Question about Sun Life LTD “own occupation” period timing (Canada)

Disability Insurance
1

I’m trying to clarify how the 24-month “own occupation” period is calculated under a Sun Life group LTD policy.

Here are the key details from my situation:

•    My policy states the relevant period is **“the first 24 months that benefits are payable.”**

•    There is a **17-week elimination period** before LTD begins.

•    During that elimination period, I received **STD benefits from a different insurer**.

•    I then had to **re-qualify separately for Sun Life LTD**, which was approved afterward.

My understanding is that:

•    STD and LTD are separate benefits (especially since they were through different insurers), and

•    The wording seems to tie the 24-month “own occupation” period to when **LTD benefits actually begin**, not when STD or the initial disability started.

However, I’ve heard some people say insurers sometimes try to count from the original disability date, including STD.

Has anyone dealt with this specifically with Sun Life (or similar policies)?

Do they calculate the 24 months from:

1\.    The start of LTD payments, or

2\.    The initial disability/STD date?

Would really appreciate any real-world experiences or insight before I push back formally.