Add Comment Question: This is my second question on the same topic but more in depth. I went on STD on April 17, 2024 due end stage arthritis and could not handle the pain anymore as I work on a large printing press that is 4 stories high and a major part of my jump involves climbing the stairs multiple times per shift and walking and standing on concrete floors. I transitioned to LTD on August 9 2024, and my 2 year change of definition is coming up soon. I had right ankle fusion surgery on June 25, 2025 and just recently had a ct scan showing that my fusion healed less then 25% and a second surgery is required. My surgeon gave me 2 options, have revision surgery which is risky and complicated and hope it works this time or live with the pain forever. Before I made my decision, I let Desjardins know my situation and told them I had 2 options. I asked them what my options are on whether I decide to do the surgery or not and they said if I do the surgery, my benefits " should" continue past the change of definition date and if I don't do the surgery, my benefits will be cut off. So basically I do not have a choice in the matter. I told Desjardins that I waited 1 1/2 years for the firt surgery and would my benefits continue after my change of definition date of August . They said no, my benefits would stop and I would have to find gainful employment until I get a surgery date. I called my surgeon and asked when is the soonest that I can have surgery. I am booked for surgery on June 23, 2026. With all that said, for me to find gainful employment, Desjardins contract says the job must be a suitable job for me, based on training, knowledge and education and it must pay 66.67% of my wage prior to me going on disability and my wage is $51.16 per hour and 66.67% of that is $34.11 per hour. The last grade I passed was grade 8, I tried starting grade 10 4 times but dropped out every time. I have no education, the only experience I have is running a press and I have no training , I started my job at age 19 and I am now 51, I have been at my job for 32 years and I only know printing which is a dying trade. How can they make me find gainful employment at A minimum of $34.11 per hour with my lack of education and training. Can they cut my benefits off of would they have to pay me my benefits until I am 65? Answer: First, the analysis as to whether you need to get the surgery to stay on LTD is more nuanced than that. It depends on a number of factors, including why you might not want to do it (for example, if there are serious possible side-effects, and the chances of success are not that high, etc.) That said, there are a number of moving parts to your situation, including potential employment/severance implications, so I'm going to email you directly to get more information. Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.