Life is often unpredictable and any person can be faced with uncertainty as it relates to their health and well being. Serious diseases, accidents and injuries can turn our lives into challenging situations in need of external help. In such cases, Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance policies and coverages, that may be available through other venues such as government-funded programs, can provide assistance to those in need of essential benefits.

LTD insurance policies provide an essential lifeline to those unable to work due to severe health problems. In the Greater Toronto Area, there are a significant number of people who suffer from disabilities and are thus unable to remain gainfully employed. Such individuals are able to file a claim for LT if they suffer from severe injuries or diseases. Having a long-term disability insurance policy, however, is essential to be able to apply for, and take advantage of such Long Term Disability benefits. 

In this guide, we will discuss what is a long-term disability LTD claim in Toronto.

What is long-term disability in Toronto?

People often get accidents, injuries, or fall into chronic diseases that can leave them disabled for years. Some insurance policies are put together for such unique and unforeseen scenarios, which, as alluded to above, are known as Long Term Disability policies. In Ontario, including in the City of Toronto generally, if you are unable to work for 3 or more months due to health conditions, such a person will normally be able to qualify for long-term disability. 

Usually, people under LTD policies will get income replacement for a certain period. Most of the insurance companies provide LTD benefits up to the age of 65 years. That is why a person suffering from injuries that keep them from being able to work for a period exceeding 3 or more months should ideally have read the policies terms and conditions at the outset and prior to enrolling in it. Typically, insurance companies that provide coverage for such policies give a policyholder, or a person covered by such a policy, a percentage of the person’s salary on a monthly basis. The percentage may vary but most insurance providers allow between 60% to 80% of a covered person’s pre-disability salary. 

It is noteworthy that, before being able to qualify for LTD, an insured person would have to go through the short term disability process. The insurance providers only allow a person’s LTD claims after the passage of 3 to 4 months of Short Term Disability (STD). In this period you can get STD benefits of Employment sickness insurance benefits (EI sickness).

What conditions qualify for long-term disability?

In Toronto, there are some common health conditions considered as long-term disability. Most people are often confused whether their health condition will be considered as LTD. If you are one of them it’s better to consult with a personal injury or disability lawyer in Toronto. A lawyer can guide you about LTD claims and rights according to your state law. Also, a lawyer will make your legal representation so that your insurance company can’t deny your claim.

Here we have listed some common health conditions that are qualify for LTD in Toronto:

• Chronic Pain

• Mental Illness

• Cancer

• Respiratory Disease

• Spinal Cord Injuries

• Musculoskeletal Disabilities

• Neurological Disorder

• Severe Orthopedic Injuries

• Arthritis

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Heart Disease

• Diabetes

• Bipolar Disorder

• Huntington’s disease

These are only a few health conditions that qualify for LTD but actually are a lot more. Typically, there is no limit to diseases or injuries where people lose their working ability. It’s up to your lawyer who has the responsibility to prove your condition under LTD benefits.

How to apply for long-term disability?

When you want to file an LTD claim, there are some basic terms you have to follow. You must have an insurance policy that covers LTD claims. Usually, insurance companies mention a waiting period in their terms. After this waiting period you can file your LTD claim. However, the waiting period varies according to policies, from 90 to 120 days. Follow the steps below to apply for long term disability:

1. File your claim immediately after waiting period

2. Follow your policy terms and conditions

3. Inform your insurance company 

4. Prepare your medical documents

5. Complete the LTD application form

6. Submit the application with necessary documents 

7. Follow up

8. If needed seek legal advice

9. Wait for the insurance company’s decision

10. Review decision

Conclusion

People who have health conditions that keep them from being able to work their daily jobs are entitled to LTD benefits. Our health being key to leading a happy and fulfilling life, can be brought into serious questions when we are afflicted by unforeseen accidents, severe illness or injuries. To add to this, a person may also no longer be in a position to fend for themselves by being able to earn a living or fulfill one’s basic needs. This is precisely why all workers need to arrange for methods of being eligible for financial support when such a time of need arises, something a STD and LTD insurance policy can provide us. Thus, should a person be fortunate enough to be enrolled in an LTD policy, should the need arise, it will benefit them if and when they are faced with unfavorable life situations. Lastly, it would be best to consult a personal injury law, or disability lawyer, before filing a long-term disability claim.