If you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, long-term disability (LTD) benefits are meant to provide income replacement when you need it most. Unfortunately, many people in Nova Scotia face delays, reductions, or denials from insurance companies — often without clear explanation.
This page explains how long-term disability works in Nova Scotia, what benefits typically pay, why claims are denied, and what steps you can take if your insurer cuts off or refuses your benefits.
What Is Long-Term Disability (LTD)?
Long-term disability insurance provides monthly income replacement if a medical condition prevents you from working for an extended period.
LTD benefits usually begin after:
- short-term disability ends, or
- an elimination period (often 90–180 days)
Most LTD policies are provided through:
- employer benefit plans
- group insurance policies
- professional associations
How Much Do LTD Benefits Pay in Nova Scotia?
Most LTD policies pay 50%–70% of your pre-disability income, up to a maximum monthly cap.
Your actual payment can be affected by:
- CPP Disability benefits
- other disability income
- pension or severance income
- whether benefits are taxable
Many claimants receive less than expected because insurers apply offsets or interpret income differently than policyholders anticipate.
How Long Do LTD Benefits Last?
Most LTD policies do not automatically last until retirement.
Most policies work in two stages:
- Early stage: you must be unable to perform your own job
- Later stage (often after 24 months): you must be unable to perform any occupation reasonably suited to your background
This shift is one of the most common reasons benefits are cut off.
Who Qualifies for Long-Term Disability in Nova Scotia?
You may qualify for LTD benefits if:
- you have a medical condition supported by medical evidence
- your condition prevents you from working as defined by your policy
- you meet the insurer’s definition of disability
- you continue appropriate treatment and follow medical advice
Importantly, LTD eligibility is not based solely on diagnosis — insurers focus on how your condition affects your ability to work.
Common Reasons LTD Claims Are Denied or Cut Off
Insurance companies deny or terminate LTD claims for many reasons, including:
- claiming you can do “sedentary” or alternative work
- alleging insufficient medical evidence
- surveillance or social media monitoring
- missed paperwork or deadlines
- re-interpreting policy language after two years
A denial does not necessarily mean your claim lacks merit — it often reflects an insurer’s financial decision, not a medical one.
What If Your LTD Claim Is Denied in Nova Scotia?
If your long-term disability claim is denied, delayed, or terminated:
- do not assume the insurer is correct
- avoid appealing without understanding the legal risks
- do not rely solely on insurer explanations
You may still have strong legal options, even if benefits were stopped after months or years of payment.
Key Takeaway for Nova Scotia LTD Claimants
Long-term disability insurance is supposed to provide stability — but insurers often apply strict interpretations that leave people without income.
Understanding:
- how your policy defines disability
- when benefits can change
- why insurers deny claims
is critical to protecting your benefits.
If your LTD payments don’t reflect your real limitations, early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Get Help With a Long-Term Disability Claim in Nova Scotia
If your LTD benefits were denied, reduced, or cut off, a short conversation with an experienced Nova Scotia long term disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you understand:
- whether the insurer’s decision is defensible
- what evidence matters most
- what steps protect your claim moving forward