What is LTD?

Long-term disability (LTD) coverage is insurance that replaces a percentage of your income if you become disabled and are unable to work. The vast majority of OSSTF/FEESO Teacher Bargaining Units members participate in the same mandated, province-wide Provincial Long-Term Disability Plan.

Long-term disability enrollment is automatic. Long-term disability begins after the later of 110 working days (the Waiting Period) or after sick leave and short term disability have been exhausted. The application for LTD should be submitted 2 to 3 months before STD benefits end and no later than six months after the end of the waiting period.

If you’re unable to continue your assignment due to an illness or injury, consider requesting workplace accommodation before applying for LTD. School Boards must accommodate workers with disabilities. Explore medical leave and accommodation options with your local OSSTF/FEESO representatives.

Applying for LTD doesn’t rule out seeking accommodation. Even if you need a partial assignment reduction, you may still qualify for LTD. Contact your local OSSTF/FEESO office to discuss medical accommodation.

LTD Plan Features

Benefit Level 50% of monthly gross earning
Maximum Monthly Benefit A benefit based on a maximum annual salary of $150,000
Benefit Tax Status Non-taxable
Elimination (waiting) Period The later of 110 working days or expiration of sick leave, and in no event more than 24 months
Initial Assessment Period 24 months
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) The lesser of 2% or the actual increase in the Annual Consumer Price Index
Termination of Benefits (and coverage) A member’s benefits terminate on the earliest of the following:
• The date the member retires
• Age 65
• When first eligible for at least a 60% unreduced service pension

Mandatory Early Intervention (EI)

The EI program assists you in returning to a productive lifestyle in the workplace as quickly and safely as medically possible. The program is informative, and it provides you with an opportunity to confidentially discuss your situation and needs with a qualified OTIP Early Intervention Rehabilitation Consultant (EIRC).

Once OTIP has been notified of your absence from work, the EIRC will contact you by telephone within a few days to provide the details of the EI program. The EIRC will also gather your information in order to determine how the program can best meet your needs. Based on OTIP’s assessment of your needs, an assistance plan will be developed if it is needed and would begin after you have been off work for 15 consecutive working days or longer.

Financial Assistance

If you’re without income due to delayed benefits or a denied LTD claim, consider seeking financial aid from these options:
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits
Provides up to 15 weeks of benefits after a one-week waiting period. Visit www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html for details.
Ontario Disability Support Program
(ODSP): Offers financial assistance and support services for individuals with disabilities. Visit www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp for eligibility and details.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Pension
Available if you meet eligibility requirements and have contributed to CPP. Apply if off work for a year or more, or if LTD is denied. Details at www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit.html.
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) Disability Pension
Apply for full or partial disability pension if unable to work.
Consider the implications for pension and employment status. Contact OTPP for details at 416-226-2700 or
1-800-668-0105.
Benevolent Council
OSSTF/FEESO provides financial assistance to members in extreme need. Contact your local Bargaining Unit for information.

Additional Benefits

FeelingBetterNow®, Carepath and Telus Health are benefits for OSSTF Provincial Long-Term Disability Plan Members only.

Healthcare navigation service that provides comprehensive and personalized support to LTD Members and their families in the event of illness or other health crises.

Offering a wide range of services and tools to help support the mental, physical, and financial health of LTD Members and their families.

Healthcare navigation service that provides comprehensive and personalized support to LTD Members and their families in the event of illness or other health crises.

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Your Flourish+ Benefits

Enhanced, complimentary healthy living benefits, rebates, awards and giving back for mental health.
Well-being for life.

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$100 Annual Healthy Living Rebate

Flourish+ Virtual Talks

Scholarship, Bursary and Awards

We Value Your Opinion Raffle

Member Birthday Raffle

Give Back: The Press Start CoLab Program

Visit our Flourish+ page to learn more about your benefits.

$100 Annual Healthy Living Rebate

Flourish+ Virtual Talks

Scholarship, Bursary and Awards

We Value Your Opinion Raffle

Member Birthday Raffle

Give Back: The Press Start CoLab Program

Visit our Flourish+ page to learn more about your benefits.

FAQs About OSSTF Long-Term Disability Coverage

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Coverage

What happens to my long-term disability coverage if I change boards?

Enrollment in the OSSTF Provincial Long-Term Disability Plan is automatic and coverage is the same across all school districts. However, if you change boards you may not be insured through Teachers Life insurance, as the province uses various insurers to administer the Provincial Long-Term Disability Plan.

Does my board pay for disability coverage?

No, the insured (you) pays the entire premium for disability coverage. For convenience, premiums are taken by payroll deduction through your employer. There is a good reason for this: When the insured person pays the disability plan premiums, if you become disabled, monthly disability benefits are non-taxable in your hands. If an employer pays the long-term disability premium or even a portion of it, monthly disability payments to you are subject to income tax.

Eligibility for the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan (OTPP) and the OSSTF Long-Term Disability (LTD) Plan: If you have reached a 60% Unreduced Service Pension with OTPP, which equates to 30 credited service years, or are within 110 days of achieving this, you should cancel your LTD Plan. Under the Policy, you will no longer be eligible for benefits once you are eligible for a 60% unreduced pension from OTPP. For more information, please contact your District Office.

What is the relationship between Teachers Life and OTIP?

The Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP) is our valued partner and is also a not-for-profit insurance advocate that is governed, led and inspired by the four education affiliates and their local leaders. Teachers Life is a licensed, federally regulated fraternal life insurance company providing life and disability insurance products to the education community and their families Canada-wide. OTIP administers Teachers Life disability claims and provides early intervention and disability rehabilitation services for Teachers Life Members.

Changes to employment

I’m retiring. Can I still be a Member of Teachers Life?

Yes! Retirement does not affect your membership with Teachers Life. It is your insurance policy status that determines membership. For example, if you are insured under a long-term disability policy with Teachers Life, the policy ends at retirement or age 65. If this is the only insurance you held with Teachers Life, your membership will no longer be active once the disability policy ends when you retire. However, individual life and critical illness insurance with Teachers Life are not affected by retirement. Membership continues if the policy remains in force and premium payments are up to date. Individual life or critical illness insurance policies are not affected by changes to benefits or insurance with your school board.

What happens to my LTD insurance when I change boards?

You will remain covered if you move from one board to another if you are eligible because of your teaching position. Since 2013, long-term disability insurance has been mandated for teachers across the province. Teachers are covered under the same plan and premium structure.

If you are employed in the secondary panel at TDSB, Peel or Greater Essex, you are covered through Teachers Life for the Provincial Long-Term Disability Plan. If you change boards, coverage with Teachers Life ends and you will be enrolled in a Provincial Long-Term Disability Plan that is administered by OTIP.

How do I make an LTD claim?

Find information about making a Provincial Long-Term Disability Plan claim here: teacherslife.com/claims/ or visit your local OSSTF/FEESO office, your school board, or if necessary, OTIP for additional information.

If I become disabled while on unpaid leave, why am I not eligible to receive disability payments?

While on an unpaid leave, there is no loss of income, and your policy is structured as an income replacement policy. The monthly benefits are meant to replace lost income should you become disabled while you are working and then be unable to work. Because there is no income to replace, disability benefits are not paid during an unpaid leave.

If you remain unable to return to work at the end of an unpaid leave, and have maintained your LTD policy, you’re eligible to apply for LTD benefits during the 110 Working Day Waiting Period and/or prior to exhausting sick leave and/or STD benefits from your employer.

For more information on disability coverage and leaves of absence, contact Teachers Life at 1-800-668-4229 or email us at insuring@teacherslife.com. See more information on long-term disability coverage and leaves of absence.

Exclusive Member Benefits

What benefits am I eligible for with Teachers Life?

We’re a “Member-driven” fraternal insurance company with a mission to improve the health and well-being of our communities and our Members. We proudly offer:

  • An annual $100 Healthy Living rebate to go towards membership fees, whether that’s a gym, yoga classes or an app like MyFitnessPal, Calm, etc.
  • Scholarships and bursaries for the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of Members.
  • Our annual Press Start CoLab Program is focused on the mental health crisis amongst Canadian youth. Introducing The Press Start CoLab High School Program (Starting Fall, 2024)
  • Teachers Life Virtual Suggestion Box: Share your idea or innovation for how we can enhance your Member experience and get entered into a raffle for a chance to receive a $500 gift card!
  • Members with emails on file will receive a Happy Birthday email and will be entered into a random draw during their birthday month for a chance to receive a $250 gift card!
  • Our virtual Flourish+ Talks allow our policyholders and all OTIP members to come together as a community and hear the inspiring stories of Canadian mental health experts.

*Some conditions apply. Click here to learn more.

Are my family members eligible to apply for Teachers Life scholarships?

We’ve expanded eligibility to more students! Applications will be accepted for any year of post-secondary education and in addition to children and grandchildren, our Member’s nieces and nephews are now eligible to apply for Teachers Life awards. Click here to learn more.

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