When your disability claim is denied, it can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you. Many Innisfil residents rely on disability benefits to manage daily expenses, medical treatments, and household needs while recovering from illness or injury. A denial can bring frustration, financial stress, and uncertainty about what to do next.
In Ontario, a denied claim doesn’t have to be the end of your case. Whether your benefits were stopped suddenly or rejected from the start, you have the right to challenge the decision and seek the financial support you’re entitled to.
Understanding Disability Benefits in Ontario
Disability benefits provide financial assistance when an injury or medical condition prevents you from working. Depending on your situation, you may be covered under:
- Short-Term Disability (STD): Offers income replacement for a limited period while you recover.
- Long-Term Disability (LTD): Provides benefits for extended or indefinite disability that stops you from performing your job or any job you are qualified for.
- CPP Disability Benefits: Administered by the federal government, these benefits support individuals who meet strict medical and work contribution criteria.
Each program has its own definition of “disability,” and understanding which one applies to your claim is an important first step before appealing a denial.
Common Reasons Disability Claims Are Denied
Disability insurers often deny claims for reasons that may seem unclear or unfair. In Ontario, the most frequent reasons include:
- Insufficient medical evidence – The insurer may claim your doctor’s reports do not prove that you are unable to work.
- Failure to meet the policy’s definition of disability – Long-term disability (LTD) policies often define “disability” differently as time goes on. For the first two years, you usually must show that you cannot perform the duties of your own job. After that, the definition becomes stricter: you must prove you cannot perform any job for which you are reasonably qualified. If the insurer believes you can do another type of work, they may deny your claim.
- Incomplete or inconsistent claim forms – Small administrative errors or missing documentation can lead to rejection.
- Contradictory medical or surveillance evidence – Insurers sometimes rely on private investigators or internal medical reviewers to argue you are capable of working.
- Missed deadlines – If paperwork or appeal forms are submitted late, insurers may use this as a reason to deny your claim.
Even a strong claim can be denied if the insurer believes there’s a technical or procedural weakness. That’s why legal advice early in the process can make a meaningful difference.
What to Do If Your Disability Claim Is Denied
If your disability claim has been denied, the first step is to review the denial letter carefully. It should explain the reason for the decision and outline your options for review or appeal.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Confirm the deadline. Many insurers set strict time limits for appeals. Missing them can limit your rights.
- Gather documentation. Collect all medical records, physician reports, treatment notes, and correspondence from the insurer.
- Avoid informal communication. Anything you say to the insurer may be used to support the denial. Keep your communication professional and limited.
- Consult a disability lawyer. A lawyer can evaluate the denial, identify weaknesses in the insurer’s reasoning, and guide you through your appeal or legal claim.
Legal Options for Innisfil Residents
When disability benefits are denied, you have two main options for challenging the decision.
Internal Appeal – This process allows you to request that the insurer review its own decision. While it may sound fair, internal appeals are often handled by the same company employees who issued the denial. They can cause unnecessary delays and rarely change the outcome.
Legal Action – If an internal appeal fails, or if your situation calls for stronger action, you can file a lawsuit against the insurer. In Ontario, you generally have two years from the date of denial to start a legal claim. Through legal action, your disability lawyer can compel the insurer to produce documents, question adjusters, and negotiate or litigate for the payment of your benefits.
Filing a lawsuit doesn’t always mean going to court. Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations once the insurer sees that you have legal representation and evidence to support your claim.
How FDT Law Helps After a Disability Claim Denial
At FDT Law, our Innisfil disability lawyers have helped clients across Simcoe County challenge wrongful denials and recover the benefits they deserve. We understand that behind every claim is a person struggling with both medical and financial pressure. Our goal is to handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.
Our team assists with:
- Reviewing denial letters and identifying legal errors.
- Gathering and presenting persuasive medical and vocational evidence.
- Communicating directly with insurers on your behalf.
Negotiating settlements or advancing your case through litigation when necessary.
We act quickly to preserve your rights and pursue every avenue available for reinstating your benefits.
Why Choose FDT Law for Disability Benefit Denials
With decades of combined experience in long-term disability and civil litigation, FDT Law has built a strong reputation throughout Simcoe County for protecting clients’ rights against insurance companies.
What sets our team apart:
- Proven results: We have successfully recovered benefits for numerous clients wrongfully denied coverage.
- Compassionate advocacy: Our lawyers combine professionalism with understanding, guiding clients through a difficult and emotional process.
- Local expertise: Based in Simcoe County, we know Ontario’s insurance laws and local court systems inside and out.
Our clients trust us to deliver clear guidance, skilled representation, and consistent communication at every stage of their case.
Contact FDT Law for Help with Denied Disability Benefits
A denial can feel overwhelming, but it is often just the beginning of the process, not the end. If your disability benefits have been denied, don’t try to navigate the system alone.
Contact FDT Law’s Innisfil disability lawyers today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the first step toward recovering the benefits you deserve.
