Short-term disability (STD) benefits provide a crucial financial lifeline for Alberta workers who cannot perform their job due to illness, injury, or a medical condition. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, a serious illness, or recovering from surgery, these benefits exist to give you income stability while you focus on your health.
Unfortunately, many Albertans find their claims delayed, reduced, or unfairly denied—often at the time they need support the most. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. At Kotak Law, we help clients across Alberta—from Calgary and Edmonton to Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat and rural communities—secure the short-term disability benefits they rightfully deserve.
This complete guide explains how short-term disability works in Alberta, how to qualify, why claims are denied, and what steps you can take to protect your rights and your financial future.
What Are Short-Term Disability Benefits in Alberta?
Short-term disability benefits replace a percentage of your income—usually between 50% and 70%—if you are temporarily unable to work due to a medical condition. Most STD plans in Alberta provide benefits for up to 15 or 17 weeks. If your condition continues after that period, you may need to apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits.
Most Albertans receive STD coverage through:
- Employer Group Insurance Plans
The most common source of coverage.
- Union Benefit Plans
Many unionized workers receive disability benefits through negotiated plans.
- Private Disability Insurance Policies
Individuals may purchase private coverage for additional protection.
To qualify, your medical condition must prevent you from performing the essential duties of your own occupation, not any job.
Common Medical Conditions Covered by STD Benefits
Short-term disability benefits apply to a wide range of conditions, including:
Psychological Injuries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Burnout
- Adjustment disorder
- Panic disorder
Physical Injuries
- Fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Back injuries
- Chronic pain flare-ups
- Work-related injuries
Illnesses
- Autoimmune flare-ups
- Serious infections
- Long COVID
- Side effects of cancer treatment
Neurological Conditions
- Migraines
- Concussion symptoms
- Post-concussion syndrome
Mental health conditions are increasingly common across Alberta and are equally valid grounds for disability benefits. However, insurers often deny these claims by insisting on “objective evidence,” even though such conditions cannot always be measured by tests.
How to Qualify for Short-Term Disability Benefits in Alberta
To approve your STD claim, insurers require clear evidence that you meet your policy’s definition of disability. Most plans require:
- A Disabling Medical Condition
You must show that your illness or injury prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job.
- Regular Medical Care
You must be under the consistent care of a treating physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist.
- Detailed Medical Documentation
Your claim must include:
- Doctor’s statement
- Medical records
- Diagnostic test results (if available)
- Specialist reports
- Treatment plans
- A clear explanation of your functional limitations
- Active Coverage at the Time of Disability
You must have been actively working and covered by the policy when your condition began.
If your doctor supports your disability but the insurer still denies your claim, legal intervention may be necessary.
Why Short-Term Disability Claims Are Denied in Alberta
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. They often use strict internal guidelines to deny claims—even when the medical evidence is strong.
Common reasons for STD denials include:
- Alleged Lack of Medical Evidence
Insurers frequently argue that your doctor’s notes are “insufficient” or lack detail.
- Disagreement Over Disability
The insurer may claim you can perform light duties or modified work, even when unsafe.
- Surveillance & Social Media
Insurers may misinterpret normal daily activities as proof you can work.
- Insurer’s Medical Consultant Disagrees
Insurance companies rely on internal doctors who often never meet you but still dispute your condition.
- Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions
Insurers may deny claims linked to symptoms treated before your coverage began.
- Paperwork or Deadline Issues
Administrative errors are one of the most common reasons for denial.
- Psychological Conditions Often Scrutinized
Mental health conditions face higher denial rates due to insurers demanding “objective” proof.
A denial is not the end of the road—it is often just the beginning.
Should You Use the Insurer’s Internal Appeal Process?
After denying your claim, insurers typically suggest an internal appeal. While this may seem like the next logical step, it is rarely effective.
Why internal appeals fail:
- They are handled by the same insurer that denied your claim.
- They can drag on for months.
- They often rely on the same flawed medical review.
- They may cause you to miss the two-year limitation period to sue.
Kotak Law generally advises avoiding internal appeals unless a lawyer recommends it based on your specific situation. Speaking to a disability lawyer early is the safest way to protect your rights.
How Kotak Law Helps When Your STD Claim Is Denied
At Kotak Law, we level the playing field between you and powerful insurance companies. Our team handles every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
We will:
- Review your insurance policy
- Analyze your denial letter
- Gather and strengthen medical evidence
- Communicate directly with the insurer
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if necessary
- Ensure you meet all deadlines
No Win, No Fee
You pay no fees upfront.
You owe nothing unless we win.
Access to justice is our priority.
From Short-Term to Long-Term Disability Benefits
If your condition prevents you from working beyond the STD period, you may need to apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. Insurers often use an STD denial to justify an LTD denial—making early legal advice essential to protect your future benefits.
Kotak Law handles both STD and LTD claims across Alberta and develops strategies that safeguard your eligibility long term.
Know Your Legal Deadlines in Alberta
Alberta has strict deadlines for insurance disputes. In most cases:
You have two years from the date of the insurer’s first clear denial to file a lawsuit.
Missing the limitation period usually means losing your right to benefits permanently.
If you are unsure about your deadlines, contact Kotak Law immediately.
Contact a Short-Term Disability Lawyer in Alberta Today
If your short-term disability claim has been denied or delayed, you do not have to battle the insurance company alone. Kotak Law is a nationally recognized disability law firm with a strong track record of success for clients across Alberta.
Let us handle the legal fight so you can prioritize your health.
Call Toll-Free: 1-888-GO-KOTAK
Email: info@kotaklaw.com
Visit: www.kotaklaw.com
No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs.
Kotak Law — Alberta’s trusted disability lawyers.
