Applying for short-term disability benefits in Ontario: Step-by-step guide | Globalnews.ca (2024)

Navigating the process of applying for short-term disability (STD) benefits in Ontario can seem challenging. However, it can be straightforward when you know the rights steps to take. As a disability lawyer with extensive experience guiding numerous clients through this process, I’ve seen firsthand how the right preparation can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through the key steps to improve the chances of a successful STD benefits application.

Understanding STD benefits

In Ontario, short-term disability benefits provide financial assistance if you are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. These benefits typically come through your employer’s group insurance plan or a private policy. They are designed to cover 60% to 100% of your income during your recovery period and can last up to 26 weeks, sometimes as long as 52 weeks. The waiting period before benefits begin can be anywhere from one to 14 days.

1. Review your disability policy

Your first step in applying for STD benefits is to thoroughly read your disability policy. This document outlines what conditions qualify as a disability, how long the benefits will last, and other important details. Knowing these specifics will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare your application.

READ MORE: Can I still get long-term disability even if I don’t look sick?

2. Notify your employer

If your STD benefits are provided through your employer, tell them as soon as possible about your need to apply for benefits. Your employer will provide the proper forms and may assist you with the application process. If you have a private policy, contact your insurance provider directly.

3. Obtain medical evidence

Your application for STD benefits in Ontario will require detailed medical documentation. Schedule appointments with your healthcare providers to obtain medical reports, test results, and a comprehensive statement from your doctor that clearly outlines your condition and how it prevents you from working. The more thorough and detailed the documentation, the stronger your application will be and the less likely the insurance company will reject it.

READ MORE: ‘Get full support from your doctor’: Disability lawyer’s guide to making insurance claims

4. Fill out the application forms

Carefully fill out the application forms you have received from your employer or insurance provider. These forms will ask for information about your medical condition, your job duties, and how your illness or injury affects your ability to work. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and that your doctor has filled out the Attending Physician’s Statement.

Additionally, you will need to submit the Employee Statement and the Employer Statement, filled out by you and your employer, respectively. Incomplete or inaccurate forms can delay the processing of your application, meaning that it will take longer for your benefits to kick in.

READ MORE: How to apply for long-term disability benefits in Ontario

5. Submit your application

Submit your completed STD application forms and all supporting medical documentation to your employer or insurance provider. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records. It’s important to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays in receiving benefits.

After sending in your application, follow up to track the status of your claim. Regular communication can help address any potential issues promptly and keep your claim moving forward.

What to do if your short-term disability claim is denied

If your STD claim is denied in Ontario, don’t panic. Claims can be wrongly denied due to insufficient medical evidence or administrative errors by the insurance company. Adjusters may be overworked and miss important details in your file, or they might hope you’ll accept their decision without questioning it. Remember, it is within your rights to ask questions and seek clarification. If you are genuinely disabled and your doctors support your claim, we are here to help you secure the STD benefits you need.

READ MORE:The insurer cut off his benefits. Then his lawyer reviewed his medical assessment

The next step if your STD claim is denied is to reach out for professional legal advice before filing an appeal with your insurer. Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately for a free STD consultation. We will carefully review your denial letter, assess your situation, and explain your options at no cost to you. Don’t give up hope. Having the right information and support can make all the difference.

At our firm, we focus on assisting individuals in Ontario and across Canada who have been denied short-term and long-term disability benefits. We often resolve these claims swiftly and successfully, helping many people, including those like Sandra Bullock and Julie Austin, get the support they need. Our employment lawyers can also defend your rights if you lose your job while on STD.

For more information on the STD application process in Ontario or transitioning from STD to long-term disability, visit our website. And if your claim is denied, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Stand up for your rights and take the first step towards securing your financial future today. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Questions about applying for STD in Ontario? Not sure what to do after your claim has been denied?

Contact the firm or call 1-855-821-5900 for a free consultation with a disability lawyer. We help Canadians across all provinces (excluding Quebec). Get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.

Sivan Tumarkin is a disability lawyer a co-founding partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Canada’s most positively reviewed law firm specializing in long-term disability and employment law claims. The firm provides legal insight on Canada’s only Disability Law Show on TV and radio.