Government of Canada Employees/PSMIP

Markham & Toronto LTD Lawyers Assisting Government Employees

With over 20 years experience litigating long-term disability (LTD) claims disputes, Mulqueen Disability Law knows how to help Government of Canada and Ontario Government employees with their LTD benefit disputes. Having worked for large insurance companies in the past defending LTD claims, Courtney Mulqueen leverages her “insider” knowledge, insights, and perspective to help her clients with their LTD cases.

Mulqueen Disability Law knows LTD law and can assist Government employees with the litigation of their LTD benefit disputes under their LTD plans. We understand and appreciate the unique stressors of working in Government and how to prove disability (including invisible disabilities) and entitlement to LTD benefits.

Eligibility for the Government LTD Benefits

To be eligible for LTD benefits, Government employees must meet certain criteria, including having worked a minimum number of hours and having a covered disability that prevents them from performing the essential duties of their occupation. The specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the employee’s job classification and other factors.

To apply for LTD benefits under the Government LTD plan, you will need to complete an application form and provide medical documentation that supports your claim. Your claim will be reviewed to determine eligibility and the amount of benefits you are entitled to receive.

Establishing “objective evidence” of disability under Government LTD Plans

To be approved for LTD, most Government Plans require “objective” evidence of disability. It is important to ask your doctors to write reports that provide evidence to support your diagnosis and prognosis.

The challenge of meeting Government Plan definitions of “disability”

Any Government Plan that requires “objective” evidence of disability is going to be problematic for our clients suffering with invisible disabilities . Unfortunately, Government Plans have some of the most difficult definitions of disability to satisfy. Government of Canada Employees who are claiming disability due to a serious difficult-to-prove disability should contact us for assistance in making their claims, appealing and litigating any denials.

The complexity of Government LTD claims

Unlike other professionals/employees covered under other group policies, Government employees have unique concerns and issues with respect to the denial of their disability benefits and also with respect to settling their court actions. It is critical that these issues be fully addressed in the litigation and dispute resolution process.

Some of the issues and considerations unique to Government employees’ long-term disability benefit disputes, include:

  • How the denial of a claim or the settlement of a lawsuit will affect the retirement pension, their employment and their future coverage under the plan, including life insurance and future long-term disability claims;
  • Whether the employee should apply for their disability pension;
  • Whether the employee is able to keep their job while they are on leave;
  • Protecting privacy regarding the disclosure of their medical information to their employees and others;
  • Rights and responsibilities with respect to participating in rehabilitation programs;
  • Efforts to return to their work or efforts to some other type of work;
  • The calculation of the monthly LTD benefit amount; and
  • Whether the plan requires a review of the denial or termination of their benefits or whether the employee can sue for benefits that are denied or terminated.

Denial of Government LTD claims

If your Government LTD claim is denied or terminated, you may have the option to request that the decision be reviewed internally or appeal to the insurance company. The other option is to commence a court action, suing the insurance company for the benefits owed to you under the plan.

You may be struggling to get answers to your questions. We can help.

Mulqueen Disability Law can help you decide if, when, and how to apply for LTD benefits under your Government LTD plan. If your benefits are later denied or terminated, we can assess your case, discuss your options (such as whether to submit the decision for review, appeal, or litigate), and help you determine which option is best for you.

You may be wondering if you will lose your job if you do not return to work after your claim has been denied. You may be considering returning to work before you are ready or in a part-time capacity. You may be considering early retirement or resignation. You may be wondering what happens to your pension and other benefits if your LTD claim is denied. These are all very legitimate concerns that we can discuss with you.

Mulqueen Disability Law: serving those in the public service

While the disability benefits provided through Government plans can be an important source of financial support for government employees who become disabled, navigating the claims process can be complex and challenging, particularly if the disability is an invisible condition. It is important for employees to understand their rights and responsibilities under the plan, as well as the process for making a claim and appealing a denied claim.

At Mulqueen Disability Law, we understand the nuances of Government long-term disability plans and what is required to successfully prove your disability claim. During our free, confidential initial consultation, we will provide you with practical tips, information, insights, and strategic suggestions. We also provide the following services to Government employees:

  • Consultation prior to applying for LTD;
  • Review of LTD claims forms;
  • Telephone interview preparation;
  • Consultation during claims adjudication with respect to Authorizations, Requests for Records, and delays in decisions;
  • Review of denial and Termination Letters to determine how to proceed;
  • Consultations regarding appeals and preparing your appeal package;
  • Litigation and negotiation of LTD claims denials and terminations; and
  • Other services and consultations, as needed.

Contact Mulqueen Disability Law in Toronto & Markham for comprehensive assistance with Public Service Government LTD claims

If you are a government employee who is considering making a claim for disability benefits or if your claim has been denied or terminated, Mulqueen Disability Law can help you navigate the process and advocate for your rights. With our support, you can pursue the disability benefits you need and deserve.  Drawing on over 20 years litigating LTD claims, we can help you get your benefits approved or to help you dispute a denial of your claim.

From our offices in Markham and Toronto, Mulqueen Disability Law is dedicated to proving disability for invisible disabilities such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, workplace stress/burnout,chronic pain, post-COVID conditions, immunological conditions and neurological conditions. To schedule a confidential, free initial consultation, please contact us online or by phone at 416-900-0368 (or toll-free at 833-363-3LAW [3529]).