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Short-Term vs. Long-Term Disability: What’s the Difference?

When faced with a health condition or injury that prevents you from working, understanding the difference between short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits is crucial. These programs provide financial assistance during times of hardship, but they differ in duration, eligibility requirements, and coverage scope. 

At Unified LLP, we understand that navigating disability claims can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the complexities of both short-term and long-term disability policies. Our experienced team of long-term disability lawyers and short-term disability lawyers is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.

What Are Short-Term Disability Benefits?

Short-term disability benefits are designed to provide temporary income replacement for employees who cannot work due to illness, injury, or surgery.

Key Features of Short-Term Disability

  • Duration: Typically lasts between 15 weeks and six months, depending on the policy.
  • Coverage: Provides a percentage of your regular income, often ranging from 50% to 100%.
  • Waiting Period: Benefits usually begin after a short waiting period (e.g., 1 day to two weeks).
  • Funding: May be offered through an employer-provided insurance plan or a provincial program like EI Sickness Benefits.

Common Qualifying Conditions

  • Recovery from surgery.
  • Short-term illnesses or injuries.
  • Pregnancy-related complications.
  • Mental health conditions. 

What Are Long-Term Disability Benefits?

Long-term disability benefits provide financial support for individuals who are unable to work for an extended period due to severe or chronic medical conditions.

Key Features of Long-Term Disability

  • Duration: Coverage typically begins after STD benefits end and can last for years or until retirement age. Typical policies in Ontario, Canada end when the qualifying individual turns 65 or 70 years old. 
  • Coverage: Replaces a percentage of your income, often around 60%-85%, but policies may vary.
  • Waiting Period: LTD benefits usually begin after STD benefits are exhausted or after a 90- to 180-day waiting period.
  • Funding: May be provided through an employer-sponsored group insurance plan or a private insurance policy.

Common Qualifying Conditions

  • Serious illnesses like cancer or autoimmune disorders.
  • Severe mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or substance use disorder (e.g., alcoholism). 
  • Debilitating injuries such as spinal cord damage.
  • Or degenerative illnesses, such as degenerative disc disease. 

Key Differences Between Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

FeatureShort-Term DisabilityLong-Term Disability
Duration15 weeks to 6 monthsSeveral years or until retirement age
Income Replacement50%-100%60%-85%
Waiting Period1 day-2 weeks90-180 days
Typical Conditionsshort-term injuries or illnessesChronic or more serious illnesses, severe injuries, or mental health

Understanding these distinctions can help you determine which program applies to your situation and how to navigate the claims process effectively.

How Unified LLP Can Help

Filing for short-term or long-term disability benefits can be a complex process. Insurers may deny claims based on insufficient medical evidence or other technicalities. At Unified LLP, we specialize in advocating for clients to ensure their rights are upheld.

Assistance with Denied Claims

If your disability claim has been denied, our experienced lawyers can:

  • Review your policy and denial letter.
  • Help gather additional medical evidence.
  • Negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

Guidance Through the Claims Process

Whether you’re applying for STD or LTD benefits, we can guide you through every step, ensuring your claim is filed correctly and promptly.

Get the Support You Need with Unified LLP

Navigating disability claims can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Unified LLP, our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re filing a new claim or appealing a denial, we’re here to provide expert guidance and advocacy.

If you’re looking for legal support in your area, check out our experienced disability lawyers:

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