A 40-year-old self-employed graphic designer in Alberta suffers a severe stroke, leaving her unable to perform the duties of her own occupation for an extended period. Her disability insurance policy includes an 'own occupation' definition of disability for the first two years, followed by 'any occupation.' Which of the following is true regarding her claim?

Question: A 40-year-old self-employed graphic designer in Alberta suffers a severe stroke, leaving her unable to perform the duties of her own occupation for an extended period. Her disability insurance policy includes an 'own occupation' definition of disability for the first two years, followed by 'any occupation.' Which of the following is true regarding her claim?

Answer options: ✅ She will receive benefits if she cannot perform her graphic design duties, even if she could work in a less demanding alternate occupation during the initial two-year period.

• She must prove she cannot perform any occupation for which she is reasonably suited by education, training, or experience from the onset of disability.
• Her benefits will cease immediately if she is capable of performing any work at all, regardless of her previous profession.
• She must be totally disabled from any work for which she is suited to receive benefits under the 'own occupation' definition.

Correct answer: She will receive benefits if she cannot perform her graphic design duties, even if she could work in a less demanding alternate occupation during the initial two-year period.

Explanation: An 'own occupation' definition of disability initially allows the claimant to receive benefits if they cannot perform the material and substantial duties of their specific job, even if they could work in a different capacity. This provides a less stringent qualification for benefits during the initial period compared to an 'any occupation' definition.