There is a 120 day qualifying period which must elapse before you begin to receive disability benefit payments. During this waiting period you are required to apply for sick leave, which may be payable through your employer's benefit plan.
If you have not earned enough sick leave credits to cover the 120 day qualifying period, it is your responsibility to apply for a disability benefit from the Government of Canada's Employment Insurance.
You cannot receive long term disability benefits while you are receiving sick leave benefits from your employer or the Government of Canada's Employment Insurance plan.
Paritally completed qualification periods, from the same or another disability, within any 12 month period may be combined to a maximum of 120 days.
If you are engaged in a rehabilitative program and cease working again within a 12 month period as a result of disability, or if there is no work available, your long term disability benefits can be reinstated without completing another 120 day qualifying period.
If you have completed 12 consecutive months of employment after returning from a disability, and again become disabled, you will be required to complete another 120 day qualifying period.
If you have been receiving disability benefits from the Plan and have returned to work and subsequently become disabled within 12 months from the same or a directly-related cause which created the original disability, your benefits can be reinstated without serving another 120 day qualifying period.