What are the ‘Own Occupation’ and ‘Any Occupation’ periods, and how do they affect my disability claim?

To qualify for LTD benefits, after completing the 5- month qualification period, you will be considered disabled if you are unable to perform the duties of your own occupation (the job you held at the time you became disabled) or any comparable position during the first 19 months of your disability. This is called the “own occupation” period.

After this, to continue to qualify for benefits, you must be unable to perform the duties of “any occupation” for which you have the education, training, or experience, and where the pay equals or exceeds 70% of your previous job’s current rate.