Definition of total disability

Person with a paid occupation immediately prior to the onset of disability

During the waiting period and the first 24 months of the benefit period, the insured person is considered totally disabled if, as a result of an illness or accident, they:

• Are completely unable to perform the main duties of their current occupation
• Are not engaged in any gainful activity
• Are receiving continuing medical care

After 24 months of benefits, the individual will continue to receive a monthly amount if they:

• Are unable to perform a replacement occupation
• Are not engaged in any gainful activity
• Are receiving continuing medical care

Replacement occupation refers to any occupation that the insured person is reasonably qualified to do which can provide them with at least 60% of the gross annual income they were earning immediately before the onset of disability. The type of replacement occupation is determined based on the insured person's education, training and experience, but the availability of such an occupation in the region where they live is not taken into consideration.

Individuals who are unemployed, on maternity or parental leave or on a leave of absence with or without pay following an agreement with their employer at the onset of disability

An insured person who's not gainfully employed at the onset of disability is considered totally disabled if, as a result of an illness or accident, they:

• Are unable to perform a replacement occupation
• Are not engaged in any gainful activity
• Are receiving continuing medical care