Short term disability? As the term implies, they are those limited wounds due to which a person becomes eligible to receive benefits. And by wounds, it means real injuries because the victim cannot do his daily activities as before.
Though the duration may seem less, it is indeed a long time from the sufferer’s end. From having to pay for the huge pile of medical expenses to losing up their only source of earnings, things can get severe!
Luckily, you have short term disability Alberta to take care of everything. However, there are some basic mandatory things you are required to know. In the following article, we will talk about all the important matters relevant to the topic.
Without further delay, let’s begin:
What is Short-Term Disability?
Short-term disability is a short period of disability that typically lasts less than a year, ultimately making one eligible for wage replacement paychecks. In case the disability lasts for more than a year, it will fall under long term disability.
In general, the time can range from 17 weeks to 52 weeks. In this span of time, due to your condition, you cannot conduct your regular activities, let alone work.
This can be either physical wounds, illness or any psychological issues, such as anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD, etc., owing to which a person cannot perform his regular work after the accident. And the program that handles and takes care of these forms of disability is known as the short term disability insurance.
What Does Short-term Disability Take Care of?
Short term disability covers an extensive range of medical states, especially if the higher authority deems you eligible enough to get one. From back injuries to chronic pains, heart diseases, serious migraines, depression, or any other kind of severe health state which is obstructing you from performing your daily activities.
Depending on the policy of your insurance, some might take care of up to 15-20 weeks. In contrast, others even provide a full 1-year wage replacement. Hence, check the insurance policies properly in case you already have them.
Usually, EI companies offer coverage of up to 5 weeks in case you can’t work owing to the disability. For instance, you are obligated to get about 55% of your wages to a maximum of $ 595 per week.
Now, what to do if you have sick leave or this kind of disability, as stated in your firm?
Well, in that case, you will have these benefits at first. But you will not be able to get Employment Insurance disability remittance in this regard.
One crucial point to note is that to qualify for these benefits, you are obligated to showcase your medical statement as proof of how severe your condition is and how it is affecting your work life and other various activities.
Though the procedure may seem a bit complicated, it is always better to get one. After all, they come quite in handy in these tough conditions. Therefore, before applying for short term disability, make sure to check the insurance coverage properly.
What are the Things Needed to Apply for Short-term Disability Benefits?
To appeal for this disability insurance via the employer, there are a couple of mandatory things you require to do and keep things ready.
This includes the following:
Employee Affirmation
This explains your injuries or sickness nature, outlining the main reason you can’t work like before.
Physicians Affirmation
It consists of the medical papers, signed by a certified doctor, stating, in brief, the overall medical conditions owing to which you cannot perform your daily chores, needing assistance.
Employers Affirmation
This declaration is given by the employer, describing your work duties and obligations and why you currently cannot work.
After evaluating the situation, the insurance provider will allocate an officer to you. Afterwards, depending on the file, they will determine whether you are eligible for disability benefits.
If required, they might even resort to a medical specialist or physician to get total assurance about their health after encountering the accident.
How to Claim for Short Term Disability in Alberta?
You must appeal to these disabilities as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the more delay you will make, the lesser the chances of winning will become. Hence, the best is to apply right after you stop working, instead of delaying it any further.
So, what is the procedure to apply it? Well, follow the below-mentioned steps, and you will be all good to go:
Step 1: Gather all the Necessary Documents
To begin the application process, you must first collect all the essential papers and then submit them via online. However, don’t wait up for the papers in case you don’t have them for the time being. Instead, submit the online appeal, and when all papers are ready, you can submit them later on.
The documents you will require are as follows:
- Personal info
- Medical certificate
- Employment records
Step 2: Fill up the Application
The application is lengthy and might take about 1-hour to complete. If you cannot finish the online application, no worries, as you can restart the process within 3 days.
However, if you cannot resume after 3 days, note that you are required to start the process right from the beginning. And all the past entries and history will get deleted right away once the fixed time (3 days) slot is finished.
Step 3: Give all the Essential Papers
Once you are done with the application, make sure to submit the necessary papers either by e-mail or directly at a Service Canada Centre.
Step 4: Get the Disability Statement and Access Pin
Once the appeal is accepted, the Service Canada Centre will e-mail you back with a statement consisting of a 4-digit pin. Save it up well, as you will need them later on for further processing of the application.
N.B: Obtaining an Employment Insurance statement doesn’t mean you are accredited to all the benefits. Rather it will indicate that appeal is under processing and being evaluated by the officials in charge.
Step 5: Check the Appeal Status
You are accredited to these short term disability benefits after successfully completing all the above-mentioned steps. You can sign up for your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or contact the Service Canada Centre to check the status.
What Should I Do in Case My Application Gets Rejected?
It is common for your claim to get declined. But you need not feel disheartened about it, as you have the full scope to apply again. They will possibly allocate a 2nd person to review your papers and try to understand whether the manager’s decision was fair or not.
If your application gets rejected despite being a deserving candidate, know that you deserve the total right to sue the insurance company at any moment. However, before going any further with all the procedures, make sure to have a good consultation with a proficient lawyer.
Final Words
Short term disability Alberta is a real thing, and can certainly lessen the struggle of the sufferers to a great extent. From paychecks to ensuring your job is safe, and you can continue again from the time you left behind–they can indeed make things smoother for you. However, for any kind of query, make sure to consult with an experienced lawyer.
FAQs
How Much Does Short Term Disability Pay in Alberta?
Although, there is no fixed estimation regarding the paychecks. However, you can get a maximum of $638 a month for these disability benefits in Alberta. The program will allocate you a minimum 55% equivalent of weekly wages, with a maximum rate accounting for $638.
What Things Qualify as a Disability for Short Term Disability?
As the name suggests, this disability covers any kind of disease or accident-related injuries, lasting for a little span of time. So, if you cannot do office work for multiple weeks or months on medical grounds, you will become eligible for short-term disability benefits. Such as broken bones, surgery, etc.
How Many Weeks is Considered Short Term Disability in Alberta?
Short term disability benefits basically offer coverage against the estimated timeframe where you can’t work. The duration can vary from person to person, based on their program. However, it typically varies from 17-52 weeks, depending on one’s case.
Is Short Term Disability a Taxable Benefit?
No, they are a tax-deductible benefits. After all, they are not your medical expenses. Instead, these benefits are a replacement for your wages till the time you cannot attend work due to your condition.