When an injury or illness keeps you from working, disability benefits can provide financial assistance in Alberta. Unfortunately, disability claims may be unfairly delayed or denied, causing serious medical, financial, and emotional hardships.
At Litco Law, we know the thought of filing a disability claim on your own can feel overwhelming, and a denied claim can lead to a lot of uncertainty about your future. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our Alberta disability lawyers will stand up for your rights and pursue the benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
Contact us for a free consultation. A caring legal professional can answer your questions in plain language, explain your rights, and guide you on your next steps.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- How Litco Law Helps Albertans With Disability Claims
- Understanding Disability Claims in Alberta
- Steps To Take if Your Disability Claim Is Denied
- Common Reasons Disability Claims Are Denied
- Connect With Our Alberta Disability Lawyers for Help With Your Claim
- Alberta Disability Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Award-winning and trusted since 1976, Litco Law has helped thousands of Albertans navigate some of life’s toughest moments. With 800+ 5-star Google reviews, our team is known for delivering exceptional results and caring support when it matters most.
“You probably hoped you’d never need a lawyer. We do our best to make it a positive experience if you do.”
– Jonathan Noorduyn, President & Lawyer, Litco Law
How Litco Law Helps Albertans With Disability Claims
Whether you’re seeking short-term or long-term disability benefits or you need assistance with a denied claim, our team is here to make things easier. Our disability claims lawyers in Alberta can take the legal and administrative burden off your shoulders and make sure you feel supported, cared for, and informed throughout the process.
Offering award-winning legal services to Albertans since 1976, here’s how we can help with disability claims:
- Communication management: From day one, we’ll handle all communication with the insurance company, alleviating the stress and confusion of dealing with adjusters.
- Building your claim: We work with your doctors to secure crucial medical documentation that supports your claim.
- Your dedicated advocate: Our team will ensure your legal rights are fully protected, and the insurance company plays by the rules.
- Filing appeals: A “no” isn’t always final. We’ll manage the complex appeals process, identify missing information or administrative errors, and challenge unfair denials.
Our Team-Based Approach
If you decide to work with Litco Law, you don’t just get a lawyer. You get your own personal legal team that will be with you throughout the course of your claim, providing the personalized focus your disability claim deserves.
Litco Law’s Disability Lawyers Near You
No matter where you are in Alberta, legal help from Litco Law is never far away. Connect with us to learn more about our local Alberta teams, including:
- Calgary disability lawyers
- Edmonton disability lawyers
- Lethbridge disability lawyers
- Red Deer disability lawyers
If you choose to pursue a disability claim with us, there is no cost to get started, and you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses.
Hear From Litco Law’s Previous Clients
With more than 800 five-star reviews on Google, we’re proud to be trusted legal advocates in the communities we serve. Here are client testimonials from people we had the privilege of helping.
- “Our family have been long time clients of the firm. Always we have been treated with empathy and concern and to ensure we come to resolutions that are beneficial to us.” – Nazir W.
- “Worry-free and easy to access help always available. Staff are helpful and closely monitor your case. Great company!” – Manuel
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Understanding Disability Claims in Alberta
If a medical condition is affecting your ability to work, short-term disability is your immediate safety net in Alberta. It typically covers the first few months of a temporary illness, injury, or surgery.
Long-term disability (LTD) generally begins after the short-term disability benefits end or the policy waiting period has elapsed, and is dependent on the particular definition of disability set out in the policy.
In Alberta, insurance companies evaluate disability claims by determining if your medical condition falls within their policy’s definition of “disabled.”
During the first part of the disability claim, the definition is:
- Own occupation: Does the medical condition prevent you from performing the duties of your current job?
- Any occupation: Does the condition make you unable to perform any job for which you are qualified?
Government-Funded Disability Benefits
If you don’t have private LTD benefits, you may be eligible for:
- Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
- Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
- Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)—expected to launch on July 1, 2026
There are different requirements for each program. Additionally, disability benefits often overlap with employment law issues. If you’re dealing with work-related injuries, consider speaking with a workplace disability lawyer in Alberta to learn more about your rights and possible Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) benefits.
Long-Term Disability Medical Conditions
- Mental health and cognitive issues: Severe depression, clinical anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorders
- Physical and musculoskeletal conditions: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), chronic back or neck pain, degenerative diseases, inflammatory arthritis, and fibromyalgia
- Neurological disorders: Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, epilepsy, or long-term effects of a stroke
- Systemic and chronic illness: Advanced cancer, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and respiratory conditions
Steps To Take if Your Disability Claim Is Denied
It can be frustrating to learn your disability claim was denied, but a denial doesn’t always mean you’re out of options. There are possible steps that may help protect your rights, including:
- Gather and organize any medical documents you have regarding your condition.
- If available, keep track of communications you’ve had with the insurance company.
- Consider speaking with a denied disability benefits lawyer in Alberta for guidance on how to move forward.
If your claim has been denied, you are not alone. Our team can walk you through what to expect and how we may be able to dispute the decision regarding your benefits. We will carefully review the claim denial and gather evidence to support an appeal on your behalf.
Common Reasons Disability Claims Are Denied
While every situation is unique, there are common reasons why disability claims may be denied in Alberta, including:
- Lack of medical evidence: Incomplete medical records or documentation that confirms the severity of your condition
- Missed deadlines: Not filing the forms on time or leaving sections blank
- Arguments that you’re able to work: The insurance company claiming you could do some work
- Online surveillance: Insurers using social media posts to argue your medical condition is not as limiting as described
- Pre-existing condition exclusions: Insurance companies claiming you already had the medical condition
With decades of experience standing up to insurance companies, our disability lawyers can help Albertans get the disability benefits they need and deserve.
Connect With Our Alberta Disability Lawyers for Help With Your Claim
If you need help with a disability claim in Alberta, our family-owned law firm is here for you. We can handle your claim from start to resolution, making the process easier, clearer, and more supportive while you focus on your health.
Reach out to Lawyers You’ll Love by calling (403) 273-8580 or contacting us online. We offer free consultations to answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you find the solution, even if we’re not it.
Alberta Disability Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions we get about disability claims in Alberta. To get answers specific to your situation, contact us at any time.
How Long Do I Have To File a Disability Claim in Alberta?
The deadlines to file a disability claim in Alberta will depend on whether you’re seeking short-term or long-term benefits and specific policy rules. For short-term disability, a claim may need to be submitted within 10 days of the onset of the disability. The deadline to file and notify a long-term disability claim is outlined in the policy.
Because these deadlines are very strict and can come up fast, it may be a good idea to work with an Alberta disability lawyer who can manage your claim for you.
Do I Need a Lawyer To Appeal a Disability Denial?
While you are not required to work with a lawyer to appeal a claim denial, it can be a challenging process if you don’t have prior experience. An Alberta disability lawyer will know what steps to take to build your appeal, level the playing field with the insurance company, and pursue the benefits you’re entitled to.
How Long Does the Appeals Process Take?
The timeline for the appeals process in Alberta is different for each disability claim. It will depend on several factors, including why your claim was denied and whether you’re appealing through a private insurance company or a government program.
Consider speaking with a disability lawyer to guide you through the appeals process and discuss how they can assist with your situation.
Can I Receive Benefits While My Appeal Is Pending?
In Alberta, getting paid while you wait for an appeal decision depends on what kind of claim you have. Usually, if your application was rejected from the start, you won’t get benefits unless your appeal is successful.
However, if you were already getting paid and they suddenly stopped your benefits, you may have some options. An experienced lawyer can help you explore these options and access the benefits available to you.
