Disability

Please refer to the section titled In Case of Injury or Illness in the Health Benefits Plan booklet for important instructions based on timelines for both non-occupational and occupational disabilities.

Short Term Disability

For members who are not eligible for Employment Insurance sick benefits, Short Term Disability (STD) benefits are intended to assist with wage loss that results from an eligible disability that prevents you from working as the result of a non-occupational accident or sickness.

See your doctor, and then contact the Administrator as soon as possible to make an application for STD.  If you are eligible and your STD claim is approved, benefits commence on the day after the elimination period expires or on the first day you were seen and treated by a physician (whichever is later) and will be paid only during periods of disability when you are under their regular care and following the treatment prescribed.

For full details on this benefit including the weekly benefit amount, the elimination period and the maximum benefit period, please refer to the Short Term Disability section of the Health Benefits Plan booklet. 

If your disability extends beyond the maximum STD benefit period, you may be eligible to apply for Long Term Disability benefits.

Long Term Disability

Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits may be payable to you if you become totally disabled as a result of an injury or sickness while insured. If your claim is approved, monthly benefits will be paid to you, as long as you continue to qualify, based on the Plan provisions.

Benefits commence on the day after the elimination period expires and will be paid only during periods when you are receiving appropriate regular care from your physician and following the treatment prescribed. 

For full details on this benefit, including the monthly benefit amount, the elimination period, and the maximum benefit period, please refer to the Long Term Disability section of the Health Benefits Plan booklet.

How to File a Claim

To file a claim for STD benefits, please use the STD Claim form which is also available from your Union Office or the Administrator.

To file a claim for LTD benefits please contact the Administrator for the appropriate forms. It is important to file a LTD claim even if your disability is work-related, as the application is also relevant to the continuation of your Life Insurance.

Disability claim forms include separate sections to be completed by you, your employer or Union, and your attending physician.

Questions on completing the disability claim forms can be directed to the Administrator.

Completed forms should be forwarded to the Administrator. (Do not send Long Term Disability claim forms directly to the insurance company.)