Short Term Disability Ontario

Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide temporary income replacement if you’re unable to work due to illness, injury, or a medical condition.

In Ontario, short-term disability is not required by law and is usually provided through an employer-sponsored insurance plan. Because coverage depends on the specific plan, eligibility, duration, and payment amounts can vary from one workplace to another.

This guide explains how short-term disability works in Ontario, who qualifies, how long benefits last, and what happens if benefits are denied or cut off.

Does Short-Term Disability Work the Same Across Canada?

While short-term disability is typically offered through employer insurance plans, rules and administration can vary by province.

For a national overview and links to other provinces, see our guide to short-term disability by province.

What is Short-Term Disability in Ontario?

Short-term disability in Ontario is a temporary disability benefits that replaces part of your income when you’re medically unable to work.

STD benefits usually apply before:

you return to work, or
your claim transitions to long-term disability (LTD)

Unlike Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits, STD is not a government program and is only available if your employer provides coverage.

Is Short-Term Disability Required by Law in Ontario?

No.

Ontario employers are not legally required to offer short-term disability benefits.

However, many employers provide STD through group insurance plans as part of their benefits package. If STD is not available, employees may need to rely on EI sickness benefits or unpaid medical leave.

Who Qualifies for Short-Term Disability in Ontario?

Eligibility depends on the terms of the insurance policy, but most STD plans require that:

you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or a medical condition
your doctor confirms you are medically unable to perform your job
you are actively employed and covered under the plan
you meet any waiting or elimination period

Insurers focus on functional limitations — whether your condition prevents you from doing your job — not just your diagnosis.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Short-Term Disability?

Short-term disability may apply to a wide range of conditions, including:

physical injuries or post-surgical recovery
chronic pain or flare-ups
mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
serious illness requiring treatment or rest
fatigue-related or post-viral conditions

Each claim is assessed individually based on medical evidence and job duties.

How Long Does Short-Term Disability Last in Ontario?

Most short-term disability plans in Ontario last between 15 and 26 weeks, though some plans may be shorter or longer.

STD benefits usually end when:

you are medically cleared to return to work
the maximum benefit period is reached
the insurer determines you no longer meet the definition of disability

When STD ends and you’re still unable to work, the next step is often long-term disability (LTD).

How Much Does Short-Term Disability Pay in Ontario?

STD benefits typically replace 60% to 85% of your regular income, depending on the plan.

The amount you receive can be affected by:

whether benefits are taxable
who pays the insurance premiums
maximum benefit caps set by the insurer

Higher-income earners may receive less than their full wage due to plan limits.

Short-Term Disability vs EI Sickness Benefits in Ontario

Employees in Ontario often need to choose between STD and EI sickness benefits, depending on coverage.

Short-term disability:

provided through employer insurance
usually 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
are available if you meet insurable hour requirements
limited to a set number of weeks

ℹ️ Some employees use STD first, then EI sickness, or vice versa, depending on coverage.

Can You Take Job-Protected Medical Leave in Ontario?

Yes.

Even if you receive STD benefits, your job protection comes from Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) — not the insurance plan.

Eligible employees may be entitled to job-protected medical leave, meaning your employer must hold your job while you’re away due to illness or injury.

⚠️ STD benefits and job-protected leave are separate issues, but they often run at the same time.

Why Are Short-Term Disability Claims Denied in Ontario?

Insurers may deny or cut off STD benefits for reasons such as:

insufficient medical evidence
claims you can still perform your job
surveillance or social media reviews
missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork
disputes over diagnosis or treatment

💡 A denial does not automatically mean the insurer is right.

What Happens If Short-Term Disability Is Denied or Cut Off?

If your short-term disability benefits are denied or stopped early, you may still have options.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

appeal the insurer’s decision
apply for EI sickness benefits
transition to long-term disability
challenge the denial with legal help

Key Takeaway

Short-term disability in Ontario can provide critical income support when you’re temporarily unable to work, but coverage depends entirely on your employer’s insurance plan.

👉 Understanding how STD works — and what happens if benefits end or are denied — can help you avoid delays, gaps in income, and unnecessary stress.

Need Help After a Disability Claim Is Denied?

If your short-term or long-term disability benefits have been denied or terminated, legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.

Get Help With Your Claim

Short-Term Disability in Ontario: How STD Benefits Work