Misconception #7: Mental Health Disabilities Are Less Likely to Qualify for LTD Benefits
Fictional Conversation (overheard at a café)
Person A: “I don’t think mental health counts for LTD. They’re probably just going to assume you’re faking it.”
Person B: “Yeah, that’s what I was told. How could something like anxiety or depression stop you from working, right?”
Person A: “Exactly! They’d probably just say it’s not ‘serious enough.’”
How to Overcome:
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD are just as valid as physical disabilities in the eyes of Ontario law when it comes to LTD claims. However, mental health claims are often subject to more scrutiny because of common misconceptions about their legitimacy. It is crucial for individuals with mental health conditions to provide detailed, ongoing documentation from medical professionals to support their claims.
To overcome this, individuals should ensure that their healthcare providers document the impact of the mental health condition on their daily life and work capacity. It may be helpful to consult with a lawyer specializing in LTD claims to ensure the documentation is sufficient and that the insurer considers all relevant medical evidence.
Technicalities:
In Valente v. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (2014), the court ruled that an insurer had unfairly denied LTD benefits for a claimant with depression. The claimant had submitted extensive medical documentation but was initially denied benefits based on the insurer’s skepticism regarding mental health claims. The court ruled in favor of the claimant, affirming that mental health conditions must be assessed with the same level of scrutiny as physical conditions.
