If you become disabled and are subsequently unable to work, disability benefits can help to protect you from struggling with lost income. Disability benefits can generally replace a portion of your income. But the question remains: how long do long-term disability (LTD) benefits last?
LTD benefits generally begin as soon as the qualifying period is over. This is usually four to six months. The duration of long-term disability benefits is dependent upon the specific insurance policy that you purchased. You can check the language of your policy to see what you are entitled to.
While some policies have a set time limit such as 5 or 10 years, others can last until the age of 65.There are policies that even have a lifetime benefit which often pays a percentage of what you received up to the age of 65 and then a lesser amount for the next 5, 10, 15 years or even for life.
CLHIA Guidelines for LTD Benefits
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) provides certain guidelines for LTD benefits, including that benefits are generally paid out for up to two years if you aren’t able to work within the normal capacity of your regular occupation, or up to the age of 65 if you are unable to work within any occupation.
Most policies have a “rehabilitation clause,” which is designed to help you get back into the job force. After the two years pass, if you are unable to go back to your previous occupation, insurance providers will often try to help you ease into a new role that you are able to handle.
After the rehabilitation period passes, you may be required to be unable to work within any position in order to maintain your LTD benefits.
It is imperative that you meet all deadlines applicable to LTD benefits or else you risk having your claim denied. The details of everything including your specific deadlines are located within your policy.
Cariati Law Can Help
Since there are time limits to these claims and you do not want to miss an important deadline, you will want to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced disability lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been denied long-term disability you may not even know where to start. That’s why it is so important to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable Ontario Disability Lawyer. At Cariati Law, our top Disability lawyers will handle your case for free – you pay nothing until we do. Contact one of our Toronto Disability Lawyers at 905-629-8040 today!