If you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, there are several different benefit programs in Canada that may provide income support. The most common are short-term disability (STD), EI sickness benefits, and long-term disability (LTD).
These programs are often confused — but they work very differently.
This guide explains the key differences between short-term disability, EI sickness benefits, and long-term disability, including who qualifies, how long benefits last, and what happens when one type of benefit ends.
What Is Short-Term Disability (STD)?
Short-term disability (STD) is a temporary income replacement benefit, usually provided through an employer-sponsored insurance plan.
STD benefits are designed to cover short-term absences from work due to medical reasons, before you either return to work or transition to long-term disability.
Key points about STD:
- provided through employer insurance (not government)
- requires medical support
- typically lasts 15–26 weeks
- only available if your employer offers coverage
What Are EI Sickness Benefits?
EI sickness benefits are provided by the federal government through Employment Insurance.
They are available to eligible workers who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine and who meet minimum insurable hour requirements.
Key points about EI sickness benefits:
- government-run program
- time-limited benefits
- medical certificate required
- available even if you don’t have employer STD coverage
EI sickness benefits are often used:
- when no STD plan exists, or
- as a temporary bridge between benefits
What Is Long-Term Disability (LTD)?
Long-term disability (LTD) provides income replacement when you are unable to work for an extended period of time.
LTD benefits usually begin after short-term disability ends, although eligibility rules are more strict and benefits last much longer.
Key points about LTD:
- provided through employer insurance or private policies
- begins after STD or EI ends
- can last years or until retirement age
- claims are frequently denied or cut off by insurers
STD vs EI vs LTD: Key Differences at a Glance
| Benefit Type | Short-Term Disability (STD) | EI Sickness Benefits | Long-Term Disability (LTD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Employer / insurer | Government (EI) | Employer / insurer |
| How long it lasts | ~15–26 weeks | Limited number of weeks | Long-term (years) |
| Medical proof required | Yes | Yes | Yes (often stricter) |
| Income replacement | ~60–85% | Lower, capped | ~60–70% |
| Available to everyone | No | Yes (if eligible) | No |
Which Benefit Applies First?
In many cases, the order looks like this:
- Short-term disability (STD) — if available through your employer
- EI sickness benefits — if STD isn’t available or as a bridge
- Long-term disability (LTD) — if you’re still unable to work
However, the order can vary depending on:
- your employer’s benefit plan
- policy wording
- how quickly claims are approved or denied
What Happens If One Benefit Is Denied?
Denials are common — especially for STD and LTD claims.
If a benefit is denied or cut off:
- you may still qualify for a different program
- timelines and documentation matter
- early decisions can affect later claims
👉 If your short-term disability claim was denied, see short-term disability denied in Canada.
👉 If your long-term disability claim was denied, see long-term disability denied in Canada.
Do You Have to Return to Work If Benefits End?
No.
A benefit ending does not automatically mean:
- you’re medically able to work, or
- you must return to your job immediately.
Insurers decide benefits. Doctors determine medical fitness for work.
Returning to work against medical advice can put your health — and future claims — at risk.
How Job-Protected Medical Leave Fits In
Income replacement benefits and job protection are separate issues.
Even if benefits end, employees may still be entitled to job-protected medical leave under employment standards legislation, depending on the situation.
Employers’ obligations don’t disappear just because insurance benefits stop.
Key Takeaway
Short-term disability, EI sickness benefits, and long-term disability all serve different purposes — and understanding the differences can help you avoid gaps in income and costly mistakes.
If benefits are denied or cut off, knowing which option comes next is critical.