This guide is for your own understanding of why disability determinations can differ across programs and policies, and to help you explain those differences to a claimant clearly and respectfully.

The first week of 2026 saw me in a much different place physically than I was a year prior. I was at work and not in constant pain.

​In the evolving landscape of workplace absences, disability claims have long been a cornerstone of employer policies. However, as leave programs such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state-level unpaid job protection, and more recently Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) initiatives have expanded in scope and visibility, it is increasingly becoming these policies that are shaping the employee experience. While traditionally an employer’s disability policy was the key component of an employee’s time away from work, disability programs have become somewhat commoditized and are now viewed more as a starting point. Instead, leave programs that support a broader range of leave types and often provide richer benefits have become central to how employees perceive their workplace support during critical life events.

For six decades, February has been declared “Heart Month” in the United States and Canada – a month dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, currently the number one cause of death in Americans and the second leading cause of death for Canadians.1

​Critical thinking is often defined as the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. It involves the active processing of information, analysis of arguments, and evaluation of evidence to reach well-supported conclusions. While some individuals may seem naturally predisposed to critical thinking due to their cognitive styles or personality traits, research suggests that critical thinking skills can be cultivated and enhanced through structured training and practice. In the claims business critical thinking is an essential skill required by all claims professionals.

Did you know?
Former Railroad workers may be eligible for a Disability Annuity from the Railroad Retirement Board.