If you can’t work because of illness or injury, short-term disability (STD) benefits can replace a portion of your income while you recover.
This guide explains how short-term disability works in Ontario, who qualifies, how to apply, what to do if you’re denied, and when to contact a lawyer for help.
💡 Key takeaway: If your insurer denies your claim, don’t appeal alone. A free consultation with a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you secure the benefits you’re entitled to.
What is Short-Term Disability in Ontario?
Short-term disability (STD) provides temporary income replacement when you’re unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or medical condition.
It ensures you can pay your bills and focus on recovery without worrying about lost pay.
- Usually pays 50–75% of your regular income
- Covers absences lasting up to 26 weeks (sometimes longer)
- Typically offered through your employer’s group insurance plan
STD is different from WSIB benefits, which only apply to work-related injuries.
Who Qualifies for Short-Term Disability in Ontario?
Eligibility depends on your policy or employer plan, but generally, you must:
- Be covered under an active short-term disability policy
- Have a medical condition that prevents you from doing your job
- Provide medical documentation from your doctor confirming your inability to work
- Meet any waiting period or minimum employment requirement in your plan
✅ Tip: Review your employer’s benefits booklet or ask HR for confirmation of your coverage before applying.
How Much Does Short-Term Disability Pay in Ontario?
Most policies pay between 50% and 75% of your normal earnings.
Some high-tier plans provide up to 100% coverage for the first few weeks.
Your exact amount depends on:
- Your policy’s percentage rate
- Any maximum weekly limit
- Whether your employer tops up your benefits
How Long Does Short-Term Disability Last in Ontario?
STD benefits generally last up to 26 weeks (about six months). Certain employer or private insurance plans may extend this up to 52 weeks.
After your short-term disability coverage ends, you may:
- Transition to long-term disability (LTD) in Ontario if your illness continues
- Apply for EI sickness benefits if you don’t have LTD coverage
Common Medical Conditions That Qualify for STD
Most policies cover a wide range of physical and psychological conditions that prevent you from performing your job duties, including:
- Injuries: broken bones or fractures, post-surgery recovery, severe sprains or strains
- Serious illnesses: Respiratory infections, cardiovascular issues, digestive disorders
- Mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, burnout, acute stress disorder
- Pregnancy-related issues: high-risk pregnancy, postpartum complications
- Musculoskeletal problems: chronic back pain, joint disorders, repetitive strain injuries
- Neurological conditions: migraines, concussions, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders
⚠️ Remember: Your doctor must clearly state how your condition affects your ability to work. Vague notes like “off work for two weeks” are often rejected by insurers.
When Do Short-Term Disability Benefits Start?
Most Ontario policies include a 1- to 14-day waiting period (called an elimination period). You may need to use sick days or unpaid leave during this time before STD payments begin.
Once your insurer approves your claim, you’ll start receiving regular payments — usually every two weeks.
How to Apply for Short-Term Disability Benefits
Follow these steps to submit a strong claim and avoid unnecessary delays:
- Confirm your coverage
Check if you’re covered through your employer or a personal policy. - Notify your employer
Let them know you’ll be applying for short-term disability and request the claim forms. - Get a clear medical diagnosis
Ask your doctor to describe your symptoms and how they limit your ability to work. - Gather all medical documentation
Include test results, reports, and treatment notes. - Complete all forms carefully
Most applications require three sections:- Employee Statement (you)
- Attending Physician Statement (your doctor)
- Employer Statement (your workplace)
- Submit everything together
Missing pages or inconsistent answers cause delays. - Follow up
Stay in touch with your insurer and respond quickly to request for more information.
⚠️ Important: Keep copies of every document you send. You may need them later if your claim is denied.
Why Short-Term Disability Claims Are Denied
Insurers frequently deny STD claims for reasons such as:
- Insufficient medical evidence (doctor’s note too vague)
- Pre-existing conditions not covered under the plan
- Failure to meet the policy’s definition of “total disability“
- Late or incomplete applications
- Not following medical treatment or missing appointments
- Contradictory information (e.g., doctor’s note doesn’t match your report)
A denial can be frustrating — but it’s not final.
What to Do If Your Short-Term Disability Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied, don’t panic—and don’t waste time on multiple internal appeals.
Insurance companies often use the appeal process to delay valid claims and run down the clock on your legal rights.
Instead, contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately for a free consultation. Our team will review your claim, explain your options, and handle the insurer directly — so you can focus on your health.
🚨 Deadline Alert: You have up to two years from the denial date to start a legal claim. Missing this window can forfeit your right to compensation.
Should You Appeal or Sue the Insurance Company?
You can appeal directly to the insurer, but that means asking the same company that denied you to change its mind.
Success rates are low unless you provide new, significant medical evidence.
Filing a legal claim (lawsuit) instead allows:
- An independent review by the court
- Access to settlement negotiations
- The potential to recover unpaid benefits plus legal costs
✅ Our approach: We resolve most disability disputes without going to court, through direct negotiation and mediation with insurers.
Can You Collect EI Sickness Benefits and STD Together?
No. You can’t receive EI sickness benefits at the same time as short-term disability payments.
However, if your STD coverage ends and you’re still unable to work, you may apply for EI sickness benefits afterward.
Can You Be Fird While on Short-Term Disability in Ontario?
An employer can terminate your employment for legitimate business reasons, but not because of your disability.
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, firing an employee due to illness is discrimination.
If you were dismissed while on medical leave:
- You are owed severance pay in Ontario — up to 24 months’ pay
- You could have a human rights claim in addition to a disability claim
📢 Speak with an Employment Lawyer if you suspect your termination was connected to your disability leave.
Why Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
When your health and income are at stake, you need short-term disability lawyers in Ontario who know how insurers operate.
- ✨ Canada’s most experienced employee-side disability law firm
- 👥 50,000+ clients helped in Ontario and nationwide
- 💰 Millions recovered in settlements and judgements
- ⭐ 2,311 5-star Google reviews in Ontario (4.8 average)
- ⚖️ No upfront fees — you don’t pay unless we win
- 🏆 Named one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail
Helping Clients Across Ontario
We proudly assist clients throughout Ontario, including:
Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor, Barrie, Peterborough, and surrounding areas.
FAQs About Short-Term Disability in Ontario
👉 Can I apply for short-term disability if I’m pregnant?
👉 How long does it take to get approved?
👉 What if my doctor says I can’t work, but my insurer disagrees?
👉 Can I travel while on short-term disability?
👉 What happens when my short-term disability ends?
Speak With a Short-Term Disability Lawyer in Ontario
If your short-term disability claim was denied, delayed, or terminated early, you don’t have to fight your insurer alone.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped thousands of Canadians across Ontario secure the compensation they’re owed. We’ll review your claim, explain your rights, and guide you through every step — with no upfront fees.
👉 Contact our Short-Term Disability Lawyers in Ontario
📞 1-855-821-5900 | Free Consultation | Offices in Toronto and Ottawa
⛔ Unfortunately, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP does not assist with ODSP or WSIB denials. Please contact Legal Aid Ontario for support.