# Most effective step after denial **URL:** \ **Category:** Disability Insurance\ **Created:** [February 25, 2020, 11:46pm UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635 "2020-02-25T23:46:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Wherewhenwhatwho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/6bbea6/32.png) [@Wherewhenwhatwho](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/Wherewhenwhatwho)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2020, 11:46pm UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/1 "2020-02-25T23:46:38Z")
In the documents I have from my employer and the insurance company, the give specific steps once someone who’s claim is denied. **1)** There is a first appeal with the insurer/Case Manager **2)** There is a second level of appeal, still with the insurer/Disability appeals team **3)** Then there is a review by the DI plan board of management (employer+union) **4)** I’m also able to make a complaint directly with the insurer’s ombudsman It never ends… **5)** Finally, while it is not included in the documents I was provided, I believe there is also the option of filing a complaint with the OmbudService for Life and Health insurance. > **[Submit a Complaint | OLHI - Free, impartial help with your life & health...](https://olhi.ca/complaints/submit-a-complaint/)** > > Submit a Complaint Please respond to the questions below before submitting your complaint: Not much information about timelines and delays. Obviously following all of these steps could easily take many many months. Meanwhile I still have no income. I’m assuming I don’t **have to** go through each steps… **6)** Of course there is also the legal route, whether through small claims court (which has a max amount I can claim). **7)** There is also court, which is not really possible when you’ve been without income for almost 6 months. What do most people choose to do? Any recommendations? ---
**Author:** ![Caro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b19c9b/32.png) [@Caro](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/Caro)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 3:42am UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/2 "2020-02-26T03:42:17Z")
Unless you are very close to retirement age I think small claims would be a mistake, because you have to abandon the rest of your claim. Have you looked through David’s guides in his blog? ---
**Author:** ![Wherewhenwhatwho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/6bbea6/32.png) [@Wherewhenwhatwho](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/Wherewhenwhatwho)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 8:16am UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/3 "2020-02-26T08:16:37Z")
I haven’t seen the blog, do you have a link? I get a lot of information here, but I’m in Québec and we have a different legal system (code civil) than the rest of Canada (common law). Some things are similar but in this case, I guess it’s different. It is possible to make consecutive claims for specific periods of time, maximum $15 000 per claim. So if I was owed $3000/month, I could file a claim for 5 months. Then I could file another 5 months later. I highly doubt I’m going to take that route. I don’t have the energy for what it entails, I’m barely functioning. ---
**Author:** ![Caro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b19c9b/32.png) [@Caro](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/Caro)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 4:45pm UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/4 "2020-02-26T16:45:46Z")
Here it is [Blog - Resolute Legal Disability Lawyers](https://www.resolutelegal.ca/blog) it is full of great information. I hope some of it helps you in your situation. ---
**Author:** ![Wherewhenwhatwho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/6bbea6/32.png) [@Wherewhenwhatwho](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/Wherewhenwhatwho)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2020, 5:04pm UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/5 "2020-02-26T17:04:44Z")
I’m pretty much convinced that it’s pointless to appeal and that my best option is to get a lawyer. I’ve started the process of finding one. From what I understand and have read, I think they would probably have a difficult time convincing a judge that my claim should be denied. It’s complex and my only chance at having my claim being evaluated fairly. I’m just worried about how much it will cost. Anyway, I think the internal appeals would be a waste of time. I’m glad I’ve made my decision. ---
**Author:** ![Elaine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/439d5e/32.png) [@Elaine](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/Elaine)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2020, 2:13am UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/6 "2020-02-27T02:13:50Z")
> [@Wherewhenwhatwho](#): > > I’m just worried about how much it will cost. Not sure about Quebec but most lawyers in other provinces work on a contingency basis. They only charge a percentage of the insurance payment that you receive. ---
**Author:** ![TryToSmile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/50afbb/32.png) [@TryToSmile](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/TryToSmile)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2020, 9:49pm UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/7 "2020-03-02T21:49:19Z")
Often when they know they have little recourse they will try and beat you down mentally and financially until you give up. [https://www.amazon.ca/Delay-Deny-Defend-Insurance-Companies/dp/1591843154](https://www.amazon.ca/Delay-Deny-Defend-Insurance-Companies/dp/1591843154) Been on this road myself and know. Get a lawyer at this stage is my recommendation. Regularly see your doctors and add to your documentation. ---
**Author:** ![MarilynM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/49beb7/32.png) [@MarilynM](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/MarilynM)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 9:47am UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/8 "2020-03-03T09:47:11Z")
I would consult with a lawyer. Depending on your age, having a benefits claim until 65 is better than having a small claims court ordeal with a small lump sum. It may just be the opportunity of having a lawyer put together a letter of appeal with the supporting documentation. You should also apply for CPPD if you meet the application requirements. ---
**Author:** ![Elaine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/439d5e/32.png) [@Elaine](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/u/Elaine)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 4:04am UTC](https://forum.resolutelegal.ca/t/most-effective-step-after-denial/2635/9 "2020-03-04T04:04:01Z")
> [@MarilynM](#): > > You should also apply for CPPD if you meet the application requirements. The CPP operates throughout Canada, except in Quebec, where the Quebec Pension Plan ( QPP ) provides similar benefits.