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What is a Disability?
The term “disability”
is defined differently from one insurer to the next. It is therefore important
that you ask your insurer when disability benefits apply.
Disability income insurance guarantees that
your income will be replaced if you become totally disabled. But what
does it mean to be “totally disabled”?
As a general rule, “total disability”
is defined as follows:
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If you are employed when you become
disabled
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If you are employed when you become
disabled, you are considered to be disabled if, during the first
24 months following the onset of your disability, you are totally
and continuously incapacitated and unable to perform the duties
of your own job as a result of an illness or injury.
After the first 24 months following the
beginning of your disability, you are considered to be disabled
if you are totally and continuously incapacitated and unable to
pursue any occupation whatsoever for which you are reasonably qualified,
regardless of the availability of employment.
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If you are unemployed, on employment
insurance or a student when you become disabled
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If you are unemployed, on employment
insurance or a student when you become disabled, you are considered
to be disabled if, as a result of an illness or injury, you are
totally and continuously incapacitated and unable to pursue any
occupation whatsoever for which you are reasonably qualified. In
such a situation, you are generally entitled to a benefit corresponding
to 50% of the insured amount, for a maximum period of two years.
However, if you are able to work in any
employment whatsoever, you are considered to be able to work, regardless
of the availability of employment. |
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