A Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA) is more than just a vocational assessment—it’s a critical factor in determining your future employability if you’re unable to return to your previous job due to an injury or disability. For decades, vocational rehabilitation professionals have relied on TSA to evaluate a person’s education, training, work experience, and functional abilities, helping to identify alternative roles within the job market.
At Resolute Legal, we know that going through a TSA can be stressful, especially when it’s tied to your long-term disability claim. Many of our clients undergo these assessments during the “change in the definition” of disability.
We’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies use TSAs to challenge benefit claims—and we’re here to level the playing field. This article is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to navigate the process effectively.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what a TSA is, why it matters, and how to approach it with confidence.
If you have concerns about your upcoming TSA or need legal guidance, schedule a free consultation—we’re here to help.
What is the purpose of a Transferable Skills Analysis?
A TSA serves many purposes, depending on the context. If you can no longer do your previous job, a TSA may help identify alternative career paths that match your experience and abilities. Employers and organizations also use TSAs to identify skill gaps and design training programs.
However, if you’re dealing with a long-term disability claim, insurance companies often use TSA to assess whether you can work in another role—and sometimes, they do so unfairly. They may argue that you’re employable, even if your disability prevents you from working in a meaningful way. That’s why understanding the purpose of TSA is key to protecting your benefits and ensuring a fair evaluation.
Related reading: What Is an Independent Medical Examination?
Who conducts Transferable Skills Analysis?
TSAs are typically performed by vocational rehabilitation specialists, occupational therapists, or labour market experts. These professionals examine an individual’s work history, education, skills, and medical limitations to determine what other jobs might be suitable.
When insurance companies conduct TSAs, they often hire their own vocational experts—who may be biased in favour of denying claims. That’s why at Resolute Legal, we work with independent vocational specialists to challenge unfair assessments and ensure your abilities and limitations are properly represented.
What does a Transferable Skills Analysis include?
A TSA takes a deep dive into several key areas to determine whether an individual has skills that transfer to another type of job:
- Work History: A detailed review of past jobs, responsibilities, and skills developed over time.
- Education and Training: An assessment of degrees, certifications, and specialized training.
- Physical and Cognitive Abilities: A review of medical restrictions to ensure recommended jobs align with a person’s real-world limitations.
- Skills Inventory: Identification of technical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills that could apply to other positions.
- Labour Market Research: Analysis of job opportunities available in the local market that match the individual’s qualifications and restrictions.
How to prepare for a Transferable Skills Analysis
If you have a TSA coming up, preparation is key. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:
- Gather Your Work and Education Records: Have a complete history of your employment, education, and certifications ready for review.
- Know Your Medical Restrictions: Review your medical records and talk to your doctor about any limitations that should be noted in your assessment.
- Be Honest and Clear: Don’t overstate or understate your abilities—accuracy is crucial to ensuring a fair evaluation.
- Understand How It Affects Your Benefits: If your TSA is being conducted by an insurance company, know that the results could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.
- Seek Legal Advice if Needed: A disability lawyer can help you understand your rights and challenge any unfair conclusions drawn from the TSA.
Contact a lawyer at Resolute Legal
Time and again, we’ve seen insurance companies use TSAs to justify cutting off disability benefits—even when it’s clear that an individual is unable to work. That’s why we fight back, ensuring these assessments truly reflect your real-world limitations and don’t unfairly impact your claim.
Resolute Legal is a leading disability law firm in Canada dedicated to protecting the rights of people facing long-term disability denials. Our founder, David Brannen, was an occupational therapist before becoming a disability lawyer—so we have deep insights into how these assessments work and how to challenge them effectively. We understand the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to build strong cases to protect our clients.
If you’re facing a TSA and are worried about how it could affect your benefits, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s talk about how we can support you.
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