Long-Term Disability Benefits
Long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide you with monthly income, called wage loss benefits, when you are unable to work due to a long-term injury or illness. The LTD wage loss benefits are designed to provide you with financial support when you are unable to work, but they do not replace your full wages or earnings at the time of disability.
Your LTD plan is negotiated in your collective agreement. Your claim for LTD benefits is reviewed, decided upon and paid by an insurer.
Enrolment in the LTD plan may differ according to your collective agreement.
LTD Plan Overview (Nurses’ Bargaining Association Collective Agreement)
Qualification Period: This is an initial waiting period when you are unable to work due to illness or injury. During this time, you do not receive wage-loss benefits. Under the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) collective agreement, the qualifying period is four (4) months.
Definition of Disability
Own Occupation Provision - First Two Years of LTD Benefits: After the qualification period, the focus is on whether you are medically able to perform the regular duties and hours of your pre-disability job. If approved, you start receiving wage-loss benefits during this time.
Important: Casual employees who have accepted a temporary appointment can only receive LTD wage-loss benefits for a maximum of two (2) years.
Any Occupation Provision - After Two Years of LTD Benefits: At the two-year mark, the focus is on whether you are medically able to work in any gainful occupation in British Columbia (based upon your training, education and experience), that would provide at least 70 percent of your earnings at the time of your disability. The insurer assesses only whether you are functionally capable of performing gainful work, not whether you’ve successfully secured such employment.
If you are a BCNU member and have questions about your LTD plan, please contact us ltd@bcnu.org for more information.
The Importance of Seeing Your Doctor
As part of your eligibility for LTD wage-loss benefits (starting during the qualifying period and for the entire time you have an LTD claim), you are required to be under the regular care of a doctor.
You must have sufficient medical evidence to support your claim. Please ensure that you arrange regular appointments with your doctor to discuss the nature of your illness and/or injury, as well as the symptoms you are experiencing and how that is preventing you from being able to work.
Appeals
There are two avenues for appeal under the LTD Plan:
- Appeals regarding the denial or termination of LTD benefits; and,
- Appeals regarding the suitability of rehabilitation plans.
Please contact the BCNU LTD Advocacy team immediately if you wish to appeal a decision made by the insurer as there are timelines that affect the appeal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit a claim?
If you are ill or injured and are unable to work, please contact your EDMP Representative or your Worksite Steward to obtain an LTD application package to file a claim for LTD benefits. The package typically consists of three parts:
- Your information
- Information provided by your employer
- Information provided by your doctor
All parts must be completed and submitted to the insurer for your claim to proceed.
Please note that claims must be filed within a certain time period as outlined in your collective agreement. Even if you think you might be able to return-to-work during the qualifying period, or shortly afterward, we encourage you to file a claim anyways as sometimes situations can change.
Late Claims
If you are disabled from working and did not apply for LTD benefits within the collective agreement deadline:
- Please contact the insurer right away to advise you will be submitting a claim.
- Please also contact the BCNU LTD advocacy team right away for support with making a late claim.
What income is available to me before my LTD wage-loss benefits start?
There are benefits programs through the provincial and federal governments. You may also qualify for sick pay and vacation pay.
How much money will I receive?
LTD wage-loss benefits usually amount to approximately 70% of your pre-disability earnings (basic monthly earnings only). Please check your collective agreement for more information.
Are LTD wage loss benefits taxable?
Yes. The insurer will deduct and remit income tax to the Canada Revenue Agency before releasing the net payment to you.
How does my time on LTD benefits affect my seniority, pension and severance?
Members on LTD benefits continue to accrue seniority and pensionable service.
Will the insurer pay for my treatment while I am on LTD?
LTD is primarily a wage-loss benefit, so the plan’s focus remains on your ability to work.
In some cases, the insurer may provide rehabilitation services if you are medically able to prepare for a return to work (at your own job or another job). If approved, the services would form part of your Approved Rehabilitation Plan (ARP).
Can I work or change jobs while receiving LTD benefits?
There are restrictions regarding employment while receiving LTD benefits.
Please consult with the BCNU LTD Advocacy team for more information if you are considering working or if you are considering changing new jobs while you are receiving LTD benefits.
The insurer told me to apply for Canada Pension Plan, disability benefits. Do I have to?
Yes. The requirement to apply for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits is part of your LTD Plan as described in your collective agreement. Although the application is issued through the CPP, it is not for retirement. Instead, it is a monthly benefit payment that you apply for if you are unable to work due to disability.
Important: please let the insurer know if you are approved for CPP disability benefits. All disability benefit income must be reported to the insurer.
What income do I have to report to the insurer?
As part of your LTD plan, you are required to report all income to the insurer. This includes income from other disability benefits (such as WorkSafeBC, CPP disability and ICBC benefits) as well as any income you receive from working (including self-employment earnings).
In most cases, the income you report will be deducted dollar-for-dollar from your LTD wage-loss benefits. Due to legislative changes, this does not apply to ICBC benefits for motor vehicle accidents that occurred on or after May 17, 2018.
I have been assessed an overpayment. What do I do?
You may be eligible for a discount on the overpayment. Please contact the BCNU LTD Advocacy team immediately as timelines may apply.
Do retroactive wage increases impact my LTD benefits?
If the retroactive wage increase occurs before your date of disability, your employer will work with Canada Life to recalculate your LTD wage-loss benefits based on the updated wage and issue you any underpayments.
Your LTD wage-loss benefits will not change if the retroactive wage increase occurs after your date of disability.
Do my wage loss benefits get adjusted for cost of living?
Yes. Your LTD wage-loss benefits will be adjusted every four years in a process called ‘indexing’. When this adjustment occurs, the insurer will provide you with a letter outlining the changes to your LTD benefits.
What is the Early Retirement Incentive Benefit (ERIB)?
The Early Retirement Incentive Benefit (ERIB) is part of some collective agreements. It is a voluntary program available to members receiving LTD benefits who have reached age 55. This provision enables eligible members to retire onto their pension plan, while being protected from any long-term loss in pension benefits through a lump sum payment.
You are not obligated to accept the ERIB program; your claim to receive disability benefits is based only on the supportive medical that you provide to stay on claim.
If you have been offered the ERIB and have questions, please contact the BCNU LTD Advocacy team for more information.
Have questions or need to make an appeal?
Please do not hesitate to contact us for support and assistance.
We are happy to provide advice and guidance to members at any time during the claims process. Early intervention and support by a BCNU LTD Advocate may result in better outcomes.
Contact Us
ltd@bcnu.org
604-433-2268 or 1-800-663-9991
Resources
2022-2025 LTD Plan – NBA Provincial Collective Agreement
INTERACTIVE LEARNING MODULE: Learn more about long-term disability benefits and other services available to BCNU members who need assistance or are off of work due to medical issues.