canmark
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2013
- Messages
- 111
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 07/2013
- Country
- CA
- State
- Ontario
- City
- Toronto
I just started LTD, and my experience was like this: after I received the ALS diagnosis in July, I told HR and asked about short-term and long-term disability. I told him that I wanted work part time over the summer, as I thought coming in to work would be good for the mental health. During that period I was on short-term disability, so I was getting paid like I was working full-time. Short-term disability required forms to be filled out by me and by Sunnybrook (the ALS clinic coordinator filled these out on behalf of the neurologist; she also filled out the form for the income tax disability credit). I also received calls from a case manager asking me about my condition, how it was affecting my ability to work, could I work from home or could my work be modified, etc. After a number of weeks on STD, one is required to apply for LTD. LTD was covered by RBC Insurance, in my case. More forms were filled out, and RBC was given access to the forms from Sunnybrook sent for STD. Another call from a case representative, this time with RBC. After 30 days I finally received confirmation that my LTD was approved, and that I would be paid a percentage of my previous salary on a monthly basis. They have also just sent me forms to apply for CPP disability. Once I start receiving CPP disability, that amount will be deducted from what RBC pays me.
So, it’s a lot of forms to fill out and things to keep track of, but bear with it. In my case, my fingers are weak and I have difficulty writing with a pen, so I’ve had to get someone to help me fill out all the forms. Fortunately, my speech is fine so I’m able to handle phone conversations and the like.
With an ALS diagnosis there shouldn’t be any problem with your disability claim. It’s a well-known condition and insurance providers will know that it will permanently affect your ability to work.
So, it’s a lot of forms to fill out and things to keep track of, but bear with it. In my case, my fingers are weak and I have difficulty writing with a pen, so I’ve had to get someone to help me fill out all the forms. Fortunately, my speech is fine so I’m able to handle phone conversations and the like.
With an ALS diagnosis there shouldn’t be any problem with your disability claim. It’s a well-known condition and insurance providers will know that it will permanently affect your ability to work.