Benefits guide
Understanding Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Benefits
A plain-language guide to disability coverage, how to apply, and what to expect as you move through leave — including EI sickness benefits.
Your income protection when cancer affects your ability to work
A cancer diagnosis can make it impossible — temporarily or for an extended period — to continue working at your usual capacity. Canada has several income-replacement programs designed to bridge that gap, but the rules, timelines, and application processes differ significantly between them.
This guide explains the main types of disability benefits available to Canadian workers, how they interact with each other, and what steps to take to protect your income from the moment you stop working.
The three main sources of disability income
Most Canadian workers have access to at least one of these programs. Many have access to two or all three, and they can often be combined or sequenced.
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits
Federal — Service Canada
EI sickness benefits provide up to 26 weeks of income replacement (55% of insurable earnings, up to a weekly maximum) for workers who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine. You must have accumulated at least 600 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks.
- Up to 26 weeks of coverage
- 55% of average insurable weekly earnings
- 2-week waiting period (can be waived in some cases)
- Must apply through My Service Canada Account
Short-Term Disability (STD)
Employer group benefit plan
Short-term disability is an employer-sponsored benefit that typically replaces 60–100% of your salary for a defined period — usually 15 to 26 weeks. Coverage, waiting periods, and benefit amounts vary by employer and insurer. STD is often the first benefit to kick in after your sick days are exhausted.
- Typically covers 15 to 26 weeks
- Usually 60–100% of salary replacement
- Waiting period of 0–14 days is common
- Administered by your employer's group insurer
Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Employer group benefit plan or individual policy
Long-term disability benefits begin after short-term disability ends — typically after 17 to 26 weeks of absence. LTD usually replaces 60–70% of your pre-disability income and can continue until you recover, reach age 65, or exhaust the benefit period defined in your policy.
- Begins after STD ends (typically 17–26 weeks)
- Usually 60–70% of pre-disability income
- Can continue to age 65 depending on policy
- "Own occupation" vs. "any occupation" definitions matter
How to apply — step by step
Applying for disability benefits requires documentation from your medical team and coordination with your employer. Starting early reduces delays.
Notify your employer
Tell your HR department or manager as soon as you know you will need to stop working. Ask for the disability claim forms from your group benefits provider. You do not need to disclose your specific diagnosis — "a serious medical condition" is sufficient.
Get your medical documentation ready
Your doctor or oncologist will need to complete an Attending Physician Statement (APS) confirming your diagnosis, functional limitations, and expected duration of leave. Request this early — it can take time to receive.
Apply for EI sickness benefits
Apply through My Service Canada Account as soon as you stop working — do not wait until your STD claim is approved. You can apply for both simultaneously. EI has a 4-week application window; missing it can delay or reduce your benefits.
Submit your STD claim
Complete the employee section of the STD claim form and submit it along with your physician's statement to your group insurer. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Plan for the LTD transition
If your condition is expected to last beyond your STD period, your insurer will contact you about transitioning to LTD. Your physician will need to provide updated medical information. Do not wait for the insurer to initiate this — ask your HR department about the timeline.
Terms you need to know
Own occupation definition
LTD pays if you cannot perform the duties of your specific job. This is the more favourable definition and typically applies for the first 24 months of LTD.
Any occupation definition
After the own-occupation period, LTD may only pay if you cannot perform any job for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience. This is a higher bar to meet.
Elimination period
The waiting period between when you stop working and when disability benefits begin. For STD this is typically 0–14 days; for LTD it is the length of your STD period.
Coordination of benefits
When you receive benefits from more than one source (e.g. EI and STD), the insurer may reduce your STD payment so that your total income does not exceed a set percentage of your pre-disability earnings.
Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)
A federal benefit for Canadians with a severe and prolonged disability who have made sufficient CPP contributions. CPP-D can supplement LTD but is not a replacement for it.
If your claim is denied
Disability claim denials are common and can often be successfully appealed. If your claim is denied, request the denial in writing and ask for the specific reason. You have the right to appeal through your insurer's internal process.
If the internal appeal is unsuccessful, you may be able to file a complaint with your provincial insurance regulator or pursue the matter through the courts. A disability lawyer who works on contingency can advise you without upfront cost.
Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurer, including dates, names, and what was discussed. This documentation is critical if your case escalates.
Need help understanding your specific situation?
Every benefit plan is different. Our team can help you understand your coverage, connect you with the right resources, and navigate the application process.