Q. In Canada, what is the most common disability among working adults?

The correct answer is:

Pain

 

It's "pain" according to Statistics Canada: A profile of disability in Canada in 2001.

 

In total, almost 1.5 million people in the working-age group (age 15-64) reported pain as an activity limitation. Working-age women were especially affected by pain. Nearly 70% of working-age people who had pain-related limitations experienced pain constantly; the remaining 30% were affected by recurrent periods. At least one in four adults with disabilities, or about 919,000, experienced severe activity limitations, and an additional 480,000, or 14.0%, had very severe limitations.

 

What if my pain is occasional?

 

Some employer group plans will pay partial benefits if you become partially disabled. Check the details of your plan to ensure you can receive partial benefits. Otherwise you may have to become totally disabled to make a claim. You can also purchase a private plan to obtain this type of coverage.

 

Tip of the week:

 

When purchasing a private disability plan, look for one that offers partial disability benefits as a result of both accidents and sickness. Be careful! Some group and private plans offer partial disability benefits only when the disability is attributed to an accident!

 

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Learn more about disability insurance.