Disability Law Show: Alberta & BC – S2 E05

Episode Summary

Why is it beneficial to apply for CPPD? Disability lawyer and national co-managing Partner Sivan Tumarkin and Martin Willemse at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, answer this question and more on the Disability Law Show on 980 CKNW in Vancouver, 770 CHQR in Calgary and 630 CHED in Edmonton.

Listen below to discover important information about your rights and a guide through the proper steps to take when your insurance provider cuts off your long-term disability or denies your insurance claim.

Whether you need a BC disability lawyer or disability lawyers in Alberta, Sivan and his team can get you the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Listen to the Episode

Show Notes

• Definition of total disability for claimants: In the context of long-term disability, many claimants are unaware of the true definition of “total disability”. To be deemed “totally disabled” and receive disability benefits, claimants have to be disabled from performing the essential tasks of their own occupation; the term does not mean a complete inability to function.
• Applying for CPP Disability: It is beneficial for LTD claimants to apply for CPP Disability as approval for CPPD can strengthen an LTD claim. The test in order to qualify for CPPD benefits is considered more difficult than LTD. Most disability policies contain a provision that credits the insurer as a result of CPPD. Unlike long-term disability benefits, CPPD is a government program.
• Disability benefits cut off as a result of job action: Claimants unsure of their rights can request a copy of their long-term disability policy from their insurer. Union members should continue to receive long-term disability benefits if they can prove they qualify for benefits under the terms of their policy. Job action should not be used to deny an LTD claim.
  • Learn More
    Employment issues and disability benefits
• Fibromyalgia and applying for LTD: Some medical conditions, like fibromyalgia, can pose difficulties when applying for long-term disability. Insurers often deem fibromyalgia as an invisible illness for which there is no objective medical evidence. Fibromyalgia is considered a disability and claimants with this diagnosis should continue to seek medical treatment. Claimants should outline their complaints and restrictions to their treating doctors in order to ensure a detailed report.