Can You Take Paid Short Term Disability For Mental Health Issues In Ontario?
What is mental health? Mental health is the state of your emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which impacts how you feel, think, and behave, allowing you to cope with life’s challenges, form healthy relationships, and make good choices for your life.
Life is hard. It can become difficult to maintain your mental health. If your mental health is declining and it’s impacting your ability to work, you have options.
Short Term Disability Coverage
Short Term Disability benefits (“STD”) is coverage provided by your employer’s group benefits policy. The coverage is intended to provide income replacement if you become unable to work due to injury or illness. STD benefits provide finite coverage usually for up to 26 weeks. STD benefits generally provide 80%-100% of your income depending on the coverage available. Check your group benefits policy for STD coverage particulars.
You can make a claim for STD benefits by completing a form called the Plan Member Statement (“PMS”). The PMS will ask you to provide some basic background information and some particulars of your medical condition. You’ll also need to have an Attending Physician Statement (“APS”) completed by your doctor. The APS will provide further particulars and anticipated prognosis of your condition.
STD Benefits and Mental Health
Mental health conditions are eligible for STD coverage. Benefit providers cannot discriminate based on the type of disability being alleged (ie: physical vs mental). Mental health conditions, also called “invisible disabilities”, can significantly impact one’s ability to complete their job. STD benefits could cover you if you suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia or other mental health conditions that impact your cognitive function. If your mental health has declined and you are unable to work, consider applying for STD benefit coverage. You can take an STD leave to address and treat your mental health condition.
STD Claim Submitted, Now What?
If you’ve completed the STD application package and submitted it to your insurance company, the ball is now in the insurer’s court. The insurance company will either approve, pend or deny your claim.
If your claim is approved that is great news. You will receive the STD income replacement benefit. The benefit could be paid out weekly or bi-weekly depending on how your employers payroll is set up.
A pending claim means the insurance company has not made a decision and requires more information. The insurer could ask you for additional details about your conditions (ie: what are your restrictions and limitations), the insurer could schedule you for an independent medical examination or request further medical documentation.
If your claim has been denied, the insurer will provide a letter outlining the reasons why your claim has been denied. Insurers commonly deny mental health claims indicating your medical condition does not support disability under the policy.
My STD Mental Health Claim Has Been Denied…
It’s time to take action. The disability legal team at Whitten & Lublin provides free consultations for short and long term disability denials. If you’ve applied for STD and have been denied, legal representation can help you challenge the denial and rightfully obtain the benefits you deserve. Take control with us in your corner. Contact us online or call 416-640-2667.
Author – Aman Chaggar