Your income helps support the life you’ve built, from everyday expenses to future goals. Income protection benefits can provide financial support if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you focus on your recovery with greater confidence and peace of mind for yourself and your family. Through Canada Life, you have access to both short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits, along with personalized support throughout your leave.
Short-term disability
Short-term disability provides income replacement if you’re temporarily unable to work because of a non-work-related illness, injury, surgery, or other covered medical condition. Whether you’re recovering from an operation, managing a serious illness, pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery time (as defined by the plan), or addressing a mental health condition that affects your ability to work, STD benefits can help provide financial support while you take the time you need to get better.
When you begin a disability leave, Canada Life gathers the information needed to assess your claim and determine eligibility. Once approved, you’ll be paired with a dedicated case manager who will guide you through the process and help coordinate any support you may need during your recovery.
STD generally doesn’t cover time off that isn’t medically necessary or conditions that don’t meet the plan’s definition of disability.
How much money you receive
If your claim is approved, STD replaces a portion of your pay for a limited time. STD usually calculates benefits based on your earnings as defined by the plan (often base pay, sometimes excluding commissions or bonuses).
Your STD benefit is as follows:
- Benefit percentage: 66.67% of weekly earnings
- Weekly maximum: $2,400 (if applicable)
- Benefit duration: Up to 17 weeks
- Tax note: Benefits may be taxable at time of claim
When benefits begin
STD benefits are payable from the first day of your accident or hospitalization or the seventh day of sickness.
Long-term disability
If your disability continues beyond your short-term disability period, long-term disability benefits may help provide ongoing income protection. LTD is designed to support employees who are unable to return to work because of a longer-lasting medical condition or disability.
One of the advantages of the program is its seamless transition. If an STD claim moves to LTD, you continue working with the same case manager and follow the same recovery plan. There are no additional claim forms and no interruption in support, allowing you to stay focused on your health and recovery.
What’s covered
LTD insurance may help replace part of your income if you’re unable to work due to a covered illness, injury, or pregnancy-related condition that lasts beyond the short-term period.
LTD benefits are paid directly to you, giving you flexibility in how you use the money, including for:
- Mortgage or rent
- Utilities and household bills
- Groceries and transportation
- Childcare or tuition
- Other ongoing living expenses
How much money you receive
If your claim is approved, LTD replaces 75% your monthly pre-disability earnings (your base pay before your disability began, excluding bonuses, commissions, and overtime) up to $8,000 per month or 85% of your pre-disability take-home pay, whichever is less.
- Evidence of insurability is required for amounts in excess of $6,500
- Benefit begins on the 120th consecutive day of disability
- Benefit is taxable at the time of claim
- Benefit terminates at the earlier of age 65, minus the elimination period, or earlier retirement
When LTD kicks in
LTD benefits typically begin after you’ve been disabled for a set period of time, often following the end of STD.
This waiting period helps ensure coverage transitions smoothly from short- to long-term income protection when needed.
Support that goes beyond a paycheck
Support that goes beyond a paycheck
Disability benefits are about more than income replacement. Throughout your leave, a dedicated case manager works with you, your healthcare providers, and Pandora to help support your recovery and create a path back to work when you’re ready.
Depending on your needs, Canada Life may connect you with additional resources and specialists, including medical coordinators and rehabilitation consultants who can help identify treatments, services, workplace accommodations, or return-to-work support that may be beneficial during your recovery.
Returning to work with confidence
Returning to work with confidence
When the time is right, your case manager will work closely with you and Pandora to explore workplace accommodations and return-to-work options that align with your abilities and recovery goals. The focus is on helping you return safely and successfully while continuing to support your long-term well-being.
A seamlessly crafted claims process
A seamlessly crafted claims process
If you need to file a disability claim, there are four forms that must be completed:
- Employer Statement (includes a guide to help with completion)
- Employee Statement
- Employee Consent Form
- Attending Physician Statement
Once all forms are complete, you can submit them to Benefits Zendesk.
Workers’ compensation
Your health, safety, and well-being matter. If you experience a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation can provide support while you recover, including medical care expenses, income replacement, and other benefits available through your province or territory’s workers’ compensation program.
What workers’ compensation can help with
Depending on your situation, workers’ compensation may provide coverage for:
- Work-related injuries, such as slips, falls, cuts, fractures, or burns
- Repetitive strain injuries, including conditions that develop over time from repeated movements
- Occupational illnesses caused by workplace exposures
You may also be eligible for:
- Income replacement benefits if you’re unable to work while recovering
- Coverage for approved medical expenses, treatment, and rehabilitation services
- Long-term support in cases involving permanent impairment
- Benefits for surviving family members in the event of a work-related fatality
If you’re injured or become ill at work
If you’re injured or become ill at work
Taking action early can help ensure you receive the support you need.
- Report it right away.
Notify your leader or manager as soon as possible after the injury or illness occurs. Submit your employee incident report directly to Benefits Zendesk. If it is an emergency, submit your claim directly to your provincial workers’ compensation department. - Seek medical care.
Get appropriate medical attention, and let your healthcare provider know the condition is work-related. - Complete any required claim forms.
Your province or territory may require specific forms to start a workers’ compensation claim. - Stay connected throughout your recovery.
Keep your leader, manager, and claims representative informed of your recovery progress and any work restrictions.
Need support?
Need support?
If you’re unsure whether an injury or illness should be reported or you have questions about the claims process, submit a ticket to Benefits Zendesk. We’re here to help you understand your options and connect you with the resources you need.
