Depression is considered a disability in Canada — and across Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. — when symptoms make it hard or impossible to work. If you’re struggling to keep up with your job, maintain a routine, or function day-to-day because of depression, you may qualify for short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), CPP Disability, the Disability Tax Credit, or provincial disability assistance.

This guide explains, in plain language, when depression counts as a disability, what benefits you can receive, why insurers deny claims, and how our disability lawyers can help you get approved.

Is Depression a Disability in Canada?

Yes. Depression is recognized as a disability in Canada when symptoms interfere with your ability to work or carry out normal daily activities.

Under the Canadian Human Rights Act, depression is a protected disability.
This means:

However, disability benefits don’t depend on the diagnosis alone. You must show that depression makes you unable to perform the essential duties of your job.

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Is Depression a Disability in Ontario, Alberta, and BC?

Across all provinces, the answer is the same: yes, depression is considered a disability when it significantly limits your ability to work.

Ontario

You may qualify for:

Alberta

Depression can qualify under:

British Columbia

Depression is eligible under:

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When Depression Qualifies as a Disability (Examples)

You may be considered disabled if you experience:

  • Major depressive disorder that prevents you from focusing, remembering tasks, or interacting with others
  • Severe depression and anxiety that make it impossible to function at work
  • Treatment-resistant depression with little improvement despite medication and therapy
  • Postpartum depression that affects energy, mood, and concentration
  • Recurrent depressive episodes that cause long absences or relapses
  • Depression linked to trauma, burnout, or chronic pain that limits your ability to work consistently

💡 If your symptoms prevent you from safely or reliably doing your job, you likely meet the disability definition.

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Can You Get Disability Benefits for Depression?

Yes — many Canadians receive disability benefits every year due to depression. You may qualify for:

1. Short-Term Disability (STD)

Usually 17–26 weeks. Requires medical proof you can’t perform your own job.

2. Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Covers you for years, often to age 65.
For the first 2 years, you must show you can’t perform your own occupation.
After 2 years, insurers apply the stricter “any occupation” test.

3. CPP Disability (CPP-D)

Federal program for severe and prolonged depression that prevents you from regularly working.

4. Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

A tax credit for people whose mental health conditions significantly impair daily functioning.

5. Provincial Disability Assistance

Programs like ODSP, AISH, or BC Disability Assistance may apply if you have limited income and a serious disability.

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Short-Term Disability for Depression

Short-term disability is often the first step if you need time off work due to depression.

You may qualify if you experience:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Panic attacks
  • Sleep disruption
  • Severe mood symptoms

Many people ask:
How do I get short-term disability approved for depression?

You need:

  • A medical diagnosis
  • Evidence your symptoms prevent you from working
  • Proof you are following treatment

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Long-Term Disability for Depression

Insurers often deny LTD claims for depression because the condition is “invisible.”
But invisible disabilities are still disabilities — and depression is one of the most commonly approved LTD conditions in Canada.

To qualify for LTD, you must show:

  • You’re unable to perform the essential tasks of your job
  • You are receiving consistent treatment
  • Your symptoms are documented by a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist
  • Your condition is not improving enough to return to work

💡 After 2 years, the test changes. Insurers look at whether you can perform any job that fits your background. This is where many claims are cut off unfairly.

 

CPP Disability for Depression

CPP-D benefits are available if your depression is:

  • Severe — you can’t regularly attend work
  • Prolonged — it is expected to last at least one year

CPP-D requires strong medical evidence, consistent treatment, and proof you can’t sustain employment.

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How to Get Disability Benefits for Depression

Here’s what insurers look for — and what you need to provide:

1. Get a formal diagnosis

Preferably from a psychiatrist or psychologist.

2. Document your symptoms

Examples:

  • Can’t concentrate
  • Can’t interact with others
  • Panic attacks at work
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Severe fatigue

3. Follow all recommended treatment

Medication, therapy, counselling, lifestyle changes, specialist care.

4. Ask for workplace accommodations

Your employer must try to accommodate you.

5. Complete your disability forms carefully

Explain why you can’t work, not just that you feel unwell.

6. Submit supporting medical documentation

Insurers rely heavily on written evidence.

7. Meet all deadlines

Late submissions often lead to automatic denials.

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Common Reasons Depression Disability Claims Are Denied

Insurers commonly reject depression claims because:

  • Not enough medical evidence
  • They say you can still work despite symptoms
  • Your doctor didn’t provide enough detail
  • They think you’re not following treatment
  • They claim symptoms improved “on paper”
  • They misinterpret gaps in treatment
  • They rely on surveillance or social media
  • They say you can do a different, simpler job

A denial doesn’t mean you aren’t disabled — it usually means your insurer is protecting their profits.

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What to Do If Your Depression Disability Claim Is Denied

A denial is not the end of your claim. You still have strong options if your long term disability is denied:

1. Read the denial letter carefully

Understand the insurer’s reasons.

2. Collect additional medical evidence

Ask your doctor to respond directly to the denial points.

3. DO NOT appeal internally without legal advice

Internal appeals rarely work because the same insurer reviews its own denial.
A legal claim is usually the faster and more successful route.

4. Speak to a disability lawyer immediately

There are strict deadlines.
Our team has helped thousands of people with depression get their benefits reinstated or paid out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is depression considered a disability in Canada?

Yes. Severe depression that affects your ability to work qualifies as a disability for STD, LTD, CPP-D, DTC, and provincial assistance.

Is depression a disability in Ontario?

Yes. You may qualify for STD/LTD, ODSP, or CPP-D.

Is depression a disability in Alberta?

Yes. Depression may qualify for STD/LTD or AISH.

Is major depressive disorder a disability?

Yes. MDD is one of the most commonly approved mental health disabilities.

Can I get disability for depression in Canada?

Yes. Many Canadians receive STD, LTD, and CPP-D for depression every year.

Is depression and anxiety a disability in Canada?

Yes. These conditions often occur together and may strengthen your claim.

Does depression count as a disability even if it’s not visible?

Yes. It is an invisible disability, but it is still protected by law.

Speak to a Disability Lawyer About Depression

If your short-term or long-term disability claim for depression was denied, delayed, or cut off, we can help. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our disability lawyers have decades of experience dealing with insurers — including Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Desjardins, and more.

✅ Sivan Tumarkin is one of Canada’s most respected long-term disability lawyers. His experience handling thousands of disability claims — such as those involving various forms of depression — gives clients a meaningful advantage when they’re trying to secure the benefits they’re owed.

There are no upfront fees. You don’t pay unless we win.

📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900, email help@disabilityrights.ca, or use our online form for a FREE consultation.

⛔ Our firm handles private and workplace LTD insurance claims, CPPD, and DTC, not provincial appeals such as WSIB or WCB.

Denied Depression Disability Benefits? We Can Help.

Our disability lawyers know how insurers handle depression claims — and how to overturn unfair denials. No upfront fees. Get a FREE consultation today.

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Helping Canadians Get Disability Benefits for Depression

If your depression long-term disability or CPP Disability claim has been denied, our team helps individuals in every province (except Quebec). Find your province below to learn more about long-term disability rules, benefits, and timelines where you live.

Advice You Need. Compensation You Deserve.

Consult with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We are one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment, labour and disability law firms. Take advantage of our years of experience and success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

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