Once Manulife Financial determines that an Employee is Totally Disabled, where appropriate and at Manulife Financial discretion, the Employee may be offered rehabilitation to assist him in returning to gainful employment, either to his pre-disability occupation or to another occupation.
In partnership with the Employer and the Employee, Manulife Financial will provide the Employee with a structured Vocational Plan that will prepare the Employee for a return to work:
a) with the Employer;
b) with an alternate employer; or
c) in a self-employed capacity.
In considering whether Rehabilitation Assistance is appropriate for an Employee, Manulife Financial will take into account:
a) the nature, extent and expected duration of the Employee’s Disability;
b) the Employee’s level of education, training or experience; and
c) the nature, scope, objectives and cost of the Vocational Plan.
An Employee will continue to be entitled to Disability Benefits while participating in the Vocational Plan. The Employee’s Disability Benefit will be reduced by earnings received from any employment only if the Employee’s total income from all sources exceeds 100% of his pre-disability Earnings as this Benefit is taxable.
If an Employee ceases to participate in a Vocational Plan because of a change in his medical status, Manulife Financial will require medical evidence documenting how the Employee’s medical condition has deteriorated such that the Employee’s inability to continue with the Vocational Plan is due to an increase in restrictions or lack of ability.
If the Employee is not available or does not co-operate or participate in the Vocational Plan, the Employee will no longer be entitled to Disability Benefits.