Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide temporary income replacement if you’re unable to work due to illness, injury, or a medical condition
In Canada, short-term disability is not a government program. It is usually provided through an employer-sponsored insurance plan or, in some cases, replaced by EI sickness benefits.
This guide explains how short-term disability works in Canada, how long it lasts, who qualifies, and what happens if benefits are denied or cut off.
Does Short-Term Disability Work the Same in Every Province?
Short-term disability benefits are typically provided through employer insurance plans, but rules and administration can vary by province.
If you’re looking for province-specific information — including eligibility, benefit duration, and how STD interacts with local employment standards — see our guide to short-term disability by province.
What Is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability (STD) is a type of insurance benefit that replaces a portion of your income when you are temporarily unable to work for medical reasons.
STD benefits are meant to cover short-term absences, before:
- you return to work, or
- your claim transitions to long-term disability (LTD)
Unlike EI sickness benefits, STD is not universal and depends on whether your employer offers a disability plan.
Is Short-Term Disability a Government Benefit?
No.
Short-term disability is not provided by the federal or provincial governments.
Most STD benefits come from:
- employer-sponsored group insurance plans
- private disability insurance policies
If you do not have access to an STD plan, you may need to rely on EI sickness benefits instead.
Who Qualifies for Short-Term Disability in Canada?
Eligibility depends on the specific insurance policy, but most STD plans require that:
- you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or a medical condition
- a doctor confirms you are medically unable to perform your job
- you are actively employed and covered under the pla
- you meet any waiting or elimination period
Each plan sets its own rules, which is why eligibility can vary from one workplace to another.
What Medical Conditions Qualify for Short-Term Disability?
STD can apply to many physical and mental health conditions, including:
- injuries (fractures, surgery recovery, mobility issues)
- chronic pain or flare-ups
- mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
- serious illness requiring treatment or rest
- post-viral or fatigue-related conditions
The key issue is functional impairment — whether your condition prevents you from doing your job, not just whether you have a diagnosis.
How Long Does Short-Term Disability Last?
Most short-term disability plans last between 15 weeks and 26 weeks, though some plans may be shorter or longer.
For a more detailed breakdown of benefit duration, early cut-offs, and plan variations, see our guide on how long short-term disability lasts in Canada.
STD usually ends when:
- you are medically cleared to return to work, or
- the maximum benefit period is reached, or
- the insurer decides you no longer meet the definition of disability
When STD ends, many claims transition to long-term disability (LTD) if you are still unable to work.
How Much Does Short-Term Disability Pay?
STD benefits usually replace 60% to 85% of your regular income, depending on your plan.
The exact amount depends on:
- your insurance policy
- whether benefits are taxable
- how premiums are paid (employee vs employer)
Benefit caps may apply, meaning higher-income earners may not receive full wage replacement.
Short-Term Disability vs EI Sickness Benefits
Many people confuse STD with EI sickness benefits, but they are not the same.
Short-term disability:
- provided by an employer or private insurer
- typically pays a higher percentage of income
- requires medical approval under the insurance policy
EI sickness benefits:
If you don’t have access to an employer disability plan, you may need to rely on EI sickness benefits instead. These benefits:
- are provided by the federal government
- currently last up to 26 weeks
- require a minimum number of insurable hours
For a side-by-side comparison of short-term disability, EI sickness benefits, and long-term disability — including how they interact — see short-term disability vs EI vs LTD in Canada.
Can Your Employer Deny Short-Term Disability?
Employers do not usually decide STD claims — insurers do.
However, problems can arise if:
- your employer disputes your ability to work
- paperwork is delayed or incomplete
- your job duties are misrepresented
- accommodation options are mishandled
Even when employers are supportive, insurers may still deny or cut off benefits.
Why Are Short-Term Disability Claims Denied?
Common reasons insurers deny STD claims include:
- “insufficient medical evidence”
- claims that you can still perform your job
- surveillance or social media reviews
- missed deadlines or paperwork issues
- disputes over diagnosis or treatment
Many denials are tied to documentation issues. Learn what insurers look for — and common mistakes to avoid — in our guide to medical evidence for short-term disability claims.
What Happens If Short-Term Disability Is Denied or Cut Off?
If your short-term disability benefits are denied or stopped early, you still have options.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to:
- appeal the insurer’s decision
- apply for EI sickness benefits
- transition to a long-term disability claim
- challenge the denial with legal help
What Happens When Short-Term Disability Ends?
When STD reaches its maximum length, one of three things usually happens:
- You return to work
- You move to EI sickness benefits
- You apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits
The transition off short-term disability is often where disputes arise. Learn what typically happens next — and what your options may be — in our guide to what happens when short-term disability ends.
Key Takeaway
Short-term disability benefits can provide crucial financial support when you’re temporarily unable to work — but coverage, duration, and eligibility depend heavily on the specific insurance plan.