If your short-term disability (STD) benefits have been denied, delayed, or cut off, early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.
While short-term disability claims are often handled through insurance companies, disputes frequently arise — especially where an insurer questions medical evidence, functional limitations, or your ability to return to work. In many cases, issues with STD benefits can also affect future long-term disability (LTD) claims.
A short-term disability lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your disability benefits at a critical stage.
When Do People Contact a Short-Term Disability Lawyer?
Most people don’t need a lawyer to apply for STD benefits. Legal advice typically becomes important when problems arise, such as:
- an STD claim is denied
- benefits are terminated early
- the insurer demands additional medical evidence
- surveillance or activity reviews are raised
- there is pressure to return to work prematurely
- STD issues may impact eligibility for LTD benefits
These disputes are common and often time-sensitive.
Why Short-Term Disability Claims Are Denied
Short-term disability claims are usually denied because insurers say:
- medical evidence is insufficient
- functional limitations are unclear
- symptoms don’t prevent work
- treatment is not ongoing
- there are inconsistencies in records
- surveillance raises questions
Many denials are subjective and depend heavily on how medical evidence is interpreted.
How a Short-Term Disability Lawyer Can Help
A short-term disability lawyer focuses on insurance disputes, not initial applications.
Depending on the situation, legal guidance may help you:
- understand why benefits were denied or cut off
- assess whether the insurer’s decision is reasonable
- identify gaps or issues in medical documentation
- avoid missteps that could affect LTD benefits
- understand next steps if STD benefits end
Early advice can be especially important where a claim may transition to long-term disability.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Disability: Why Timing Matters
Problems with short-term disability benefits often arise before long-term disability benefits begin.
How an STD claim ends — or is handled — can affect:
- LTD eligibility
- insurer credibility assessments
- medical documentation continuity
Understanding how STD, LTD, and EI sickness benefits interact is critical.
What Happens When Short-Term Disability Ends?
Short-term disability benefits may end because:
- the maximum benefit period is reached
- the insurer decides you no longer meet the disability definition
An insurer ending STD benefits does not automatically mean you are medically fit to return to work.
Mental Health and Short-Term Disability Claims
Mental health–related STD claims are commonly denied or closely scrutinized, particularly where insurers argue there is a lack of objective evidence.
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or burnout may still qualify for STD if symptoms prevent you from working.
Short-Term Disability Denied in Canada
If your short-term disability benefits were denied or terminated, the insurer’s decision may not be final.
Understanding your options early — especially before LTD eligibility windows close — can help protect your income and future disability benefits.
Why Speak With a Disability Lawyer Early?
Short-term disability disputes often involve:
- strict timelines
- ongoing medical documentation
- insurer surveillance or reviews
- downstream consequences for LTD claims
Early legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes that may limit your options later.
If your short-term disability claim was denied or cut off, speaking with a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP early can help clarify your options and protect future disability benefits.