CPP Disability Benefits

Tips for making a claim

If you have been employed in Canada, chances are you will have made contributions to the Canada Pension Plan.

If you are injured or disabled from working and are under the age of 65, in addition to applying for any long term disability insurance benefits, workers compensation, ICBC benefits, critical illness, or other insurance, you may qualify for CPP Disability benefits.

To apply, visit Service Canada or their website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit.html

The application process requires you to fill out a form and also requires you to ask your doctor to fill out a physician form to support your application.

If you need help with the application process, look for assistance from the Disability Alliance of BC at: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/

If you have a terminal illness diagnosis (reasonably expected to result in death within 6 months), there is a fast track application process and a specific form for you to download and fill out (see Service Canada website above).

To qualify for CPP Disability benefits you must be:

• Under age 65;

• Have made the minimum contributions to the Plan;

• Provide medical and personal evidence that your disability is severe and prolonged, making it unlikely you will work regularly again before age 65.

Severe disability means your mental or physical disability is such that you are not able to work regularly at any gainful occupation. Not just the job you were doing, but any job.

If you have the capacity to still work part-time or in a seasonal capacity, it is unlikely you will qualify. If you do not have a medical diagnosis that would limit work capacity, you are unlikely to qualify. Your doctor will likely discourage you from applying if there is an insufficient medical basis to apply.

Prolonged means that your disability is likely to continue and not resolve or likely to result in death. Your doctor’s prognosis about recovery is important in determining this aspect of your claim.

If your application is accepted, Service Canada will provide you a written letter outlining their decision and you will receive notice of the amount of the benefit and payment thereafter.

You may be paid a lump sum benefit payment for past benefits owing since the date of application, and monthly benefits thereafter to age 65.

Once you turn 65, you may apply for CPP Retirement benefits.

If your application is denied, you will be notified in writing of the appeal deadline. An initial appeal will be a reconsideration of your application. If denied again, then you may appeal to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada and request a full hearing.

For an initial FREE legal consultation concerning a denial of CPP Disability

benefits, contact Scott Taylor at 604-534-6361