How To Transition From Short-Term To Long-Term Disability Leave

Transitioning from short-term to long-term disability leave involves speaking with a case manager, completing additional paperwork, and preparing for possible delays in approval or income.

Watch the 3-minute video below to find out more.

How the Transition to Long-Term Disability Leave Works

Every employer’s disability program is different. Short-term disability leave (STD) commonly lasts for 12 weeks, after which the insurance company may transition you to long-term disability leave (LTD) if you need additional time to recover. Other arrangements are also possible, so it is important to become familiar with the terms of your own program.

At this stage, knowing how long your long-term disability benefits may continue is not particularly important because it is likely that you will have recovered before the length of the benefit period becomes relevant.

Many long-term disability programs provide benefits for two years before the terms of the policy change. While you are still in the early stages of recovery and do not yet know how long you will be away from work, try not to become preoccupied with how long you will need to be off. Instead, focus your energy and attention on your recovery.

A Case Manager Will Ask About Your Daily Functioning

As you approach the transition to long-term disability leave, a case manager from the insurance company will become involved. They will want to understand how your condition affects your daily functioning and why you remain unable to work.

The case manager will likely contact you by telephone and ask about what you are experiencing. During this conversation, it is important to be authentic and forthcoming.

Explain that you are exhausted and unable to function at your usual level. If you cannot shower, prepare your own food, or do your laundry, say so. Provide concrete details that convey the severity of your condition.

The more clearly you describe how your condition is affecting you, the easier it will be for the case manager to understand why you require long-term disability leave and approve the continuation of your benefits.

Be Prepared to Discuss Personal Information

You may feel uncomfortable disclosing personal information during the interview. However, withholding relevant details can make the transition more difficult.

The case manager needs enough information to assess how severely your condition is affecting your ability to function. Being open about your limitations can help them understand why you remain unable to return to work.

Keep the Required Paperwork Moving

The transition from short-term to long-term disability leave requires additional paperwork. You will need to complete forms, and your physician will need to complete forms as well.

While you are on disability leave, you still have a small but important job. You may need to devote three or four hours each week to communicating with the insurance company and ensuring that the necessary paperwork continues to move forward.

Follow up with your physician to make sure the required forms have been completed and submitted. Physicians are busy, and delays can occur, so you may need to contact the office more than once before the paperwork is sent.

Anticipate Possible Delays in the Transition

Case managers often carry large caseloads. Ideally, they would begin the transition process well before your short-term disability benefits end. In practice, however, they may fall behind.

Do not be surprised if you reach the end of the 12-week period and your long-term disability benefits have not yet been approved. You may worry that you will not receive a cheque, but this type of delay is common.

Try not to interpret the delay as evidence that your benefits will be denied. It may simply mean that the case manager has not yet completed the process.

Prepare for a Temporary Delay in Income

A delay in approval may temporarily interrupt your income. While you wait, you may need to place some expenses on a credit card or access your line of credit.

You will pay interest on any money you borrow, so calculate what that cost is likely to be. It may amount to a few hundred dollars.

For many people, this is an unavoidable part of being on medical leave. There may be little you can do to speed up the process, so try to work at the pace of the case manager and allow the transition to proceed without becoming overly anxious. Doing so can make the situation easier to manage and allow you to focus on your recovery rather than risk a setback.

Continue Following Up Without Panicking

If your long-term disability benefits have not been approved by the time your short-term benefits end, continue following up with the case manager and your physician. Respond to any requests from the insurance company and ensure that outstanding forms are completed.

Continue Your Recovery on Long-Term Disability Leave

The transition may feel stressful because these benefits allow you to support yourself and continue paying expenses such as your mortgage while you are away from work. However, a delay in approval does not necessarily mean that your application for long-term disability leave will be denied.

Once your long-term disability benefits have been approved, you can continue your leave and focus on recovering until you are ready to work.

Considering Next Steps

As your short-term disability leave approaches its end, remain engaged with the transition process and respond to requests as they arise.

If the transition feels overwhelming, consider working with a psychologist who has experience helping people move from short-term to long-term disability leave.

Related Articles

• This comprehensive guide explains what burnout is, how it develops, when medical leave may be necessary, and what meaningful recovery involves.
• This article explains how returning to work too soon after medical leave can interfere with burnout recovery and increase the risk of a setback.

Watch Part 13

How Long Will I Be On Medical Leave For Burnout?