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Disability Insurance: Common Myths Exposed

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Disability Insurance: Common Myths Exposed

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.
disability insurance myths

Whether you purchase insurance, or you obtain it through your employer in Toronto, you want to know that it will be there when you need it most. Unfortunately, there are quite a few disability insurance myths that may cause you unnecessary anxiety.

The goal is to separate fact from fiction and provide you with the information you need to put your mind at ease about disability insurance in Ontario.

What is Disability Insurance?

Before we can dispel disability insurance myths, we’d like to provide you with a little information about what disability is and who qualifies. Disability insurance is usually divided into two categories, short-term disability and long-term disability. In addition to employer-provided and private plans, you may also be covered under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

Short-term disability is defined as an injury or illness that renders you unable to work for a short period of time. For legal purposes in Canada, that’s determined as six months or less.

On the other hand, long-term disability is considered if you experience an injury or illness that continues to render you unable to work after your short-term disability coverage and any employer-mandated sick days have been used. This type of plan will generally pay between 60 – 70 percent of your regular income.

Who Qualifies for Disability in Ontario?

In order to obtain payments for a short-term disability, you must be over 18 years old, employed, and have an illness or injury that outlasts your EI payouts but last less than six months. Long-term disabilities are injuries or illnesses that are still present and prevent you from working after your EI and short-term disability are exhausted.

Myths About Disability Insurance in Canada

Despite that fact that one in three Canadians will experience a disability at some point in their working lives, nearly half of Toronto residents believe that disability is something rare.

Misinformation like that can lead Canadians to put off purchasing protection, leaving them vulnerable to physical and financial hardships if they’re ever unable to work due to an injury.

The truth is, disability is common and takes many forms, some of which aren’t apparent when you just meet someone for the first time. But, that’s not the only myth about disability that’s common in the Provinces. Here are nine more that may surprise you.

Myth #1: My Insurance at Work Will Cover Me if I’m Injured

That depends on the nature of your injury and the type of coverage you have at your job. Generally speaking, employer-provided insurance and Worker’s Compensation only cover you for work-related injuries or occupational health problems. Check your policy to make sure.

Myth #2: Worker’s Compensation Will Cover All of My Expenses

Not really. Full coverage is usually provided by WSIB, and that is usually only available at larger companies or for full-time employees. WC may not cover all expenses, like certain treatments, medical aids. or medications.

Myth #3: More Policies Mean More Money if I’m Ever Disabled

Disability insurance is not like a life insurance policy where you can get multiple payouts. Your disability may be tied to your income and payments capped.

Myth #4: Disability Pays Just Like Life Insurance

Again, not the same type of protection. The idea with disability insurance is to replace your income, so payouts occur at regular intervals during the term of your disability.

Myth #5: If I’m Disabled, I’ll Start Getting Money Right Away

There’s usually an investigatory period of 120 days in order to determine eligibility. You may also be turned down initially and have to file an appeal.

Myth #6: I Can Lose My Job if I’m Collecting Disability for Too Long

Most employees are protected from termination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. An employer can only fire a disabled employee if they’ve exhausted all efforts to accommodate the disability and continued employment negatively affects the business or work environment.

Myth #7: I Can Avoid Becoming Disabled by Changing My Lifestyle

Although maintaining a healthy lifestyle will reduce your risk, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of disability altogether. Even the most health-conscious and careful people can still develop a mental illness, disability or be involved in an accident.

Myth #8: If I No Longer Meet the Legal Definition of Disability, I Have to Return to Work

That’s not entirely true. Having disability payments run their course doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re no longer disabled. In such cases, the employer must make reasonable accommodations should you decide to return to your job.

Myth #9: All Disabilities Are from Physical Injuries

We usually picture someone who’s in a wheelchair or otherwise obviously injured when we think of disabled persons. However, many conditions that are legally classified as disabilities have few or no outward signs or symptoms. This includes emotional disabilities due to depression and some mental illnesses as well as chronic health conditions like MS or epilepsy.

Final Thoughts

If you feel that you have a valid claim and have been denied disability payments or coverage, a practicing injury lawyer in Toronto would be happy to talk to you about your case. With a legal professional to guide you, you’ll have the facts you need to make important decisions about your life.

Don’t let second-hand information and myths about disability insurance cause you sleepless nights.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is a general guideline made available for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal advice for the reader’s specific situation nor in general. By reading our blog and website content, the reader acknowledges the above and understands there is no lawyer-client relationship created between you and Himelfarb Proszanski through this content. To get specific legal advice, we encourage you to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers to clarify the legal aspects of your situation.

Timing is Critical. Help is Free.

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

Timing is Critical. Help is Free.

Don’t delay discussing your matter with us to find out how to build a winning case.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You don’t pay us unless we win your case. No Out of pocket expenses required.

Note: Your Privacy is Safe with us. We will never disclose your information to external parties.

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I highly recommend Dan Holland as a disability lawyer. His commitment to my case made the process seamless. Dan's clear communication and ability to simplify complex legal matters made it easy for me to understand every step. He demonstrated genuine concern for my best interests, making him not only a skilled attorney but also someone easy to talk to.Dan’s support extended beyond legal expertise; he alleviated my stress during the long-term disability case. His calm approach and unhurried demeanour ensured that there was no rush in our collaboration. This, coupled with his dedication, made the entire experience more manageable, fostering confidence in his ability to handle the case with meticulous care.I wholeheartedly endorse Dan for anyone seeking a lawyer who not only gets results but also prioritizes your peace of mind.
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I'm so happy I chose Mena Brar and her team represet us . We could not ask for a better team she is so kind, loyal, and honest. she spoke to me as an equal and made me feel as if my case was definitely important and that I deserved to be fairly compensated. I appreciate you. Did it for me and how this will help me get back on track with my life. keep helping others. You are doing amazing works, Mena Brar. I wish you all the best.
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Andrew CoutoAndrew Couto
23:10 21 Nov 23
I'm so happy I chose David as my lawyer. I spoke to a few lawyers before finding David and I noticed majority of them spoke to me in a way that felt demeaning or that my case wasn't big enough or important enough to take. One phone call with David and my opinion on lawyers changed. He spoke to me as an equal and made me feel as if my case was definitely important and that I deserved to be fairly compensated. The whole process was wonderful. From dealing with David's law clerk Ingrid whom is an amazing and kind woman to his legal assistant Melissa whom is another amazing kind and talented young woman. I was so stressed about this case but from day 1 they helped ease that stress and always answered all my questions promptly and respectfully. I couldn't believe David got me to mediation within 6 months of being cut off my LTD and got me a settlement way beyond my expectations. I can't say enough good things about this law firm but I guarantee you that if you need a lawyer to fight for you David is your guy! . Believe me when I say this is the law firm for anyone dealing with personal injuries especially LTD denial claims. Thank you so much to David, Ingrid and Melissa you truly don't know how much I appreciate all you did for me and how this will help me get back on track with my life. Keep helping others you guys are doing amazing work! I wish you all the best!
Rose RegazziRose Regazzi
21:15 11 Oct 23
I sustained a relatively painful injury, affecting me long term.I wouldn't otherwise had pursued it, as it involved a relatively large corporation, but felt it necessary to do so. However, many lawyers were daunted, with one, who actually referred me to HIMPRO.I was connected with Dan Holland, who reviewed the case, provided with me realistic expectations, sound advice and had a willingness to move forward and represent me.His calm and professional demeanor, brought me to a place of reassurance. His ease in addressing all facets of this process, clearly demonstrated a wealth of experience. There was never any hesitation, when being challenged, and felt my best interest was always in the forefront.This case has since been resolved, to my complete satisfaction.Without reservation, HIMPRO (and Dan Holland, in particular), would be the only firm I would recommend for these type of cases.
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LOCATION

Toronto Disability Lawyers
480 University Ave
Suite 1401
Toronto ON
M5G 1V2
(416) 599-8080

Brampton Disability Lawyers
2 County Ct Blvd
Suite 400
Brampton ON
L6W 3W8
(905) 595-6760

Hamilton Disability Lawyers
1 Hunter St E
Ground Floor
Hamilton ON
L8N 3W1
(905) 777-8002

Kitchener Disability Lawyers
22 Frederick St
7th Floor
Kitchener ON
N2H 6M6
(519) 772-7659

Oshawa Disability Lawyers
21 Simcoe St S
Oshawa ON
L1H 4G1
(289) 634-5554

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