Invisible disabilities are far more common than most people realize. These conditions don’t show obvious physical signs, but they can seriously affect a person’s health, job, and daily life. Understanding what an invisible disability is — and what your rights are — can make a meaningful difference if you or a loved one is struggling.
What Is an Invisible Disability?
An invisible disability is a medical condition that isn’t immediately noticeable to others but still limits your ability to work or perform daily activities.
These conditions can be physical, psychological, neurological, or cognitive. Many fluctuate, meaning symptoms can worsen or improve over time.
Common traits of invisible disabilities include:
- No visible physical markers
- Significant impact on stamina, focus, mobility, or cognitive function
- Symptoms that may be misunderstood or dismissed
- Difficulty accessing support because “you don’t look sick”
People often use the term invisible illness to describe these conditions as well.
Invisible Disability Meaning (Simple Definition)
An invisible disability means a real, medically supported impairment that affects your functioning — but can’t be easily seen by others. You do not need to have a cast, wheelchair, or mobility device to be considered disabled under Canadian law or for long-term disability benefits.
What Counts as an Invisible Disability?
There is no single list, but many widely recognized conditions qualify. They fall under three broad categories:
1. Mental Health Conditions
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
2. Chronic Physical Conditions
3. Neurological or Cognitive Conditions
- ADHD
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Epilepsy
- Learning disabilities
These are just some invisible disability examples — many others may qualify depending on the severity of symptoms.
How Can an Invisible Disability Affect Someone?
Invisible disabilities often affect a person in ways others can’t see. This can lead to misunderstanding, stigma, or lack of workplace support.
Common impacts include:
- Fatigue, pain, or cognitive fog that reduces work capacity
- Trouble concentrating or performing repetitive task
- Difficulty standing, sitting, or lifting for long periods
- Anxiety or emotional distress triggered by work environments
- Needing more breaks, flexibility, or modified duties
- Being judged as “lazy” or “unreliable” when symptoms flare
This disconnect — looking healthy but feeling unwell — is one of the biggest challenges people face.
Visible vs. Invisible Disability
A visible disability has physical signs that others can immediately recognize (e.g., mobility impairments, assistive devices, limb differences).
An invisible disability has no outward physical signs, even though symptoms may be serious or debilitating.
Both are equally protected under Canadian law and long-term disability insurance policies.
What Percentage of Disabilities Are Invisible?
Research varies, but experts estimate that up to 70%–80% of disabilities are invisible (UK Parliament). This explains why so many Canadians struggle without obvious signs of illness — and why many face challenges when seeking support or benefits.
Do Invisible Disabilities Qualify for Long-Term Disability Benefits?
Yes. If your condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job, you may qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits.
Insurance companies often deny these claims because symptoms are subjective, fluctuating, or difficult to measure through imaging or tests.
Common reasons for denial include:
- “Insufficient medical evidence”
- “No objective findings”
- “You can still do some of your duties
- “Symptoms are based on self-reporting”
ℹ️ If your long term disability claim is denied or cut off, you can challenge the decision with help from a disability lawyer.
Workplace Rights for People with Invisible Disabilities
Employers must accommodate employees with invisible disabilities under human rights laws in every Canadian province.
This can include:
- Modified duties
- Reduced hours
- Remote work
- Assistive devices
- Short- or long-term medical leaves
ℹ️ You don’t need to disclose your exact diagnosis — only the functional limitations.
Examples of Invisible Disabilities That Commonly Lead to LTD Claims
- Chronic pain
- Mental health conditions
- Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
- Long COVID
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Neurological conditions
⛔ If symptoms prevent you from working, you should speak with your doctor early and document how your condition affects your job.
When to Talk to a Disability Lawyer
If you’ve been denied long term disability benefits, pressured to return to work too soon, or your insurer says there’s “not enough evidence,” speak with a disability lawyer as soon as possible.
A lawyer can:
- Review your denial letter
- Explain your rights
- Deal directly with the insurance company
- Get compensation at no upfront cost (contingency fee)
Speak to a Disability Lawyer About Your Invisible Disability
If your long-term disability claim was denied, delayed, or cut off, you’re not alone. Many Canadians with invisible disabilities — including chronic pain, mental health conditions, autoimmune disorders, and neurological issues — struggle to get the benefits they’re owed.
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our long-term disability lawyers across Canada have helped thousands of people secure the compensation they deserve.
✅ Insider Advantage: Sivan Tumarkin, one of Canada’s leading long-term disability lawyers, uses his decades of knowledge about insurance companies to advocate for ill and injured individuals. He knows their strategies, and how to tilt the playing field in your favour.
There are no upfront fees, and 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.
⛔ We represent clients for private or workplace LTD insurance claims, CPPD, and DTC — not provincial appeals such as WSIB or WCB.