If you have an illness or sustained an injury that prevents you from attending to normal work-related tasks for a prescribed period, you may be ready to pursue a claim for disability benefits. Understanding how to file your benefits application correctly and what documents are needed can significantly impact your claim’s success.
This guide will provide you with a quick overview of the variety of benefits and financial support that may be available to you to determine the best path forward. Our skilled disability specialists can help you navigate the disability claim timeline and ensure your case evaluation is thorough.
Types of Disability Benefits in Canada
When you’re unable to work, there are several ways to obtain federal financial support and disability benefits in Canada. These include Employment Insurance (EI), the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits, and Disability Benefits for Veterans. Each program has specific eligibility requirements and disability determination processes that claimants must understand.
Employment Insurance
Consider applying for sickness benefits from EI (Employment Insurance) if you are disabled for a short time due to illness, injury or quarantine. You could receive up to 15 weeks of benefits to act as a short-term financial relief. Our legal counsel can help you file your EI application and protect your rights throughout the claims assistance process.
Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefits
CPP Disability Benefits are the major government funded long-term disability benefits available in Canada. If your disability is going to cause you to leave the workforce long-term, typically more than 2 years, and you have contributed to CPP during your work life, you may qualify for these benefits. This type of disability benefit is geared towards individuals with a medical condition that has reached the point where you will no longer be able to work.
To qualify, in general, you must have worked 4 of the last 6 years, and you must have your doctor’s medical assessment proving you have a “severe” and “prolonged” condition making you unable to work. Our attorneys will review your medical evidence thoroughly to ensure your documentation meets CPP’s strict requirements.
Should you consider the help of a lawyer? A licensed and specialized CPP disability lawyer can help you build a strong application or successfully appeal a denial. Our proven track record shows we know how to challenge insurance company tactics and negotiate effectively on your behalf. We advocate for claimants throughout the entire CPP disability appeal process, ensuring fast response times and transparent communication.
Disability Benefits for Veterans
Individuals who have experienced disability from service in the Canadian Armed Forces or Merchant Navy may be able to receive disability benefits. There are several different programs under which a disabled veteran or active military service member may qualify. There are many aspects that can cause or extend a soldier’s disability both physically and mentally.
Understanding the legal intricacies and your possible recourse can be complex. This may be the time to talk with a reliable and responsive disability lawyer who is well-versed in military disability law. Our legal advocates provide personalized service and will defend your rights throughout the litigation process if necessary.
Types of Disability Benefits in Ontario
There are 2 provincial programs available in Ontario to assist individuals who are facing a disability that keeps them from returning to the workplace. Types of disability benefits in Ontario include benefits available through WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) as well as the ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program). Our established firm with local expertise can provide WSIB claim help and ODSP application assistance to ensure you receive all benefits you’re entitled to.
WSIB
If you are hurt on the job or suffer a work-related illness, worker’s compensation is available to help you through your recovery and provide services to enhance the likelihood that you will be able to return to gainful employment. Our client-focused legal services team will handle all paperwork and communicate with insurance adjusters to expedite your claim.
Benefits under WSIB depend upon your particular situation but can include healthcare expenses, medical equipment and supplies, services to help you return to work, and replacement of lost income and/or retirement income.
Healthcare expenses can include:
- Doctor or dental bills
- Surgical expenses
- Medication
- Orthopedic devices
- Travel expenses
- Medical equipment, and more
ODSP
The Ontario Disability Support Program is available in Ontario to assist individuals who suffer a disability with their living expenses. Eligibility limits benefits to individuals who suffer from substantial mental or physical impairment for a year or longer and who meet certain financial need requirements. Our skilled attorneys can help you understand what to expect from your ODSP lawyer and how long the disability claim takes from application to approval.
For those who qualify, benefits can include:
- Help with essential living expenses
- Medical benefits for entire family (vision care, medication, etc.)
- Employment assistance
The benefits available to individuals who qualify for this type of long-term disability benefits in Ontario are substantial, but the requirements to qualify are complex. Our results-driven legal experts will ensure your application is complete and protect you from common insurance company tactics designed to deny valid claims.
Private Disability Insurance
Some employers in Ontario may offer their employees private disability insurance.
Anyone who has access to private insurance through their employer may find this disability benefit offered on a group health insurance plan. Since each insurance company’s plans and benefits are different, you should thoroughly review the terms of your insurance policy’s coverage to determine how it applies to your specific situation. The policy should also explain the application process. If your long-term disability claim has been denied, our top-rated disability advocates can contest the decision and litigate if necessary to ensure you receive fair treatment.
Remember, each case of disability is unique. While you might not be eligible to all types of benefits, you want to make sure you apply to all possible support available that applies to your situation, within the right deadlines, and in a way that maximizes your chances of securing these benefits. An experienced disability lawyer is able to guide you through these steps, provide some stress relief by handling the legal and administrative process, and build a winning claim for the benefits you are entitled to. Our award-winning, accredited legal representation team offers accessible offices with wheelchair accessible facilities, parking available, and flexible scheduling including evening appointments and weekend availability. We provide online consultations, virtual meetings, and even home visits or hospital visits when needed. Our responsive, multilingual staff ensures transparent communication throughout your case, and our proven success rate demonstrates why we’re considered the best disability lawyer choice for Ontario residents seeking nearby legal help.
