I need help figuring out the right process for long-term disability.
I have a vision condition that is making it very hard for me to work.
I have been seeing an ophthalmologist for last 18 months.
I have expressed my difficulties in working.
However, I have not yet asked the doctor to support a disability claim.
What is the correct process?
Should I first ask the doctor if she would support my disability claim?
Secondly, do I need to be on short-term disability first before I apply for LTD, or can I apply for LTD directly?
Thirdly, what is qualifying period?
My LTD insurance policy has a qualifying period of 112 days - does this mean I need to be on STD for 112 days before applying for LTD?

Thanks for reaching out. Typically, speaking with your doctor is the first step, to ensure they'll support your claim.
Next, you generally do start with STD then transition to LTD after that qualifying period. That period means that for your case, you need to be off work due to your injury/illness for 112 straight days to be eligible to start receiving LTD. Typically, STD is used to fill the gap between when you go off and when LTD starts.
I recommend reviewing our FAQ on this topic: https://stlawyers.ca/disability-law/faq/applying-disability-insurance-benefits/ as a starting point. If you still have questions, please reach out to our disability specialist, Rebecca, at rebecca.stap@stlawyers.ca and she will be able to assist further (at no charge).