Ontario Disability Lawyers: Short-Term Disability Claims

Do I Have a Short-Term Disability Claim in Ontario?

Most employer plans pay short-term disability benefits when a doctor confirms you're unable to work during the early disability period. Eligibility usually turns on three things:

• Coverage: Are you under group benefits through an employer's disability plan or private disability insurance/disability coverage?
• Medical evidence: Objective notes from your physician/specialist, treatment plans, pharmacy records, and functional limits tied to your job.
• Job impact: Why your symptoms prevent essential duties right now (not just "I don't feel well").

(Here's where it gets complicated.) Denials often cite insufficient medical evidence or say your restrictions don't match the role. Tight documentation—and consistent treatment—answers both.

Quick Checklist: Documents to Gather

• Physician notes, diagnostic imaging, test results
• Medication list and therapy referrals
• Formal job description and recent performance records
• A brief daily symptoms/treatment log

What Is a Disability Benefit and How Is It Calculated?

A disability benefit replaces part of your earnings while you recover—think income replacement during the short-term disability window. Plans vary, but most tie benefit amounts to a percentage of pre-disability income, subject to caps and offsets. Your disability benefit may coordinate with other programs or remain stand-alone; the policy governs.

In practice, your disability benefit continues while you meet the medical test and comply with reasonable treatment. If recovery extends, you may transition to long-term disability. (We plan for that early so there's no gap.)

Filing a Strong Short-Term Disability Claim (and Avoiding Pitfalls)

Step-by-Step

Planning to apply for STD or make a short-term application? We'll help you claim for short term coverage with complete, consistent paperwork. If you also need to apply for disability more broadly, we map that in parallel.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming HR "sent everything." Always verify transmission.
• Letting the insurer redefine your job into something easier than it is.
• Pausing treatment too soon. Keep follow-ups current.

If Your Disability Claim Is Challenged or the Claim Is Denied

Decision letters can say disability claim denied, denied disability claim, denied short term disability, denied STD, or denied disability benefits. Some files are denied or terminated mid-claim; others state your disability claim is denied due to "lack of objective findings." Don't panic.

Practical Next Steps

• Internal review / appeal process with the insurer
• Targeted updates to medical evidence
• Legal action where appropriate (we'll explain risks and timelines)

We build a strong appeal by addressing the precise reasons cited. Our experienced legal team will review your case, set deadlines, and guide you through the appeals so nothing falls through the cracks. If you feel unfairly denied, we'll appeal a denial with the records and opinions that actually move the needle.

Insurers We See Most (and How They Test Claims)

We regularly handle files with disability insurance companies including Manulife, Sun Life, and Canada Life. Each insurer has its own forms, timelines, and review habits (requests for updated notes, function reports, even recorded calls). We prepare you for all of it so your responses are accurate and complete.

(Professional aside:) We've noticed many families across Ontario underestimate how detailed these forms must be. Brief answers invite delays.

From Short-Term to Long-Term Disability (Smooth Handoffs)

If you're still not ready to return to work at the end of the short-term disability window, you'll likely transition to long-term disability benefits. Expect a qualifying period for long-term disability and, in many policies, a different medical test over time (own-occupation vs. any-occupation). We keep evidence current so short-term and long-term disability benefits dovetail without interruption.

Some cases involve mental health issues where treatment and function notes evolve. We plan reviews proactively. For complex long term disability benefits or long term disability claims, including long-term disability claims in ontario, we coordinate medical updates and timing so your file stays on track. Robust long-term disability coverage language matters here.

What a Disability Lawyer Actually Does (Beyond Paperwork)

As disability claim lawyers, we gather the right records, manage communications with insurance companies, and, if needed, litigate. We also coordinate with an employment lawyer when workplace accommodation or termination issues arise—real-world disability law often overlaps with employment obligations.

We're Burlington-based short term disability lawyers serving clients across the GTA and beyond. Whether you searched lawyers toronto or lawyers in ontario, you've got local help. We'll explain how a lawyer can help in plain English.

Fees, Timelines, and How to Start a Consultation

• Initial consultation: Your consultation is free. In this initial consultation, we map deadlines and strategy.
• We offer free consultations and clear fee options. No surprises.
• Communication: You'll know who's handling your file day-to-day.
• Timelines: Internal reviews can take weeks; litigation varies by court and complexity. (We'll be upfront about that.)

Thinking you need a lawyer or ready to hire a lawyer? Contact UL Lawyers for a free consultation—the free consultation is straightforward, and we'll outline next steps without pressure.

If you're searching for a lawyer near Burlington, we're close by and handle files province-wide.

Burlington-based, serving all of Ontario. Whether you need a short-term disability lawyer near you or are looking for help throughout Ontario, we're ready to assist.