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Disability Benefits (Short-Term) | Active Plan

The short-term disability benefits offer $725 per week for up to 52 weeks for illness or injury, with conditions based on medical care and hour bank coverage.

Benefit Amount & Duration


$725 per week, available for up to 52 weeks.Pro-rated based on a 7-day work week.


When Benefits Start


When benefits start depends on why you're off:

  • Day one for an accident, if you see a physician the same day.

  • Day one if you're hospitalised or have surgery.

  • Day eight for an illness, if you see a physician by then.


Eligibility Requirements


Basic Eligibility


  • You must be off work due to illness or accidental injury.

  • You must be covered by the hour bank at the time of your disability.

  • If you did not work at all in a month and are self-paying the full 140 hours, you're not covered for disability, unless you meet certain criteria.

  • This plan won't pay disability benefits if you're receiving WorkSafeBC or any payments from another third party. You may apply for disability benefits from this plan while WorkSafeBC or another third party processes your claim, but you'll need to repay these benefits if your third party claim is successful.


Healthcare Provider Requirements


  • Primary Care: Medical physician or nurse practitioner required for ongoing care.

  • First 4 weeks: Care from Chiropractor, Podiatrist/Chiropodist, or Midwife (post-delivery).

  • First 8 weeks: Care from a Psychologist.

  • First 2 weeks: Care from a Dentist.

  • Follow-Up: After initial periods, care must transition to a medical physician or nurse practitioner.


Tip: Not covered by the hour bank? Contact an IATSE Local 891 representative to explore your options.


Keeping Your Coverage


  • Receive 140 hours per month (as disability credits) to maintain full benefits coverage while you’re receiving:

    • Disability benefits from this plan

    • WorkSafeBC Wage Loss or Vocational Rehab

    • Employment Insurance (sickness benefits)

    • ICBC Wage Loss


How to Get Your Credits


  • If you’re receiving disability benefits from this plan, credits will apply automatically.

  • For WorkSafeBC, Employment Insurance, or ICBC Wage Loss, submit cheque stubs or documentation as proof to receive your disability credits.



Recurring Disability Rules


  • If you return to work but earn less than 140 hours within 90 days, the same or related disability will be treated as a continuation of the previous claim.

  • If you earn 140+ hours within 90 days, any new injury or illness will be treated as a new disability.


Medical Leave for Union Dues


If you are unable to work, IATSE Local 891 offers a Medical Leave Policy for dues.


How to Apply: Complete the Medical Leave Request Form at

www.iatse.com/benefits/financialassistance.


When Benefits End


Benefits may end if:


  • You are no longer disabled.

  • Medical care ends.

  • Failure to submit proof.

  • Refusal of medical exam.

  • Not following treatment.

  • Unapproved travel.

  • Unapproved return to work.

  • 52-week benefit limit reached.


*Note: Refer to the booklets for detailed information, exceptions, and conditions for availing these benefits.

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