Cancer Disability Benefits in Canada: 2025 Guide

A cancer diagnosis can change every part of your life. Beyond the physical and emotional impact, treatment often makes it impossible to keep working. If cancer prevents you from doing your job, you may be entitled to disability benefits and other financial support in Canada.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our experienced disability lawyers help Canadians secure the benefits they deserve after a cancer diagnosis.

Is Cancer a Disability in Canada?

Yes. Cancer is considered a disability in Canada when the illness or its treatments limit your ability to work or perform daily activities.

• Protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial human rights laws.
• Employers must provide reasonable accommodations (modified hours, lighter duties, or medical leave).
• Having a cancer diagnosis alone does not guarantee disability benefits — you must show the condition prevents you from working.

Government Benefits for Cancer Patients in Canada

There are several government benefits for cancer patients in Canada that can help while you cannot work:

• Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits – Up to 15 weeks of temporary support.
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability – For Canadians under 65 who have a “severe and prolonged” disability and contributed to CPP.

Provincial Disability Support Programs

These programs may provide income support, health benefits, and prescription drug coverage.

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability for Cancer

If you have disability coverage through your job or a private plan:

• Short-Term Disability (STD) – Provides benefits for several weeks while you undergo treatment.
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) – Pays a portion of your income if you can’t return to work for months or years. LTD may continue until age 65 if you remain unable to work.

To qualify, you must meet the insurer’s definition of “totally disabled,” usually meaning you cannot perform your own job (and later, any job you are suited for).

Cancer Disability Insurance Claim Denials: Common Reasons

Many Canadians face a cancer disability insurance claim denial. Insurers often argue:

• Lack of detailed medical evidence
• Condition doesn’t meet the plan’s “total disability” test
• Not following treatment as prescribed
• Pre-existing condition exclusions
• Mistakes or missing information in your application

Learn more by reading our Common Reasons for LTD Denial resource.

What to Do if Your Cancer Disability Claim is Denied

If your claim is denied:

1. Review the denial letter carefully.
2. Collect more medical evidence that shows how cancer prevents you from working.
3. Consult a disability lawyer before appealing — internal appeals are rarely successful.
4. File a legal claim if necessary. Legal action is often the most effective way to force insurers to pay benefits.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we regularly take on major insurers like Manulife, Sun Life, and Canada Life, and we know how to win.

Does Cancer Qualify for the Disability Tax Credit in Canada?

Yes. Cancer can qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) if it causes serious, long-lasting impairments or requires life-sustaining therapy.

• Reduces the amount of income tax you owe.
• Unused credits can be transferred to a spouse or caregiver.
• Requires Form T2201 completed by your doctor and submitted to the CRA.

Can Cancer Patients Get ODSP in Ontario?

Yes. Cancer patients who cannot work may qualify for ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program).

• Provides monthly income, drug and dental coverage, and vision care.
• Requires proof of both medical and financial need.
• A doctor must confirm your condition prevents you from working.

What Happens if You Can’t Work Due to Cancer?

If you cannot work because of cancer, you may qualify for:

• Short-term disability benefits
• Long-term disability (LTD) benefits
• EI sickness benefits
• CPP Disability
• Provincial support (ODSP, AISH, Disability Assistance)

FAQs on Cancer Disability Benefits

👉 Is Cancer Considered a Permanent Disability?

Cancer can be considered permanent if it causes ongoing, serious impairment that prevents you from working.

👉 How Long Does It Take to Get Cancer Disability Benefits?

Timelines vary. EI sickness can start within weeks, but LTD or CPP Disability may take several months.

👉 Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply?

You can apply on your own, but working with a disability lawyer significantly improves your chances of success — especially if your claim is denied.

👉 Are There Free Government Grants for Cancer Patients in Canada?

Yes. Cancer patients in Canada may qualify for free government grants and financial support programs. These include the DTC, CPP Disability, and provincial disability assistance programs. These programs can reduce your taxes or provide monthly income support while you can’t work.

Resources and Support

• Canadian Cancer Society: Finances
• Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
• Canadian Breast Cancer Network

Get Help With Your Cancer Disability Claim

Coping with cancer is hard enough. Don’t let the stress of a denied disability claim add to your burden.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians secure cancer disability benefits through:

• Free Consultations and no upfront fees
• A team of lawyers who know how insurers think (some of us worked for them before)
• A proven track record of winning LTD, CPP Disability, and DTC benefit claims

✅ If your claim was denied, cut off, or delayed, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.

Helping Cancer Disability Claimants Across Canada

If you live in Canada (outside Quebec) and your cancer disability claim — whether long-term disability, short-term disability, or CPP Disability — has been denied, we can help.

Our lawyers have represented clients in every province, from initial denials to final settlements. We regularly take on insurers such as Manulife, Sun Life, and Canada Life — and know exactly how to secure the benefits you’re entitled to.

📌 We assist cancer disability claimants in: