What Qualifies as a Disability?
As per the Canadian Government, a disability is a physical or mental condition that limits an individual to work.
There are countless medical conditions for disability approval; its how you go about submitting your claim and standing your ground if your claim gets denied, with the help of a disability attorney. Canadian Veteran advocates currently are pushing the government for faster processing of claims for retired service members who have submitted claims for short-term and long-term disability, after sustaining an injury in uniform. Unfortunately, there are huge delays for those who have suffered psychological trauma in service, for these claims are often thoroughly scrutinized by the policy suppliers.This does not mean they are not qualifiers for disability, but it may mean putting up a fight to prove your claim. When someone is suffering, there should be minimal stress in their lives to support healing; if you find that your disability claim has been denied, or you are falling between the cracks while waiting for your claim to be processed, contact a long-term disability lawyer immediately.
What Qualifies Someone for Disability Benefits?
Since all citizens who have worked for employers in Canada can apply for the disability benefit under the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), we will be using this as an example in the article. To qualify for disability benefit under the CPP, a disability must be both “sever” and “prolonged”, causing prevention to work any job on a regular basis. This means that those applying for CPP have a mental or physical disability that stop them from doing any type of “substantially gainful work.” This means that your disability is long-term and requires an unspecified duration or is likely to result in death.
Disability in Ontario
You may ask, “How do you qualify for disability in Ontario?” Qualifiers for disability in Ontario have both access to CPP benefits, as well as the ability to apply for Ontario Works (OW) and/or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). These disability “safety nets” require you to submit a claim, along with all and any medical documentation and research that can support your application. Under the ODSP Act, a person with a disability is suffering continuously/recurrently, and their condition is expected to last for more than one year. Furthermore, ODSP Act requires that the physical or mental impairment must substantially restrict one’s ability to:
- Work
- Take care of themselves
- Take part in their community
ODSP typically requires you to be out of work for more than six months before you receive payment; you can gain support from OW in the interim. To find out more about these services, contact your nearest social service office and set up an appointment with one of their advisers. Be prepared for your appointment: show up on time, have all the medical documentation and support you can find, and be truthful! You may qualify for financial support immediately if your claim is strongly composed.
Disability Qualification List?
There isn’t list “per se”. If your disability is keeping you from work and is causing major financial, social, mental and physical anguish, then you most likely qualify. If there are any uncertainties or doubts, contact a long-term disability lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to help direct your claim, guide you through the process and support/fight for you if your claim is denied.
The most common qualifying conditions for disability allowance include:
- Impaired Walking
- Gastro-Intestinal / Digestion Disorders
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Limited Upper Body Mobility
- Hematological Disorders
- Breathing Disorders
- Neurological Disorders
- Hearing Impairment
- Cognitive Disorders & Impairments (this includes those suffering from mental health issues, as well as Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients)
- Immune System Disorders
- Renal Disease/ Genitourinary Problems
- Cancer
In reality, the list of qualifying medical conditions is endless, its ultimately about how well you prepare, submit and appeal your claim- that is pivotal to you receiving the socio-economical support you need.
How to Apply for Disability:
There are several disability supports offered in Canada. First off, as mentioned earlier in this article, there is the CPP Disability Benefit. The Canadian Government also offers benefits for your children. To apply for this benefit you must complete the application form, provide proof of your child’s date of birth, as well as a submit a form called “Declaration of Attendance at School or University”. You can find further information, as well as a Application kit for CPP children’s benefits online.
Tax Credits
If you contact your local Service Canada office, or look online, you also will find there are several tax credits you may qualify for. Service Canada also has ongoing programs of support, such as The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and other grants and bonds to help build and sustain financial savings when suffering from a disability.
Unsure of Qualifying?
If you are unsure if you qualify for disability benefits, if you have been told by your policy holder that you do not qualify for disability benefits, contact a long-term disability lawyer today. You would be surprised how many claims are denied for the wrong reasons, and are not appealed.
Contact us for Denied Disability Assistance
Countless Canadians are doubting their rights, their claims, and their long-term socio-economic longevity after sustaining a disabling illness or injury. TSF Law know your rights, know the ‘Ins-n-Outs’ of insurance companies, how they handle claims and their appeal process. Having a knowledgeable long-term disability lawyer by your side will speed up your claim process, and guarantee the financial support you need.
