Glossary of Terms

An application for long-term disability benefits may only be approved on a conditional basis. For instance, where there is outstanding information or if results from a test are still needed. This will be stipulated in the approval letter from your insurance company.

Once you start receiving long-term disability benefits, you may receive a slight increase in your benefits amount every year. This is known as the cost-of-living adjustment. The increase may be from one to three percent, depending on many factors.

Physician testing from an expert that can determine whether you’re able to work with your current injury or illness. These tests are often accepted in a court of law when a long-term disability claim goes to trial.

The court will grant a summary judgment for either the plaintiff in a lawsuit or the defendant if the court thinks there is no genuine issue that requires a trial. This may be obtainable against the insurance company and avoid the need for a long trial.

Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits are taxable monthly benefits available to those who have contributed to CPP, are under 65, and are unable to work due to a disability.

If your insurer notifies you that they are terminating your benefit payments, they will send a letter that specifies the date that you will be cutoff from your long-term disability benefits.

The date your disability started and prevented you from working.

After submitting your claim for long-term disability benefits, you may receive a denial letter that will specify the reasons for the denial. A termination letter may be sent after you’ve been receiving benefits for two years and you’re approaching the change of definition period.

Income replacement benefits that provide coverage when you are unable to work due to a debilitating illness or injury.

This is the length of time that you must be continuously out of work for to be eligible for long-term or short-term disability benefits. The exact length can vary depending on your provider.