A change of definition in long-term disability (LTD) occurs when your policy changes the test you must meet to receive benefits. Many workplace plans switch from assessing your own occupation to assessing other suitable work after 24 months of benefits.

This is often called the two-year LTD review or 24-month review. The timing and requirements depend on the policy for your long-term disability benefits.

⚠️ LTD Does Not Automatically End After Two Years. Your benefits can continue if you meet the new disability definition and your policy’s other requirements.

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What Changes in Your LTD Claim?

The insurer applies a different disability test already set out in your policy:

  • Before the change: An own occupation test focuses on whether your medical condition prevents you from performing the essential duties of your occupation.
  • After the change: An any occupation test considers whether you can perform other suitable work, based on your qualifications, medical limitations and the policy’s requirements.

The test changes, even if your health hasn’t. For a side-by-side explanation, see own occupation vs. any occupation disability insurance.

When Does the LTD Definition Change?

Many workplace policies change after 24 months of LTD benefits, but some use a different period or retain occupation-based coverage for longer.

Don’t assume the change happens two years after your last day at work. Your policy may measure the period from when LTD benefits become payable, after a waiting period.

The insurer can begin collecting information before the change takes effect. Ask it to confirm your change-of-definition date in writing.

What Happens During the Two-Year LTD Review?

The insurer reviews whether you qualify under the later definition. It may request:

  • Updated medical information: Reports about your symptoms, treatment, restrictions and ability to work.
  • Your education and work history: Information about your qualifications, skills and previous occupations.
  • Additional assessments: An independent medical examination, testing of your physical abilities or an assessment of other work you might perform.
  • Rehabilitation discussions: Questions about retraining, modified duties or a gradual return to work.

A review does not mean a cutoff has already been decided. However, it is important to respond and make sure the insurer has accurate information.

How Should You Prepare for the Change of Definition?

1. Check Your Policy and Review Date

Get your complete LTD policy. Identify the new disability definition, its effective date and any earnings or retraining requirements. Ask the insurer what documents it needs and when they are due.

2. Update Your Medical Evidence

Tell your treating doctor that the insurer is assessing other suitable work, not just your previous occupation. Reports should explain how your limitations affect your ability to maintain a work schedule, including relevant symptoms and medication side effects.

See what to include in your medical evidence for an LTD claim.

3. Address Any Proposed Occupations

If the insurer identifies jobs it believes you can perform, request the descriptions and share them with your doctor. Correct inaccurate information about your qualifications and explain which work demands your medical limitations prevent you from meeting.

4. Keep Records and Respond to Requests

Save correspondence, reports and details of any work attempts. Tell the insurer promptly if you need more time to obtain documents. If your doctor has concerns about an assessment or return-to-work proposal, get advice rather than simply ignoring or refusing it.

What Happens After the Review?

Your benefits can continue if you meet the new definition. Further medical updates and reviews may still be required, and payments remain subject to your policy’s maximum benefit period and other conditions.

The insurer may instead request more information, propose rehabilitation or decide to end payments. If the review is incomplete, ask what is outstanding, when a decision is expected and whether payments will continue in the meantime.

Can Benefits Stop Even if Your Health Hasn’t Improved?

Yes. The insurer may accept that you still can’t perform your previous occupation but conclude that you can perform other suitable work. That decision can be challenged if it misapplies your policy or overlooks evidence about your abilities.

For insurer-specific information, see our two-year LTD guides for Canada Life, Sun Life and Manulife.

What if Your LTD Benefits Are Cut Off After Two Years?

Get the decision in writing and speak with a disability lawyer promptly. Keep the termination letter and request the medical and work-assessment reports the insurer relied on.

Before submitting an internal LTD appeal, find out whether a legal claim offers a stronger route to recovering your benefits. The insurer’s appeal deadline is not necessarily your deadline to start legal action.

Don’t assume an internal appeal pauses your legal deadline. Learn more about challenging denied or terminated LTD benefits.

Recover the Disability Benefits and Compensation You’re Owed

A two-year cutoff does not have to be the end of your claim. The disability lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP take on insurance companies to recover unpaid benefits and pursue the compensation you’re owed.

We challenge the insurer’s decision and pursue payment through negotiation or legal action. Depending on your case, that can mean recovering missed payments, restoring ongoing benefits or negotiating a lump-sum settlement.

We represent people with denied and terminated disability claims across Canada.

Denied doesn’t mean defeated.

LTD Cut Off After Two Years?

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