What Medical Conditions Qualify for Disability in Canada?

In Canada, disability insurance typically refers to insurance benefits that are provided to individuals who are unable to work due to permanent disability. Disability qualified benefits can be granted to individuals through federal, provincial, and private insurance programs. However, it is important to note that not everyone will qualify for each disability insurance type.

Private long-term disability insurance is something that an employee may be eligible for if they have insurance coverage through their employer. A disabled employee may be eligible to receive between 60-70% of their salary with such long-term disability insurance plans. There are many factors that can influence whether or not an employee qualifies for long-term disability (LTD), and it is often a good choice to speak with an employment lawyer when navigating LTD claims. Not all employers offer this type of insurance so knowing what you are covered for as an employee is important.

In Ontario and other provinces, disability insurance programs provide disabled individuals with income for both short-term and long-term disabilities. In Ontario, WSIB can provide employees with insurance coverage when they are injured in workplace-related incidents, while ODSP provides income to those who are permanently disabled and cannot work due to their disability. Qualifying for disability benefits will depend on the circumstances of your disability and may also be influenced by the level of financial need you experience.

At the federal level, Canadians who are disabled may qualify for disability insurance benefits such as CPP disability or the disability tax credit. It is important for employees to understand what disability insurance benefits may be available to them. Even if an employee is not covered by a private insurance plan, support for long term disability may still be available.

When it comes to knowing what illnesses are considered a disability in Canada, it is important to keep in mind that simply having a permanent disability does not guarantee you will qualify. Your disability must prevent you from doing gainful work permanently to qualify for some types of disability insurance, while others only consider if you are unable to do your regular work duties. The following list of medical conditions may be eligible for LTD benefits, though this list is not exhaustive.

• ADHD
• Autism
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Addiction
• Alzheimer’s
• Bipolar Disorder
• Bell’s Palsy
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Carpal tunnel
• Chronic Pain
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Chron’s Disease
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
•  IBS
• Long COVID
• Lyme Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• OCD
• Sleep Disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Visual Disorders

When newly disabled, some employees wonder what conditions automatically qualify them for disability in Canada to avoid lengthy delays with compensation. Though the list above covers many examples of what illnesses are considered a disability, they are not the only ones that may be eligible for disability insurance benefits.

Consider that two individuals with the same disability may have very different abilities and employment backgrounds. These unique circumstances will be considered when applying for long-term disability benefits. Though your disability is valid, automatic disability insurance benefits are not typical. You will still need to qualify and apply for disability benefits, and the type of insurance benefits you receive will depend on your unique circumstances.

When looking into what qualifies as a disability in Canada, it is important to know that sometimes, disability benefits are denied even when a person has a permanent disability. There are many factors that must be taken into account when applying for disability insurance benefits.

Your insurance coverage, your financial needs, the scope of your disability, and any other relevant factors will all be considered when applying for employment insurance benefits. To help you navigate the process of long-term disability insurance, we highly recommend speaking with a disability insurance lawyer

If you have recently become disabled or your permanent disability is preventing you from working, you likely want to learn more about how to qualify for disability in Canada. Your first step in getting the disability benefits you deserve is to understand what qualifies as a disability in Canada. Next, you’ll want to reach out to an employment lawyer who can help you advocate for and protect your rights as an employee.

Stop wondering, Do I qualify for disability? Contact the experts at Soni Law Firm and get the long-term disability insurance benefits that you deserve.