Summary: RBC Long Term Disability
Navigating the rules of your RBC long term disability policy can be overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with a sudden medical crisis. As one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, RBC uses highly sophisticated internal processes, medical consultants, and strict policy definitions to assess every claim.
Understanding how your RBC insurance group benefits work, what your doctors must provide, and how to protect yourself if the insurer pushes back is the key to securing your financial lifeline.
How RBC Long-Term Disability Works
If your short-term disability ends and you remain medically unable to return to the workforce, your claim must transition to long-term disability.
Long-term disability through RBC operates under very strict guidelines. When you are approved, your payments will typically cover a specified percentage of your pre-disability income (often between 60% and 70%). However, there are two crucial elements of an RBC policy you must be aware of:
- Offsets (Reductions): If you receive other sources of disability income, such as Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability benefits, RBC will likely deduct that exact amount from your monthly LTD payment.
- The Elimination Period: Long-term benefits do not start immediately. You must first pass a waiting period (often 119 or 120 days) during which you are usually expected to rely on short-term disability or Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
The 24-Month Rule: “Own Occupation” vs. “Any Occupation”
The most significant turning point in almost every RBC long-term disability claim occurs at the two-year mark.
For the first 24 months, RBC assesses your claim based on whether your condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your own occupation. However, after two years, the definition of disability changes. To continue receiving benefits, you must prove that your medical condition prevents you from doing any occupation that you are reasonably suited for based on your education, training, and experience.
This shift is the number one reason RBC cuts off benefits. Case managers will frequently argue that while you can’t do your previous job, you are fit to work in a different, sedentary role — even if your doctor completely disagrees.
Why RBC Denies Disability Claims
Even with a fully completed RBC attending physician statement and the support of your medical team, claims are frequently denied or prematurely terminated.
To justify cutting off your payments, RBC case managers may:
- Claim there is a “lack of objective medical evidence” to support the severity of your symptoms (a highly common tactic for mental health claims).
- Demand you attend an Independent Medical Exam (IME) with an RBC-contracted doctor whose report contradicts your treating physician.
- Monitor your public social media profiles or hire investigators to find inconsistencies between your reported limitations and your daily activities.
If your claim is cut off, the insurer will likely suggest that you escalate the dispute through the RBC complaints process or appeal to the ombudsman. These internal systems are controlled by the insurer and often result in months of financial hardship and secondary denials.
🔗 Learn the truth about the RBC Complaints & Ombudsman process
Contacting RBC Insurance
If you need to check the status of a pending claim or have administrative questions about your policy, the general RBC group benefits phone number for inquiries and customer service is 1-855-264-2174 (or 1-855-264-2173 for online portal support). However, if your claim has already been denied or flagged for investigation, do not attempt to argue your case over the phone. Anything you say can be used as evidence to reinforce their denial.
Secure Your Benefits: How Samfiru Tumarkin LLP Can Help
When an insurance company wrongfully denies your benefits, you need a legal team equipped to tilt the playing field in your favour. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our practice is dedicated exclusively to employment and disability law. This singular focus allows us to expertly bypass internal insurer loops to hold companies accountable, focusing strictly on the legal mechanics of your claim.
We understand the financial strain of fighting a massive insurance provider while you are unable to work. That is why we provide free consultations for disability matters. When we take on your claim, we work on a contingency fee basis where it applies — meaning you do not pay our legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case and secure your compensation.
Disclaimer: This guide was created by Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. It is an independent resource designed to help individuals understand their insurance rights and the appeals process. It is not produced by, affiliated with, or endorsed by RBC or any other insurance provider.