It can be a difficult process to go through disability benefits in Canada, especially when trying to determine qualifying medical conditions. Whether it is a new diagnosis or managing a condition over the long term, one should be aware of your entitlements, the related benefits, and the importance of a disability lawyer.
Canada also has some government schemes for the disabled, the most favored of which is the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit. Provincial and territorial schemes also exist to fund the eligible ones. Although there are differences in the criteria and assessment procedures between each scheme, there are, in fact, many similarities in the medical conditions accepted.
Learning Disability Benefits in Canada
There are a number of different disability benefit programs available in Canada, each with their own criteria:
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D): A federal program for people who have worked under the CPP and cannot work because of a severe and prolonged disability.
- Provincial Disability Support Programs: Ontario (ODSP), British Columbia (PWD), and Alberta (AISH) provide money and support services.
- Workers’ Compensation: Should disability arise as a result of an occupational injury, workers have the right to claim compensation from their province’s workers’ compensation board.
- Private Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits: Private disability coverage is available to some workers from their employers in the form of benefits should sickness or injury happen.
Because eligibility requirements vary, the best thing to do would be to hire the services of a disability attorney, and that can actually enhance your chances of receiving benefits.
How a Disability Lawyer Can Help
Disability benefits application is a complicated process that usually results in denials due to lack of information, poor medical evidence, or technical errors. A disability lawyer can help in the following ways:
- Assessing Your Case: Determining whether your condition meets the requirements for disability benefit entitlement.
- Building Medical Evidence: Properly build your doctor’s reports, medical history, and supporting documentation to clearly show the severity of your condition.
- Submission of the Application: Fill out and submit a complete application to ensure the highest chances of approval.
- Appealing Rejected Claims: In case your claim is rejected, a lawyer can represent you in appealing and aggressively fighting your case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: If you do have a private insurer, your lawyer can negotiate with them for you and ensure you get equitable compensation.
Conditions That Are Eligible for Disability Benefits in Canada
Disability benefits are for persons whose medical issues severely limit them from working or engaging in activities of daily living. Disability benefits include physical and mental health issues. The following is a list of conditions eligible for disability benefits.
- Physical Disabilities
- Neurological Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Mental Health Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Mood and Behavioral Disorders
- Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
- Chronic Diseases
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders
- Diabetes
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Cancer
- Vision and Hearing Impairments
- Cardiovascular Disorders
Why You Need a Disability Lawyer
Most disability claims are first denied because there is not enough medical evidence, the forms are incomplete, or the eligibility requirements are misinterpreted. A disability lawyer can:
- Assist in Getting Medical Evidence – Get the right documentation and medical reports in the claimant’s interest.
- Guide Through Complicated Legal Processes – Guide through appeals and hearings if a claim is rejected.
- Enhance Chances of Approval – Competent attorneys comprehend the complexities of disability claims and improve success rates.
Long-Term Disability Claim Procedure
Claiming LTD benefits can be a long and complicated process. The common steps include:
- Read Your Policy – Understand the terms, coverages, and exclusions in your LTD policy.
- Gather Medical Evidence – Obtain necessary doctor’s reports, medical reports, and diagnostic procedures to support your claim.
- Fill Out an Application – Complete and submit the necessary paperwork, including statements from employers and physicians.
- Insurer Review – The insurance company examines the claim, which takes weeks or months.
- Approval or Denial – Benefits begin based on the policy if approved. If denied, you can appeal.
- Appeal Process – If denied, you can submit more medical information, request a reconsideration, or seek an attorney.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from an illness or condition that prevents you from working, you may qualify for disability benefits in Canada.
Unfortunately, the process is lengthy and aggravating, with rejection after rejection. A disability attorney will make the system serve you, take care of all the documentation requirements, and get you your best chance to qualify for the benefits that you need.
Whether physically disabled, suffering from mental illness, or plagued with chronic sickness, legal guidance can be your answer to getting your financial freedom in the years to come.