If illness or injury affects your ability to work, ASEBP offers a range of disability‑related supports designed to help you focus on recovery and a safe return to work. This article answers common questions about those supports and where to find more information.
What does ASEBP mean by “disability services”?
Disability services are the programs and supports ASEBP provides when a medical condition impacts your ability to work. These services may apply before, during, or instead of Extended Disability Benefits (EDB), depending on your situation. The focus is on early support, recovery, and return‑to‑work (RTW) planning; while helping you navigate coverage and benefit considerations along the way.
What is the Sick Leave Support (SLS) program?
The Sick Leave Support (SLS) program provides support during a prolonged absence from work due to illness or injury. Participation is voluntary and focuses on helping you access appropriate medical care, supporting recovery, and exploring RTW options when medically appropriate.
SLS is designed to support you early in your absence and may include coordination with health‑care providers and RTW planning.
Can I try to return to work if I am not fully recovered?
Yes. If you are medically supported, you may be able to attempt an ASEBP coordinated gradual return to work. Recovery does not always follow a straight path, and RTW efforts can be adjusted based on your medical status. These attempts are intended to support recovery and do not penalize you if they are not successful based on medical reasons.
What happens if I am on a personal leave when I become ill or injured?
In many cases, ASEBP coverage may continue during a personal leave, provided premiums are maintained. Continuing coverage is important, as it can affect future access to disability‑related supports (such as Extended Disability Benefits). You are encouraged to confirm your coverage status when you begin a leave of absence and while you are on leave.
If you continue your EDB coverage while on a personal leave and you become disabled from working, EDB payments will commence on the date you were scheduled to return to work, or after the elimination period ends–whichever is later.
If you become ill or injured during a personal leave of absence and you did not continue your EDB coverage, you will not be eligible for EDB. In addition, when you return to work from your personal leave and your EDB coverage is reinstated, the pre-existing condition clause will apply. This means that if you received medical treatment, a diagnosis, or a consultation for a medical condition in the 12 months before your EDB coverage was reinstated, you will not be eligible for EDB if you become disabled from working within the first 26 weeks after coverage resumes.
How does ASEBP support medical recovery?
ASEBP will work with you and your health‑care providers to better understand your medical restrictions, limitations, and recovery needs. In some cases, ASEBP may help coordinate or expedite assessments or treatment, support functional improvement, or coordinate RTW planning. The goal is to ensure decisions are based on clear, objective medical information.
What is Rehabilitation Employment?
Rehabilitation Employment refers to a program that must be pre-approved by ASEBP, as part of an approved EDB claim where you are medically cleared to participate in a RTW plan. It allows you the ability to reintegrate into the workplace on a gradual basis, while being monitored by your health care team and ASEBP, allowing you to earn more income based on the hours you work. The income you earn from your employer is offset from your monthly EDB amount by 50 per cent. Your adjudicator or case manager can explain how offsets apply to your specific situation and provide further details if needed. Rehabilitation Employment is designed to support a safe and sustainable return to work.
What is ASEBP’s role in RTW planning?
RTW planning is a collaborative process involving you, your employer, and ASEBP. ASEBP reviews medical information from your health care providers to identify and communicate appropriate restrictions and limitations to your employer. Diagnosis or treatment information is not provided to your employer. Employers determine how accommodations are implemented based on those restrictions and limitations. Your role is to participate in planning and communicate any changes to your medical condition or work capacity to ASEBP while continuing to participate in the recommended medical treatment and RTW plan.
Where can I find more information or help?
If you are dealing with illness or injury, you are encouraged to contact ASEBP early. Additional information is available on asebp.ca, including details about:
- Appeals processes, when applicable
Your ASEBP adjudicator or case manager can also help guide you to the right information and support for your situation.