How long do short-term disability benefits last?

It depends on your policy. Some plans offer 15 weeks, others up to 26 or 52. Your policy should outline the duration and any overlap with long-term disability waiting periods.

Does short-term disability cover mental health issues like stress or burnout?

Yes. Many claims involve mental health conditions such as workplace stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD. If your condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for benefits.

What is an Administrative Services Only (ASO) contract?

This is when your employer uses an insurer to manage the disability claim process, but the employer pays the actual benefits. The insurer only handles claim evaluation and administration.

What are Salary Continuance Benefits?

Instead of short-term disability through an insurer, some employers pay continued salary directly if you meet the disability criteria.

Practice Area

Short-Term Disability Lawyers in Ontario

If you're unable to work due to illness or injury, short-term disability (STD) benefits can provide crucial financial support. But when your claim is denied or delayed, the stress can become overwhelming. At Aaron Waxman and Associates, P.C., our team helps clients across Ontario understand their policies, apply for benefits, and fight unfair denials, so they can focus on their health, not the paperwork.

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Overview

Has Your Disability Claim been Denied?

Short-term disability (STD) is an employer or group insurance benefit that replaces part of your income when an illness or injury temporarily prevents you from working. In Ontario, STD is not a government program. Your eligibility, the definition of “disabled,” and the required forms come from your specific policy, so short-term disability requirements in Ontario can vary, including for how long your short-term disability benefits will be paid under your plan.

STD claims are often denied because insurers focus heavily on documentation and functional impact. Common reasons include:

“Insufficient medical evidence,” records that do not clearly explain work restrictions
Gaps in treatment or follow-up
Missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork
The insurer arguing you can work with accommodations or modified duties

A mental health professional speaks with a client during a counseling session in a bright office. The therapist holds a pen and tablet while listening attentively, with the client seated in the foreground.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are common reasons people seek disability benefits. These conditions can cause overwhelming fatigue, difficulty concentrating, persistent sadness, panic symptoms, and an inability to cope with workplace demands. When symptoms make it difficult or impossible to function in your job, you may qualify for short‑term disability.

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Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, extreme fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. Flare‑ups can be unpredictable and can make it very difficult to complete regular work tasks or maintain consistent hours. Because symptoms are often invisible, disability insurers may require detailed medical evidence. Disability benefits can provide support while you seek treatment or while your symptoms stabilize.

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Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can result from injuries, repetitive strain, medical conditions, or unknown causes. It often limits mobility, concentration, and the ability to perform physical or even sedentary tasks. When pain persists beyond expected recovery timelines and prevents you from doing your job safely or effectively, you may qualify for disability. Proper medical reports, diagnostic testing, and treatment records are typically needed to support a claim.

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Bipolar & Mood Disorders

Bipolar disorder and other mood disorders can significantly affect daily functioning, decision‑making, and workplace performance. Individuals may experience periods of depression, elevated mood, irritability, or disrupted sleep patterns. These symptoms can interfere with concentration, communication, reliability, and overall workplace stability. Disability benefits may be available when mood episodes prevent you from working and when your doctor recommends time off for treatment and stabilization.

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PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect sleep, concentration, memory, mood, and your ability to function at work and in daily life. PTSD is often an invisible disability, which can lead insurers to scrutinize claims closely. If your short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) claim for PTSD was denied, or your benefits were cut off, Aaron Waxman and Associates, P.C. can help you understand your options across Ontario, including support from a Toronto disability lawyer and Ontario disability lawyer team.

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Cancer and Post-Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down. Even when treatment ends, many people continue to experience side effects that make it difficult to return to work. If you are applying for short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) benefits because of cancer or post-cancer complications and your claim is denied or terminated, Aaron Waxman and Associates, P.C. can help you understand your options across Ontario.

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SISIP

If you are a currently serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and you cannot work due to illness or injury, you may qualify for CAF Long-Term Disability (CAF LTD) benefits through SISIP Financial Services, insured by Manulife. When a SISIP (CAF LTD) claim is denied or benefits are cut off, it can create immediate financial pressure for you and your family. Aaron Waxman and Associates, P.C. supports clients across Ontario with denied military disability and SISIP LTD claims.

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Orthopaedic Injuries

A serious orthopaedic injury, whether from a car accident, a fall, or an incident at work, can take a real toll on your body, your finances, and your daily life. If you're facing a denied or terminated disability claim while trying to recover, you don't have to figure it out on your own. Our Ontario disability lawyers can help you understand your denial, gather the right medical evidence, and pursue the benefits you're entitled to.

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Neurological Diseases

A neurological disease, whether multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, epilepsy, or another condition affecting the brain and nervous system, can bring unpredictable symptoms and a long road of treatment and adjustment. If your disability claim has been denied or your benefits cut off while you're managing a neurological condition, our Ontario disability lawyers can help you understand your denial, gather the right medical evidence, and pursue the benefits you're entitled to.

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