How Long-Term Disability Differs From Short-Term Disability Claims
When injury or illness prevents you from working, disability insurance can be a lifeline. But not all disability benefits are the same. In Alberta, most workers are covered under both **Short-Term Disability (STD)** and **Long-Term Disability (LTD)** plans — and understanding the difference is critical to getting the benefits you deserve.
Many people assume STD and LTD are interchangeable, but insurers treat them very differently. STD claims are about immediate, temporary recovery. LTD claims involve complex definitions, medical evidence, and insurer scrutiny — especially after the two-year 'own occupation' period.
As Alberta disability lawyers who once defended insurance companies, we've seen firsthand how these two systems operate — and how claimants can navigate both successfully.
This article explains the **key differences between short-term and long-term disability claims**, how they interact, and what to expect if your LTD claim is delayed or denied.
This guide covers:
What Is a Disability Claim?
A disability claim is a request for income replacement benefits when a medical condition prevents you from working. Depending on your policy or employment benefits, you may have:
Types of Disability Coverage:
Key Differences Between STD and LTD Claims
Understanding the fundamental differences between STD and LTD is crucial for navigating your disability claim successfully.
Duration of Benefits
**STD:** Short-term support, usually 3-6 months. **LTD:** Long-term or permanent support, potentially up to age 65.
Funding and Administration
**STD:** Often administered by your employer or a third-party insurer. **LTD:** Always managed by a private insurer, with stricter medical and legal standards.
Definition of Disability
**STD:** You must prove you can't perform your **own job** due to illness or injury. **LTD:** After two years, you must show you can't perform **any occupation** suited to your training or experience.
Waiting Periods
**STD:** Usually starts after a short waiting period (e.g., 7 days). **LTD:** Often has a 'qualifying period' of 90 to 180 days before benefits begin.
Medical Evidence Requirements
**STD:** Relies mainly on family doctor notes or brief medical certificates. **LTD:** Requires detailed reports, specialist assessments, and sometimes independent medical evaluations.
Income Level
**STD:** Generally covers 60-70% of gross income. **LTD:** Similar rate but applied over a much longer timeframe, with cost-of-living or offset adjustments.
Review and Appeals
**STD:** Internal HR or insurer review process. **LTD:** Complex legal appeals or lawsuits under Alberta insurance law.
Steps to Take for a Successful Disability Claim
Navigating disability claims requires careful steps, especially when transitioning from STD to LTD or facing a denial.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Document your injury or illness thoroughly from the outset. Consistent medical care is paramount for both STD and LTD claims.
Understand Your Policy
Obtain copies of both your STD and LTD policies. Pay close attention to definitions of disability, waiting periods, exclusions, and appeal procedures.
Maintain Detailed Records
Keep a log of all symptoms, treatments, medications, and how your condition impacts your daily life. Document all communications with doctors and the insurer.
Prepare for the LTD Transition
As your STD benefits near their end, proactively gather updated medical evidence to support your LTD application. The 'own occupation' to 'any occupation' shift is critical.
Consult a Disability Lawyer
If your LTD claim is delayed or denied, or if you anticipate issues, contact an Alberta disability lawyer. Early legal intervention can significantly improve your chances of success.
How a Lawyer Helps Manage Both Claims
A disability lawyer ensures your STD and LTD claims transition smoothly, your medical evidence meets insurer standards, and deadlines are never missed.
Review Policy Language
Clarify differences between STD and LTD eligibility.
Coordinate Medical Documentation
Ensure doctors provide evidence suited for LTD standards.
Challenge Denials or Delays
Appeal decisions with legal and medical precision.
Calculate Entitlements
Verify benefit amounts, offsets, and cost-of-living adjustments.
Negotiate Settlements or Reinstatement
Secure back pay, reinstatement, or lump-sum resolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Short-term and long-term disability claims serve the same purpose—to protect your income—but the standards, evidence, and insurer scrutiny differ dramatically. Many Alberta claimants are approved for STD, only to face unfair denial at the LTD stage.
STD is short-term and employer-managed; LTD is long-term and insurer-controlled.
LTD requires stronger medical and functional evidence.
Always prepare your LTD claim before STD expires.
Don't let the transition gap leave you without income—get legal advice early.
Still have questions?
Call or text us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.