RBC Long-Term Disability Claims: What You Need to Know

Last updated: August 2026 | Reviewed by Nainesh Kotak, B.A. (Hons), LL.B.

If RBC Insurance has denied your long-term disability claim, terminated benefits you were already receiving, or told you that you no longer meet the definition of disability, you may have options to challenge that decision.

Beyond standard group LTD coverage, RBC also offers a Wage Loss Replacement Plan (WLRP) as an alternative to group disability coverage, primarily aimed at business owners and incorporated professionals. A WLRP is a separate product with its own terms, and claimants sometimes aren’t sure at first which type of RBC policy actually governs their claim.

RBC Insurance provides group and individual long-term disability (LTD) coverage to Canadians. The outcome of an RBC disability claim depends on the wording of your particular policy, the medical and functional evidence, and how RBC has assessed your ability to work.

This guide explains how RBC LTD claims generally work, why benefits may be denied or terminated, and what you can do if you disagree with RBC’s decision.

How RBC Long-Term Disability Coverage Works

RBC offers long-term disability coverage through employer group benefit plans as well as individual disability insurance policies.

The terms of LTD coverage can vary significantly from one policy to another. The definition of disability, waiting period, benefit amount, offsets, exclusions and duration of benefits are determined by the particular policy or plan.

Elimination period. LTD policies generally include a waiting period, often called an elimination period, before benefits become payable. The length of this period varies by policy and should be confirmed from your plan documents. During this period, you may have access to short-term disability benefits, Employment Insurance sickness benefits or other sources of income.

Benefit amount. LTD benefits are generally calculated as a percentage of your pre-disability earnings, subject to the terms and maximum monthly benefit contained in your policy.

Applying for RBC Long-Term Disability Benefits

An RBC LTD application will generally require information from you, your medical providers and, for group disability plans, your employer.

The application should provide a clear picture not only of your diagnosis, but of the symptoms, restrictions and limitations that prevent you from performing the important duties of your occupation.

A diagnosis alone does not necessarily establish disability under an insurance policy. The evidence should explain how your medical condition affects your ability to function consistently and reliably at work.

Keep copies of everything submitted to RBC, together with correspondence, medical forms and requests for additional information.

Why RBC May Deny or Terminate Long-Term Disability Benefits

Every disability claim is different. Some of the reasons an insurer may rely upon when denying or terminating LTD benefits include:

Insufficient medical evidence — RBC may take the position that the medical documentation does not establish restrictions or limitations severe enough to prevent you from working.
The change from “own occupation” to “any occupation” — many LTD policies change their definition of disability after a specified period, often around the two-year point. Claims may be reassessed at this stage, and some claimants have their benefits terminated even though they do not believe their medical condition or functional abilities have improved. Learn more about the own occupation to any occupation transition.
Treatment or rehabilitation concerns — the insurer may take the position that recommended treatment or rehabilitation has not been followed without a valid reason.
Policy exclusions or limitations — RBC may take the position that a particular condition or circumstance falls outside the terms of the policy.
Independent medical examinations or file reviews — RBC may rely on medical consultants or examinations that reach conclusions different from those of your treating doctors.
Vocational assessments — particularly after a change in the definition of disability, RBC may identify other occupations it believes you are capable of performing.
Surveillance or social media — an insurer may rely on observed activities or publicly available social media when assessing whether a claimant’s activities are consistent with reported restrictions and limitations.
A return-to-work attempt — RBC may consider evidence from an attempted return to work when assessing your functional abilities and continuing entitlement to benefits.

A denial letter reflects RBC’s position. It does not necessarily determine your legal entitlement to LTD benefits.

RBC LTD Claims Involving Depression, Anxiety and Other Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions can prevent a person from working even though there may be no diagnostic imaging, laboratory test or other objective measurement that demonstrates the severity of the condition.

Claims involving depression, anxiety, PTSD and other psychological conditions can therefore depend heavily on the quality and consistency of the medical and functional evidence.

RBC LTD Claims Involving Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Chronic pain and fibromyalgia can also present challenges in disability claims because the severity of symptoms and resulting functional limitations may not be fully demonstrated by imaging or other diagnostic testing.

What to Do If RBC Has Denied or Terminated Your LTD Claim

1. Review the denial letter carefully

Identify exactly why RBC says you no longer qualify for benefits.

2. Get advice before committing to an internal appeal

RBC’s group LTD policies are typically administered through RBC Insurance, and an internal appeal there is reviewed by the same company that made the original decision. Some claimants spend months providing additional records through an internal review only to have the original decision upheld. Pursuing an internal appeal doesn’t necessarily pause the legal clock on your right to sue, so it’s worth understanding your limitation deadline before deciding how much time to spend on that process.

3. Preserve the evidence

Keep the denial letter, policy and benefits booklet, correspondence with RBC, medical records, employment information and copies of everything submitted to the insurer.

4. Determine the applicable limitation period

Limitation periods vary by province, policy wording, and the circumstances of the claim.

5. Speak with a disability lawyer

A lawyer experienced in LTD claims can review the policy, RBC’s denial letter, your medical evidence and the insurer’s stated reasons.

How a Disability Lawyer Can Help With an RBC LTD Denial

At Kotak Law, our review of a denied or terminated RBC LTD claim may include:

the definition of disability contained in your policy
RBC’s reasons for denying or terminating benefits
your medical records and treating doctors’ opinions
medical or functional assessments relied upon by RBC
the transition from the “own occupation” to “any occupation” definition
applicable limitation periods
whether an internal appeal serves a useful purpose
whether a legal claim should be commenced

Frequently Asked Questions About RBC LTD Claims

Is my RBC policy a group LTD plan or a Wage Loss Replacement Plan?

RBC offers both. A Wage Loss Replacement Plan (WLRP) is a separate product, often used by business owners and incorporated professionals as an alternative to group coverage, with its own terms and conditions. Check your policy documents to confirm which one applies to you.

Can RBC require me to attend an independent medical examination?

Many disability insurance policies contain provisions allowing an insurer to request reasonable medical examinations or assessments. Your obligations depend on the wording of your particular policy.

Does RBC’s “any occupation” definition mean I have to be unable to do any job at all?

Not necessarily.

It generally considers occupations for which you are reasonably suited based on education, training and experience. Read our full explanation of the own occupation to any occupation transition.

What if RBC says there is not enough objective medical evidence?

Not every disabling medical condition can be measured through imaging or laboratory testing.

Can I work part-time while receiving RBC LTD benefits?

This depends on your policy and circumstances. Get advice before making a significant change to your employment status.

Does Kotak Law handle RBC LTD disputes across Canada?

Kotak Law represents clients in long-term disability matters throughout Canada, subject to applicable provincial law society requirements. Nainesh Kotak has practised law in Ontario since 1994 and is also called to the bars of Alberta and British Columbia, with the firm continuing to expand its bar admissions across Canada.

Related Long-Term Disability Resources

Speak With a Disability Lawyer About Your RBC Claim

Kotak Law can review your policy, medical evidence, and RBC’s reasons for its decision, and explain your options.

Free consultation. Disability cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis.

About Nainesh Kotak and Rajiv Haté

Nainesh Kotak, B.A. (Hons), LL.B., has practised law in Ontario since 1994 and is also called to the bars of Alberta and British Columbia. Nainesh and his colleague Rajiv Haté are both recognized by the Canadian Lexpert Directory as leading lawyers in long-term disability law.

Nainesh is a Past Chair of the Long-Term Disability Section of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) and currently serves as Vice President of OTLA.

Together with the firm’s disability lawyers — including Kaity Yang and Avinaash (Avi) Laljie — Nainesh and Rajiv represent clients throughout Canada in long-term and short-term disability disputes involving major Canadian insurance companies.

Read the full team bio →