Definition of Disability

Plan Changes Effective July 1, 2017

"Total disability" or "totally disabled" means any physical or mental condition which, based on medical evidence, is so severe that you are prevented from performing the duties of your own occupation during the 120 calendar day qualifying period and the first 24 months immediately following the qualifying period.

 

Thereafter, "total disability" or "totally disabled" means a condition where you are unable to engage in any gainful occupation or employment for remuneration or profit, for which you are reasonably well qualified by education, training, or employment.

 

Members who are no longer totally disabled are considered "partially disabled" and may be eligible for partial disability benefits under the Plan.

 

 

Recurrent Disability

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 completing another 120 day qualifying period.

 

 

Limitations and Exclusions

You will not receive long term disability benefits in the following situations:

 

      - during your 120 day qualifying period;

      - while you are receiving sick leave or ongoing vacation leave payments from

        your employer; or

      - while you are receiving payments from the Workers' Compensation Board

        (WCB) at the maximum compensable benefit level for a related injury or

        injuries.

 

 

Date of Disability

Your date of disability, as determined by the Administrative Board, shall be the later of:

 

      the day on which you stopped working as a result of the disability

 

      and

 

      the disablement date reported by the attending medical practitioner.

 

The date of disability is important as it marks the start of the 120-day qualifying period and the 180-day application date deadline for access to the LTD process.