detailed questions about your daily activities

  • Raises surveillance or social media activity

  • Pushes you toward rehabilitation or a return to work

  • Asks about your education, training or other jobs you could perform

  • Tells you that the definition of disability is about to change

  • Says benefits are approved only until a future date

  • Sends a letter saying your benefits will end on a specific date

These are signs that the insurer is actively reassessing whether it should keep paying your claim.

What Should You Do When Your LTD Claim Is Under Review?

1. Read Every Letter Carefully

Find out exactly what the insurer is asking for and whether it has given you a deadline.

Look for:

  • Documents that must be submitted

  • Questions your doctor has been asked to answer

  • Appointments you must attend

  • Any proposed return-to-work date

  • A date when the insurer says benefits will stop

2. Don’t Miss a Deadline

Respond before the deadline whenever possible.

If your doctor needs more time to complete a form or provide records, tell the insurer in writing and ask for an extension rather than letting the deadline pass without an explanation.

3. Keep Copies of Everything

Save the insurer’s letters, emails, forms, medical reports and your own responses.

Our LTD claim checklist explains what records you should keep throughout your claim.

4. Understand Before You Sign

Read forms and authorizations carefully.

If you don’t understand what information the insurer is requesting or what you are authorizing it to obtain, ask before signing.

Don’t guess when answering questions about your health, treatment or abilities. If you don’t remember something, say so.

Make Sure Your Medical Evidence Is Up to Date

Ongoing medical evidence is critical when an insurer reviews whether your LTD benefits should continue.

Your doctor should clearly explain:

  • Your current symptoms and medical condition

  • What your condition prevents you from doing

  • Why you still can’t perform your job or other work being considered

  • Treatment you are receiving

  • Whether a return to work is medically appropriate

A short note saying only that you are “unable to work” might not give the insurer enough information to understand your limitations.

Read our guide to medical reports for long-term disability claims.

Why Consistent Treatment Matters

Continue attending medical appointments and following reasonable treatment recommendations.

If there is a legitimate reason you can’t follow a recommended treatment—such as side effects, cost, lack of access or another medical concern—make sure that issue is documented.

A gap in treatment can lead the insurer to ask whether your condition is still severe enough to prevent you from working.

What if the Insurer Sends You for an IME?

An IME is a sign that your ability to continue receiving LTD benefits is being closely reviewed.

The insurer chooses the examiner, provides the information and questions, pays for the assessment and receives the report.

That report can then be used when deciding whether your benefits should continue.

Don’t refuse an IME without getting legal advice. Your policy can require you to attend a reasonable examination.

Before attending, confirm why the assessment is being requested, who the examiner is and what type of testing will take place.

Read our complete guide to independent medical examinations and LTD claims.

What if the Insurer Wants You to Return to Work?

Don’t agree to a return-to-work plan that your medical team says is unsafe or unrealistic.

Ask your doctor whether you can:

  • Return full time

  • Attempt a gradual return

  • Work reduced hours

  • Perform modified duties

  • Return with specific restrictions or accommodations

The plan should reflect what you can actually do safely and consistently—not simply the insurer’s preferred return date.

If a return is being discussed, review our guide to returning to work after long-term disability.

What if the Insurer Raises Surveillance or Your Daily Activities?

An insurer can compare your reported limitations with activities it observes or information that is publicly available.

A short video of you shopping, driving, walking or doing another everyday activity doesn’t necessarily show that you can maintain full-time employment.

However, inconsistent statements can damage a claim.

Be accurate when describing what you can and can’t do. If you can perform an activity occasionally but need breaks or significant recovery afterward, explain that.

Learn more about surveillance and long-term disability claims.

What Happens During the Two-Year LTD Review?

The two-year mark is one of the most important review points in many LTD claims.

Many policies initially ask whether your condition prevents you from performing your own occupation. After a period that is commonly around 24 months, the definition can change and ask whether you can perform another suitable occupation.

The timing varies by policy, and benefits don’t automatically end when the definition changes.

Before this review, the insurer can ask for:

  • Updated medical information

  • An IME or functional assessment

  • Your education and work history

  • A vocational assessment or transferable skills analysis

  • Information about other jobs it believes you can perform

Your health doesn’t have to improve for the insurer to consider cutting off benefits. It can accept that you still can’t perform your old job but argue that you can perform another suitable one.

Read our guide to the change of definition in an LTD claim and our comparison of own occupation vs. any occupation disability.

What if the Insurer Says Your Benefits Will End on a Future Date?

Don’t wait until the final payment arrives.

If you receive a letter saying your benefits will end in several weeks or months:

  1. Get the reason in writing. Find out exactly why the insurer says you no longer qualify.

  2. Get the evidence it relied on. This can include medical reviews, an IME report or vocational assessment.

  3. Speak with your doctor. Make sure your medical team knows the insurer plans to stop payments.

  4. Check the dates. Note when benefits are supposed to end and any deadline the insurer has given you.

  5. Get legal advice before the cutoff. A lawyer can review the evidence and determine whether action should be taken before payments stop.

💡 A future cutoff date is not something you need to simply accept. If your medical condition continues to prevent you from working, the insurer’s decision can be challenged.

When Should You Contact a Disability Lawyer Before Benefits Stop?

Consider getting advice now if:

  • The insurer has given you a future cutoff date

  • Your doctor says you still can’t work but the insurer disagrees

  • You have been sent for an IME

  • The insurer is pressuring you to return to work

  • You are approaching the two-year change of definition

  • The insurer says you can perform another occupation

  • The insurer is relying on surveillance

  • You don’t understand what the insurer wants you or your doctor to sign

A disability lawyer doesn’t have to wait until your claim is formally denied.

A lawyer can review the policy, insurer’s correspondence and medical evidence, identify what is putting your benefits at risk and advise you on how to respond before the insurer makes its final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About LTD Benefits Under Review

Why Is My LTD Insurance Company Reviewing My Claim?

LTD insurers review claims to decide whether you continue to meet the policy’s requirements. They can request updated medical records, forms, assessments and information about your ability to work.

Does an LTD Review Mean My Benefits Will Be Cut Off?

No. A review doesn’t automatically mean benefits will end. However, an IME, vocational assessment, return-to-work demand or upcoming change of definition can signal that your continued eligibility is being closely examined.

Can I Speak With a Lawyer Before My LTD Benefits Are Denied?

Yes. You don’t have to wait for a formal denial or cutoff. Getting advice during the review can help you understand what the insurer is asking for and address problems before payments stop.

What if My Doctor Still Says I Can’t Work?

Make sure the insurer has current medical information explaining why you remain unable to work and what your condition prevents you from doing. If the insurer still plans to terminate benefits, get legal advice.

Do LTD Benefits Automatically End After Two Years?

No. Many policies change the definition of disability around the two-year mark, but you can continue to qualify if your medical condition prevents you from performing suitable work under the new definition.

What if My Benefits Have Already Been Cut Off?

Get the insurer’s decision and reasons in writing. Then read our guide on what to do when your long-term disability benefits are denied or terminated.

Get Help Before Your LTD Benefits Are Cut Off

If the insurer is questioning your claim, asking for new assessments or warning that payments will end, you don’t need to wait for a formal denial.

The period before a cutoff can be an important opportunity to correct missing information, strengthen the medical evidence and respond to the insurer’s concerns.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps people with long-term disability claims across Canada.

If your LTD benefits are under review or scheduled to end, contact our disability lawyers before your payments stop.

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