kotak: if you're living with an addiction, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits
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any kind of addiction that makes it hard to maintain employment is one that requires attention. getty
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many ontarians don’t realize that if they are living with an addiction — alcohol or illegal drug use, even gambling — there is medical evidence of harms and dependence and they are involved in an approved rehabilitation program, they may qualify for long-term disability benefits.
according to the canadian mental health association (cmha), approximately 21 per cent of canada’s population (about six million people) will meet the criteria for addiction in their lifetime. what defines an addiction? the cmha points to four signs: craving, loss of control of the amount or frequency of use, compulsion to use, and continued use or repeated behaviour despite consequences.
alcohol use is the most common addiction, the cmha reports, followed by the use of illicit drugs such as fentanyl, morphine, heroin and oxycodone, as well as gambling and internet addictions. all of which can disrupt the lives of those affected and make it difficult to maintain health or hold down a job.
but there is hope if there is motivation to receive treatment and participate in a rehabilitation program — a successful disability claim can be made and help a person heal.
as with any disability claim, medical evidence is key to qualifying, as is proof of treatment and rehabilitation.
the role of treatment providers is critical to a claim
the role of treatment providers is obviously important because they are there to help a person manage their addiction and assist with recovery. and while following a treatment provider’s advice is good for a ltd claim — it strengthens your case — it’s also good for your health. and participating in their rehabilitation and treatment plans can determine whether or not your insurer denies or terminates your benefits on the basis of a policy violation. not actively pursuing recovery poses a risk that you won’t qualify for coverage in the first place.
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the bottom line is that any kind of addiction that makes it hard to maintain employment is one that requires attention. a disability claim can provide the means to be able to take the time that’s needed to recover and receive treatment. there are other effective tools to support recovery as well, such as community support, residential or in-patient treatment as well as group therapy. for more information, contact the centre for addiction and mental health (camh).
nainesh kotak, is the founder of kotak personal injury law, a firm focusing on protecting their clients’ right to justice and obtaining the compensation they deserve. he also serves as the chair of the long-term disability section of the ontario trial lawyers’ association.
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