1. What qualifies for short-term disability in Ontario?

Short-term disability benefits generally require medical evidence that an illness or injury prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job for a defined period, often up to 17 to 26 weeks depending on the policy. Employer group plans vary, so eligibility depends on your specific policy wording, waiting period, and medical documentation.

2. Is there a downside to short-term disability?

Yes. Potential downsides include a waiting period before benefits start, payments that are often lower than full wages, and possible scrutiny or denial if your employer or insurer questions your medical evidence. Understanding your policy before applying helps you plan around these gaps.

3. When should you consider short-term disability?

You should apply as soon as a doctor confirms you cannot perform your job duties due to illness or injury, since most policies have strict notice and application deadlines. Delaying can result in lost benefits or a more difficult approval process.

4. Is stress a reason for short-term disability?

Yes. Stress-related conditions, including burnout, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, can qualify for short-term disability if a medical professional confirms the condition prevents you from working and provides supporting clinical documentation. Insurers often scrutinize mental health claims closely, so detailed medical evidence is especially important.

5. What is the longest you can be on short-term disability?

Most short-term disability policies in Ontario provide benefits for a maximum of 17 to 26 weeks, though the exact duration depends on your specific employer or insurer plan. After short-term benefits end, some employees transition to long-term disability if they remain unable to work.

6. How do I apply for short-term disability in Ontario?

You typically apply through your employer’s group insurance plan by submitting a claim form along with medical documentation from your treating physician confirming your diagnosis and limitations. Deadlines and required forms vary by insurer, so applying promptly and completely helps avoid delays or denials.

7. How much does short-term disability pay in Ontario?

Short-term disability plans commonly pay a percentage of your regular income, often in the range of 60 to 70 percent, up to a weekly or monthly maximum set by the policy. Some employer plans offer full salary continuation for a limited period before switching to a percentage-based benefit.

8. What if you can't afford a lawyer in Ontario?

Hilborn and Konduros works on a contingency-fee basis for disability and personal injury claims, meaning there are no upfront legal fees and you only pay if compensation is recovered. This structure allows you to get experienced legal help for your claim regardless of your current financial situation.

9. Does a torn rotator cuff qualify for disability?

A torn rotator cuff can qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits if it prevents you from performing the physical duties of your job and is supported by medical imaging, a specialist’s diagnosis, and documented functional limitations. Whether it qualifies depends on your specific policy definition of disability and the severity of the injury.

10. What if my long-term disability claim was denied?

Don’t give up. You typically have options to appeal internally and/or start a legal claim. The best route depends on your policy and evidence, we help you choose the path that gets to “yes” sooner and preserves your limitation rights.

11. Can mental health or chronic pain qualify for disability benefits?

Yes, if your symptoms create reliable, sustainable work restrictions supported by medical evidence. Insurers may dispute these claims more often since symptoms are harder to measure objectively, which makes detailed medical documentation especially important.

12. How long will my disability claim take to resolve?

Timelines vary with medical complexity and insurer conduct. We move quickly where possible and keep you informed at every stage.

13. What will hiring a disability lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee. You do not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Trusted Short-Term Disability Lawyer in Ontario

Hilborn and Konduros Lawyers in Ontario represents claimants denied short-term disability, life insurance, or critical illness benefits, on a contingency-fee, no-win no-fee basis. For related claims, see Long-Term Disability, Personal Injury, and Employment Law.

Disability

When Disability Income Is Denied or Cut Off

When illness or injury takes away your ability to work, your income should not disappear with it. If you have been cut off or denied short-term or long-term disability benefits, you are not alone, and you have rights.

Many people who rely on disability coverage through their employer are unfairly denied their entitlements by insurance companies, including Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Desjardins, RBC Insurance, Securian Canada, Teachers Life, Beneva, OTIP, Empire Life, and Medavie Blue Cross. Insurers often argue you are not disabled, even when clear medical evidence says otherwise.

At Hilborn and Konduros, Robert Konduros brings four decades of litigation experience, including service as former Chair of the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits Tribunal, to help Ontario claimants push back, restore stability, and move forward with dignity.

Why Choose Hilborn Konduros for a Disability Claim

Almost 40 years of courtroom and negotiation experience in disability and insurance disputes across Ontario courts.
Service as former CPP Disability Tribunal Chair, with insight into how disability evidence is assessed.
Local, hands-on advocacy for Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Guelph, Hamilton, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Brampton, and clients across Ontario.
Contingency-fee structure, so you do not pay fees unless we recover compensation.

Insurers work from playbooks designed to minimize payouts. We work from a plan designed to make your limitations undeniable, your timeline clear, and your rights respected.

How Short Term Disability Works in Ontario

Short-term disability (STD) benefits in Ontario are usually paid through an employer’s group plan and generally require medical evidence that an illness or injury prevents you from performing your job duties. Coverage typically lasts from a few weeks up to 17 to 26 weeks, depending on the policy, and pays a percentage of regular income, often in the 60 to 70 percent range, up to a plan maximum. Applications require a claim form and supporting medical documentation from your treating physician, and strict notice deadlines apply, so it is important to apply as soon as a doctor confirms you are unable to work. Stress, burnout, and other mental health conditions can qualify for short-term disability when supported by clear clinical evidence, though insurers often scrutinize these claims closely.

How We Build Your Long Term or Short Term Disability Claim

For long-term and short-term disability, we build the medical and functional proof your claim needs, confront change-of-definition terminations at 24 months, challenge surveillance, paper reviews, and “any occupation” arguments, and negotiate from strength and litigate when needed. Robert Konduros and the team review your medical documentation and insurance policies, challenge wrongful terminations of benefits, represent you in insurance appeals or litigation, and secure the financial support you need for your recovery.

Hilborn and Konduros works on a no-win, no-fee basis for disability claims, so you only pay if the firm successfully secures your benefits. This contingency-fee structure means you do not need savings set aside to get experienced legal help — the fee comes from your recovery, not your pocket upfront.

Disability Conditions Handled

Chronic pain, PTSD, life insurance denials, cancer and post-cancer treatment, bipolar and mood disorders, fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety, critical illness, migraines and headaches, SISIP military disability, arthritis and rheumatic diseases, diabetes-related disabilities, orthopedic injuries such as torn rotator cuffs, and neurological disorders.

Contact for a Free Disability Case Review

If your disability benefits have been denied, cut off, or delayed, get a clear plan before you appeal. Speak with Robert Konduros for a free, confidential case review.

Call: (519) 658-6341 Visit: 39 Queen Street West, Cambridge (Hespeler), Ontario N3C 1G2

Testimonials

Rob is invaluable while helping us through a difficult time. After my fiancé was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident and suffered a leg amputation, we didn’t know which end was up. We were in the midst of dealing with doctors, medical bills and of course the overwhelming feelings involved in not knowing whether my fiancé would be the person he could have been. Rob walked us through the process and made it easy. He’s incredibly responsive and continuously takes the time out of his day to come to our home, rather than making us come to him. He listens to our questions and comments and always responds in a way that is clear to understand no matter how trivial. We truly believe that he is someone that supports us 100% and now have the ability to focus solely on spending time together as a family. Best wishes.

B & A Pereira

I had a very bad accident at my place of work. I was on a break at the time. A person had stolen groceries from the Metro store. The manager tried to stop him and I unfortunately got run over with his truck. I was hurt very badly and my husband did not know if I was going to live. My husband got in touch with the law firm of Hilborn and Konduros where he spoke to a lawyer named Rob Konduros. Mr. Konduros is and always will be a very compassionate person. For all he has done for us we are so grateful. We are blessed to have such a wonderful and compassionate individual on our side. He continues to fight for us and we believe in him. I highly recommend this Law Firm as they will fight for the rights of any individual. Best Regards.

Mr. & Mrs. Guizzo

Rob is exceptionally helpful, took the time to answer all my questions, and laid out all my options in a way I understood. He’s clearly very experienced, and was both compassionate and informative. If you’re in need of guidance, I would highly recommend reaching out to him.

Sabrina Boyer

Robert Konduros really knows his stuff. He helped make a complicated situation understandable and reassured us with his knowledge and expertise. In any future event I will not hesitate to call on him again. In my family’s opinion he is truly the greatest thing since sliced bread. Thank you Robert!

Hazen W

Rob was very knowledgeable and took the time to go through my legal matter in a timely manner as well provided legal insight to assist me with my decisions. He was superb! Give him a call and he will be happy to help!

Leona Mayo

Rob Kondorous was an absolute pleasure to deal with! Very informative about employment law and professional in his deliverance. Made no hesitation in explaining what could have been a very bad experience and made me and my family feel supported. He followed up consistently to make sure our expectations and needs were met. He went above and beyond for us and guaranteed he’d do so again in the future if we need him. I would highly recommend him.

Roseann Mason

Rob was very thorough and knowledgeable and did not give up until he reached the expected outcome. His staff were very helpful and always very pleasant. I would highly recommend Rob and his staff.

LK Borell

Pleasure to work with. Very responsive and really held employer accountable. Totally saw through all attempts to discredit. Old school professional here.

Tom Herr

Really, really appreciated the consultation and support from Rob. He answered my questions efficiently and talked me through all my options regarding my severance package. He was prompt and courteous and it helped me navigate a challenging time.

Jennifer Perrotte

Rob and his team Kylee and Sarah were most helpful and empathetic they never gave up and were always there to address any concerns I had, they were always a phone call away, Rob went above and beyond, I was surprised with the outcome, Rob worked very hard to make this happen for me, I will always recommend Rob!!

Analia Rego

Rob helped me and my family receive a good sum of money from a card processing company that we felt was at fault. Before speaking to him, we felt as though there was no way we could go up against them.

I highly recommend them!!🙌

Rio Kyp

Rob Konduros is an excellent lawyer! He was extremely good at keeping me updated on my case. The staff are team players and go above and beyond to ensure all messages (phone and email) are answered quickly and are relayed to the lawyers as appropriate!! Other than Rob, most of my dealings with with Sarah. I would highly recommend this law firm! You won’t be disappointed.

Lyn Sanderson

Each lawyer I contacted treated me like a burden or treated me indifference. Finally, I was lucky enough to have Rob suggested to me. I am forever grateful for the referral . The care and assistance I received from Kylee, Sarah and Rob was outstanding. I could never have achieved the outcome I did without them. Their dedication to me and my needs had no limitations. I wholeheartedly endorse their services to anyone who is in need of an advocate. A lawyer you can trust.

D B

Rob and his staff have been wonderful! Rob is so easy to talk to and very responsive whenever I needed him. Excellent service, sound advice and great team. Thanks for your help!!

Patricia K

Rob Konduros is a very experienced lawyer, I cannot thank Rob enough for winning our case, he kept us informed of all the aspects of the case very professional, My only advice is if you want the best lawyer possible handling your case this is the gentleman, and many thanks to all the staff that he has working for him there all amazing, And a very special thank you to Sarah for all her hard work. All my thanks again

Kevin Gardner

My experience with Rob was amazing. He literally took me thru all the steps and we had really good outcome. Def recommend him if you get cut off long term disability. Thank you so much.

Wanda Obrien

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies for short-term disability in Ontario?

Short-term disability benefits generally require medical evidence that an illness or injury prevents you from performing the essential duties of your job for a defined period, often up to 17 to 26 weeks depending on the policy. Employer group plans vary, so eligibility depends on your specific policy wording, waiting period, and medical documentation.
2. Is there a downside to short-term disability?

Yes. Potential downsides include a waiting period before benefits start, payments that are often lower than full wages, and possible scrutiny or denial if your employer or insurer questions your medical evidence. Understanding your policy before applying helps you plan around these gaps.
3. When should you consider short-term disability?
4. Is stress a reason for short-term disability?

Yes. Stress-related conditions, including burnout, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, can qualify for short-term disability if a medical professional confirms the condition prevents you from working and provides supporting clinical documentation. Insurers often scrutinize mental health claims closely, so detailed medical evidence is especially important.
5. What is the longest you can be on short-term disability?

Most short-term disability policies in Ontario provide benefits for a maximum of 17 to 26 weeks, though the exact duration depends on your specific employer or insurer plan. After short-term benefits end, some employees transition to long-term disability if they remain unable to work.
6. How do I apply for short-term disability in Ontario?

You typically apply through your employer’s group insurance plan by submitting a claim form along with medical documentation from your treating physician confirming your diagnosis and limitations. Deadlines and required forms vary by insurer, so applying promptly and completely helps avoid delays or denials.
7. How much does short-term disability pay in Ontario?

Short-term disability plans commonly pay a percentage of your regular income, often in the range of 60 to 70 percent, up to a weekly or monthly maximum set by the policy. Some employer plans offer full salary continuation for a limited period before switching to a percentage-based benefit.
8. What if you can't afford a lawyer in Ontario?

Hilborn and Konduros works on a contingency-fee basis for disability and personal injury claims, meaning there are no upfront legal fees and you only pay if compensation is recovered. This structure allows you to get experienced legal help for your claim regardless of your current financial situation.
9. Does a torn rotator cuff qualify for disability?

A torn rotator cuff can qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits if it prevents you from performing the physical duties of your job and is supported by medical imaging, a specialist’s diagnosis, and documented functional limitations. Whether it qualifies depends on your specific policy definition of disability and the severity of the injury.
10. What if my long-term disability claim was denied?
11. Can mental health or chronic pain qualify for disability benefits?
12. How long will my disability claim take to resolve?
13. What will hiring a disability lawyer cost?

Latest Posts

Manulife vs. Canada Life vs. RBC. How Long-Term Disability Claims Compare in Ontario
Compare Manulife, Canada Life and RBC long-term disability claims in Ontario, including claim forms, medical evidence, deadlines, appeals and policy
Read more
Proving Invisible Disabilities in Ontario: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, and Long-Term Disability Claims
Learn how to strengthen an Ontario Long-Term Disability claim for fibromyalgia or chronic pain using medical, functional, work, and reliability
Read more
Equitable Life Long Term Disability Denial Help in Ontario
Equitable Life denied or cut off your LTD benefits? A long term disability lawyer in Cambridge, Ontario can review the denial, appeal options, and
Read more