A denial of long-term disability benefits by Manulife can be financially and emotionally devastating. Most people apply for benefits only after their health has already declined to the point where working is no longer possible. When Manulife denies a claim, it often leaves individuals feeling powerless, confused, and unsure of what to do next.
What many claimants do not realise is that Manulife long-term disability denials are frequently challenged and overturned when handled properly. However, the process is technical, time sensitive, and heavily weighted in favour of the insurer. Every step you take after a denial matters.
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, our Toronto long-term disability lawyers have over 100 years of collective experience representing clients in complex long term disability disputes across Ontario. We regularly assist individuals whose Manulife claims were denied despite genuine and disabling medical conditions. This guide explains the steps that follow a denial, while also highlighting where experienced legal representation becomes critical.
Step 1: Understand That a Manulife Denial Is Not the End of Your Claim
The most important thing to know after receiving a denial letter is that a denial does not mean you are not disabled. It simply reflects Manulife’s position based on its internal review.
Manulife denial letters often:
- Focus narrowly on select medical notes
- Emphasise perceived gaps in treatment
- Rely on insurer retained medical or vocational opinions
- Interpret policy definitions strictly
- Minimise the real-world impact of symptoms
At this stage, many people attempt to handle the appeal themselves. This is often where mistakes begin. Insurers like Manulife design the process knowing most claimants are unrepresented and medically vulnerable. Early legal guidance helps prevent errors that can permanently weaken a case.
Step 2: Carefully Review the Denial Letter With a Legal Lens
Manulife denial letters are written strategically. They are not neutral explanations. They are documents designed to justify the insurer’s decision and limit liability.
Key things to look for include:
- The specific policy definition Manulife says you do not meet
- Whether the denial is based on own occupation or any occupation criteria
- References to alleged inconsistencies or improvement
- Claims of insufficient objective evidence
- References to surveillance or file reviews
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, we review denial letters line by line to identify what Manulife is actually relying on and what evidence is missing. This analysis shapes the entire strategy moving forward.
Step 3: Identify and Calendar Every Deadline Immediately
Manulife policies often contain internal appeal deadlines. At the same time, Ontario law imposes limitation periods that may apply regardless of appeal activity.
Common risks include:
- Missing appeal windows
- Assuming an appeal pauses limitation periods
- Waiting too long to seek legal advice
Once a deadline is missed, even the strongest disability claim may be lost. One of the most important roles a disability lawyer plays is ensuring no procedural rights are forfeited.
Step 4: Obtain the Full Policy and Complete Claim File
You cannot properly challenge a Manulife denial without seeing what they relied on. This includes not only your policy but also Manulife’s internal materials.
Critical documents include:
- The full long-term disability policy and all amendments
- Internal adjuster notes
- Medical and vocational consultant reports
- Surveillance materials, if any
- Correspondence with your employer
- Functional assessments relied upon
Manulife does not always volunteer this information. When we act for clients, we formally request the entire file and analyse it for weaknesses, bias, and factual errors.
Step 5: Rebuild the Claim Around Functional Limitations, Not Just Diagnoses
One of the most common reasons Manulife denies claims is because medical evidence focuses on diagnosis rather than functional impairment.
Manulife is not asking whether you are ill. They are asking whether your symptoms prevent you from performing work duties consistently, reliably, and safely.
Strong disability evidence must address:
- Physical limitations such as sitting, standing, lifting, or fine motor use
- Cognitive limitations including concentration, memory, and decision making
- Psychological limitations such as anxiety, panic, or emotional regulation
- Fatigue, pain variability, and symptom unpredictability
- Attendance and sustainability issues
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, we work with clients and treating professionals to ensure medical evidence speaks directly to policy definitions and occupational demands, not just medical labels.
Step 6: Address Employment Demands With Precision
Manulife frequently relies on generic job descriptions that do not reflect real-world duties. This is especially damaging for professionals, managers, and cognitively demanding roles.
Employment evidence should clearly outline:
- Actual daily duties
- Physical and mental demands
- Productivity expectations
- Safety-sensitive responsibilities
- Scheduling and attendance requirements
When Manulife understates job demands, it becomes easier for them to argue you can work. Legal representation helps ensure the insurer cannot rely on oversimplified job characterisations.
Step 7: Anticipate and Neutralise Insurer Tactics
Manulife commonly challenges claims using predictable strategies. Without guidance, claimants often walk directly into these traps.
Common insurer tactics include:
- Selective reading of medical notes
- Overreliance on surveillance clips
- Allegations of non-compliance with treatment
- Suggesting transferable skills without vocational analysis
- Highlighting isolated signs of improvement
Our firm anticipates these tactics and addresses them proactively. This reduces the risk of Manulife using them to justify continued denial.
Step 8: Prepare a Professionally Structured Appeal
An appeal is not simply sending more records. It is a legal and strategic submission.
A properly prepared appeal includes:
- A structured written submission
- Direct responses to every denial reason
- Medical evidence aligned with policy definitions
- Functional and vocational analysis
- Clear explanations of symptom impact
- A cohesive narrative of disability
This is where legal experience has the greatest impact. Appeals prepared without strategy often fail, even when the claimant is genuinely disabled.
Step 9: Understand When an Appeal Is Not Enough
In some cases, Manulife denies claims despite overwhelming evidence. At this point, legal action may be required.
Our legal team can help you determine:
- Whether the denial was reasonable
- Whether litigation is appropriate
- What evidence strengthens the case
- How to pursue a resolution efficiently
With over 100 years of collective experience, JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP understands when to negotiate and when to litigate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manulife LTD Denials
Should I appeal a Manulife denial on my own?
Many people try. Most later wish they had not. Early legal guidance often prevents irreversible mistakes.
Does Manulife monitor claimants?
Yes. Surveillance and social media reviews are common and should be approached cautiously.
Can mental health conditions qualify?
Yes. Mental health disabilities are valid but require careful documentation and consistent treatment.
What if Manulife says I can work another job?
This usually relates to the any occupation definition and requires vocational and functional evidence.
How long do I have to sue Manulife?
Limitation periods vary. Legal advice should be sought as soon as possible after denial.
Why Hiring JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP Matters After a Manulife Denial
Manulife is a sophisticated insurer with internal medical consultants, vocational experts, and legal teams. Expecting an unwell claimant to match that level of expertise alone is unrealistic.
At JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, we level the playing field. With over 100 years of collective experience, personalised representation, and a deep understanding of long-term disability law, we help clients move from denial to resolution with clarity and confidence.
If your Manulife long term disability claim has been denied in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario, contact JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP for a free consultation. We will review your denial, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward the benefits you deserve.