Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, including thousands of Canadians. For those living with widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain employment. This raises a critical question: Can you qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits in Canada if you have fibromyalgia?

The short answer: Yes, LTD benefits are available for fibromyalgia in Canada—but approval requires persuasive medical evidence, persistence, and sometimes legal support.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a recognized medical condition characterized by:

• Physical symptoms including widespread musculoskeletal pain
• Severe fatigue and sleep disturbance
• Cognitive issues such as memory problems and “fibro fog”
• Mood disorders including anxiety and depression

Between 2–8% of Canadians are affected, with women disproportionately impacted. Because symptoms are largely subjective and lack definitive medical tests, insurers often initially deny claims for disability benefits for fibromyalgia.

LTD Contract Language – Objective Medical Evidence

One of the most significant shifts in long-term disability (LTD) insurance policies in recent years has been the removal of the requirement for “objective evidence” to prove disability. Traditionally, claimants were expected to provide measurable medical data—such as lab results, imaging scans, or other clinical findings—to validate their condition. This posed a major barrier for individuals with illnesses that are inherently difficult to quantify, such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or certain mental health disorders. By eliminating this rigid standard, insurers are acknowledging that disability is not always proved by objective medical testing. Credible medical opinions, patient-reported symptoms, and functional limitations can be equally valid in demonstrating impairment. This change represents a more realistic approach to disability, ensuring that people with legitimate but less “measurable” conditions are not unfairly excluded from receiving the financial support they need.

Fibromyalgia and Objective Evidence

Fibromyalgia is a prime example of a condition that benefits from this policy change. For years, patients struggled to secure LTD benefits because their symptoms—widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties—rarely show up on blood tests or imaging scans. The old “objective evidence” requirement left many claims denied simply because the illness could not be captured in a lab result. By removing that barrier, insurers are now more likely to accept claims supported by physician assessments, patient histories, and documented functional limitations. This shift acknowledges the legitimacy of fibromyalgia and ensures that individuals living with its often invisible but debilitating effects have a fairer chance of receiving the financial protection they deserve.

Is Fibromyalgia Considered a Disability in Canada?

Yes. Canadian courts and insurance companies acknowledge fibromyalgia as a disabling condition. LTD insurers must pay long term disability benefits where symptoms prevent individuals from working. The Canada Pension Plan used to deny fibromyalgia disability claims but increasingly recognizes that the condition can form the basis of a finding that the claimant suffers from a severe and prolonged impairment which entitles them to disability benefits. The Ontario Disability Support Program also accepts that fibromyalgia symptoms can be reason to pay disability benefits.

The challenge lies in proving disability. While fibromyalgia doesn’t show up on X-rays or blood tests, insurers can no longer simply deny claims citing “lack of objective evidence.” However, proof that fibromyalgia is disabling requires consistent reporting of symptoms and medical support.

How LTD Benefits Work in Canada

• Definition: LTD insurance provides income replacement (usually 60–70% of your salary) if you cannot work due to illness or injury.
• Eligibility: Under most group insurance policies, you must prove you cannot perform your own occupation. After two years, most policies require proof that you cannot perform any occupation for which you are reasonably suited.
• Duration: Benefits may continue until recovery, retirement age, or the end of the policy term.

Applying for LTD with Fibromyalgia

Step 1: Gather Medical Evidence

• Reports from rheumatologists, pain specialists, or family doctors
• Documentation of symptoms, treatments attempted, and functional limitations
• Evidence showing how fibromyalgia affects daily life and work capacity

Step 2: Functional Assessments

• Occupational therapy or physiotherapy evaluations
• Cognitive testing to demonstrate fibro fog symptoms affect concentration and memory

Step 3: Maintain Consistency

• Regular medical visits strengthen credibility
• Ensure symptoms are consistently reported across medical records, insurance forms, and personal accounts

Why LTD Claims for Fibromyalgia Are Denied

• Insurers argue there is no objective evidence
• Medical documentation is incomplete or inconsistent
• Claimants fail to follow prescribed treatment plans
• Insurer bias against fibromyalgia claims

What to Do If Your LTD Claim Is Denied

• File an internal appeal with your insurer
• Consult a disability lawyer: Many fibromyalgia claims succeed after legal intervention
• Litigation: Canadian courts have repeatedly recognized fibromyalgia as disabling, setting precedents that support claimants

Tips to Strengthen Your LTD Claim for Fibromyalgia

• Keep a symptom diary documenting pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues
• Collect witness statements from family, friends, or coworkers
• Seek care from specialists (rheumatologists, pain clinics)
• Document all treatment attempts (medications, exercise programs, physiotherapy, counseling)
• Consider legal advice early to avoid common pitfalls in the application process

The Future of Fibromyalgia LTD Claims in Canada

• Growing recognition: Courts increasingly side with fibromyalgia claimants
• Advocacy efforts: Organizations like Fibromyalgia Association Canada push for awareness and fair treatment
• Medical advances: Improved diagnostic tools may reduce insurer skepticism

Conclusion: Can You Get LTD for Fibromyalgia in Canada?

Yes, you can. But success depends on thorough medical documentation, persistence through denials, and often, legal advocacy. While insurers may challenge claims due to fibromyalgia’s subjective nature, Canadian courts recognize it as a legitimate disability.

For Canadians living with fibromyalgia, LTD benefits can provide financial stability and dignity. If you’re struggling, know that support exists to help you navigate the process.

Consult an Experienced Long Term Disability Lawyer

Your long term disability benefits are too valuable to give up if the insurance company denies your claim. Schedule a free consultation with one of the experienced disability lawyers at Burn Tucker Lachaîne P.C. to discuss your case.

For advice please text 613-777-0992 or contact us through our website to schedule a meeting with one of our lawyers.  We provide a free consultation, in French or English, to ensure that your rights are protected.   In most cases, we can offer to represent you on a contingency fee basis.  This means that you do not pay legal fees unless you win or achieve a settlement on your case.