Is Cancer Considered A Disability In Canada?

The word ‘cancer’ itself is enough to strike fear and remorse in the hearts of many. This disease is one that has claimed the lives of countless Canadians through millennia and is one of the few medical conditions that we still have no definite cure for. Thankfully, technological and medical advancements have made it possible for humanity to fight cancer, such as tumors and disabilities related to cancers, and even beat it in many instances.

 Yet, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death globally. Over 10 million people die of cancer each year. Those that survive have to live a different life as the fight against cancer is never truly over.

Is Cancer A Disability In Canada?

Yes, cancer is considered a long-term disability in Canada. As such, this makes you eligible for long-term disability benefits through your insurance provider. In order to qualify, you must provide evidence that the severity of your cancer and related treatments are interfering with your ability to work. If proven, you will be granted disability benefits for income replacement.

Cancer & Long-Term Disability Claims In Canada

A cancer diagnosis is by far one of the most challenging times in any individual’s life. The sheer physical, mental and emotional trauma is enough to leave even the bravest and most optimistic side of us defeated. Everything becomes a challenge.

Even daily activities that we all take for granted become difficult and excruciatingly painful. However, through proper resolve, determination, patience, and planning one can overcome cancer, no matter what type of cancer it may be, including lung cancer and prostate cancer. It’s not easy but you need to remember you are not alone. There are many sources available at your disposal to help you along the way.

Your family, your friends, and the Canadian government are all there with you helping you win that fight!

One way that you can receive help from the government is by applying for long-term disability benefits. This is applicable to you if you have been diagnosed with cancer and are unable to work as a result. The long-term disability benefits plan is provided through your employer’s group benefits plan or any other individual plan you have purchased. 

With so many things on your plate, these plans will at the very least provide income replacement, allowing you to take the time you need to treat yourself and recover without having to go through even more financial stress. As you may well be aware, cancer treatment isn’t cheap by any means. Not being able to work during your treatment period can put monumental stress on your personal finances. Having that part taken care of through long-term disability benefits is a tremendous relief.

Can You Be Denied Disability Claims For Cancer? 

Even though cancer is considered a long-term disability in Canada, there are instances when your disability claims for cancer can be denied. These situations are rare but not unheard of.

Not Enough Evidence To Support Your Claims

According to the long-term disability policy, benefits can only be granted to those individuals that cannot work due to their illness or disability. If your doctor feels that you can work while undergoing treatment you cannot apply for long-term disability. Only if your doctor confirms that your illness is preventing you from working can you claim this policy.

You Have A Pre-Existing Medical Condition

Always make sure to check your insurance policy for its pre-existing conditions clause. This will usually be an extensive section of your policy and can in many ways invalidate certain claims if you are not careful. For example, claims can be denied based on the fact that the cancer was detected earlier than the beginning of the enrolment period for your current benefits plan.

Statistics for Canadian Cancer

1. According to the Canadian Human Rights Act, cancer is considered a disability in Canada.
2. In 2018, an estimated 206,200 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer.
3. In 2018, an estimated 80,800 Canadians died from cancer.
4. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for 30% of all deaths in 2018.
5. In 2018, the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in Canada were prostate cancer (25,400 cases), breast cancer (25,300 cases), and colorectal cancer (24,400 cases).
6. In 2018, the most common causes of cancer death in Canada were lung cancer (21,400 deaths), colorectal cancer (9,700 deaths), and pancreatic cancer (7,900 deaths).
7. In Canada, the 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined is 63%.

Resources for Cancer Patients in Canada 

Cancer is not just a physical ailment, it takes a toll on the mind and spirit as well. As a cancer patient in Canada, it’s important to know that there are resources available to help you through this difficult time. The Canadian Cancer Society is one such resource, offering support and information to cancer patients and their families. 

They can provide information on treatment options, as well as emotional support and financial assistance. Additionally, cancer patients in Canada may be eligible for the disability tax credit. This credit can help offset the cost of treatments and provide financial relief during a difficult time. It’s important to note that there are certain criteria that must be met in order to qualify for the credit.

Furthermore, it’s essential to be aware of disability rights as a cancer patient in Canada. It’s important to know that you have the right to equal opportunities and access to services, and that employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

Taking action and utilizing the resources available can make a world of difference in the success of your cancer treatment. It’s important to not only focus on healing the body, but also the mind and spirit. Taking care of yourself and finding support can help you maintain the energy and determination needed to fight this disease. Remember, you are not alone in this fight and there is help out there.

3 Tips To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Benefits Approved

Finding out that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer is a hard pill to swallow. Not having your disability benefits approved by your insurance provider is harder still!

To help make your case as fool-proof as possible here are some handy tips to help bolster your chances.

Keep Records Of All Medical Tests, Hospital Bills, Specialist Visits, Medical Prescriptions, & Other Treatment Expenses

The more complete and detailed your objective medical evidence is the higher the chances of you getting the claim approved as quickly as possible. Keep records of everything. Your diagnostic test results, MRIs, CT scans, doctor visits, treatment reports, list of prescription medications, and more are all vital in expediting your application.

Provide Supporting Evidence Of All Your Disabling Symptoms

Often, it is not cancer itself that prevents you from working but rather the side effects of the treatments you are undergoing. As a result of medication and cancer-related treatments, patients can experience side effects such as nausea, pain, fatigue, dizziness, and inflammation. Making note of how these side effects are preventing you from working is equally as important as you proving you have cancer. Make sure your doctor records these symptoms and side effects to help you build your case.

Present Your Case As A Narrative Of Your Illness

First, always make sure to provide as much information as possible when you apply for benefits. This means providing detailed information.The more detailed your evidence proves to be, the easier the process becomes. Apart from the doctor’s statement (that offers an account of your diagnosis, treatments undergone, and its impact), you should also include a personal statement detailing how cancer has affected you personally. You can use this statement to illustrate the extent of the difficulties you are facing, both physical and mental, that are hindering you from working.

Tax Benefits for Cancer Patients

Tax benefits for cancer patients in Canada can be a valuable source of financial support during a difficult time. The Canadian government offers a variety of policies and programs that provide financial assistance to those living with cancer. One of the most important tax benefits is the disability tax credit, which can provide a significant amount of money to help cover expenses related to cancer treatment. Additionally, many employers offer disability coverage as part of their employee benefits package, which can also provide financial support for those who are unable to work due to cancer.

It’s important for someone who has been diagnosed with cancer to be aware of the steps they need to take to access these benefits. It’s crucial to start the process early on, as the application process can take some time. It’s also important to be proactive in seeking out information and support. It’s never too early to start researching and planning, as the earlier you start, the more options you will have available to you.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. But with the right resources and support, it is possible to navigate the financial challenges that come with cancer, and to move forward with hope and determination.

Canadians looking to File For Disability

Are you seeking to file for disability benefits through your insurance provider? Or worse, has your long-term disability benefit claim been denied? In either case, you should get in touch with McIver Insurance before making your next move. 

Based out of Halifax, NS, McIver Insurance understands all there is to disability claims and can offer in-depth advice as to how to best pursue your case given your current situation. If you are unable to work as a result of your cancer treatments contact us immediately. 

We can help you make all the right decisions when it comes to filing for long-term disability and deal with your insurance providers on your behalf. The last thing anyone wants is a drawn-out legal battle with an insurance company. Let us handle that while you deal with what’s important; your personal health.