If you have become disabled and have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan for a minimum of three years, you may be eligible for financial assistance. After your death, these contributions can be used towards CPP Survivor’s Benefits. Many funeral homes also have applications available for CPP Survivor’s Pension and Children’s Benefits.
For additional information, please call Roy McMurtry Legal Clinic or download an information packet from CLEO.
What You Should Know About the CPP Disability Benefits
What is the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit?
The Canada Pension Plan disability benefit is a monthly payment made by the federal government to those who are eligible. The main purpose of the payment is to replace a portion of the salary of a person who has become disabled and whose ability to work on a regular basis has been affected.
Who is eligible to receive the CPP disability benefit?
In order to qualify for the CPP disability benefit a person must meet the following criteria:How do I apply for the CPP disability benefit?
You must apply for the CPP disability benefit in writing. To obtain the application package, you can visit Service Canada’s website or you can request the application by calling 1-800-622-6232. The application package includes application forms, a questionnaire, a medical report to be completed by your doctor and a consent form.
If you expect to take some time before completing your application form, you should send a letter to CPP asking for your disability pension.
It can take at least four months to process your application. However, if you are terminally ill, your application should be handled within 48 hours.
When should I apply for the CPP disability benefit?
If you develop a serious long-term or terminal medical condition that prevents you from working regularly you should make your application for benefits as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the amount of your pension could be reduced. Although you can apply retroactively, you cannot go back more than 12 months.
How much will I receive?
Everyone who is eligible to receive the CPP disability benefit is entitled to the same fixed monthly amount of $453.52*. Depending on the amount of your past contributions, you will receive an additional amount up to $811.12*. These amounts may increase every January to take into account any increase in the cost of living.
*These are the amounts for 2015.
Can I receive the CPP disability benefit if I am also receiving benefits from another source?
Yes. As long as you are eligible to receive the CPP disability benefit, you will receive it, even if you are receiving a benefit from another source, such as an insurance company or social assistance program. However, the amount you receive from other sources may be affected. It is best to contact your insurance company or social assistance program.
What do I do if my application for the CPP disability benefit is turned down?
If your application is turned down, you can ask that the decision be reviewed. However, you must make your request in writing within 90 days of receiving a written copy of the decision. It is important that you get legal advice as soon as possible.What happens once I begin to receive the CPP disability benefit?
Once your application has been approved, you will begin receiving a monthly cheque. Your first payment starts four months from the date your disability is determined to have begun.
It is your responsibility to keep Service Canada informed of your current address and banking information if you have direct deposit. You are obligated to report when you have earned more than $5,100 (before taxes) in a particular year. You must also report any change in the day-to-day caretaking of your children.
Your health and work status may be reviewed periodically to ensure that you are still eligible to receive the CPP disability benefit.
When will my CPP disability benefit end?
Once you are able to return to work, your CPP disability benefit will end. It will also end when you turn 65, although it will automatically change to a CPP retirement pension. The CPP disability benefit will also end upon your death.
Where can I go for help?
If you are having difficulty completing the application or if you have been turned down for the CPP disability benefit contact our Clinic to set up an appointment.
CPP Survivors Benefits
The Canada Pension Plan Survivor Benefits are payments that may be made to:A Deceased’s Estate
A Surviving Spouse
The Deceased's Dependent Children
Completing Your CPP Disability Benefits Application
When completing your CPP Disability Benefits application, it’s important to detail how your disability prevents you from working.
Foreign Pension Plans
Pension plan contributions that originated from a foreign country may help you qualify for CPP.
Old Age Supplement
The Old Age Supplement is a monthly pension available to most Canadians over 65 years of age. As our clinic works in this area of law, we provide advice on your rights to Old Age Security (OAS), as well as obtain information for clients. Although it is rare that an OAS matter goes before the Review Tribunal, though, depending on your case, we may represent you under such conditions.Who is eligible to receive the Old Age Supplement?
There are two categories of people who are eligible to receive this pension:Category 2 - Those who live outside of Canada
How do I get the Old Age Supplement?
To begin receiving this pension, you must make an application to Service Canada six months before your 65th birthday. The application kit can be downloaded from Human Resource Development Canada's website or you can ask that it be mailed to
you by calling 1-800-277-9914.
Although you can apply for the Old Age Security Pension after you have turned 65, it is important to remember that you cannot receive more than 12 months of retroactive payments.
What are the details of the Old Age Supplement?
If you have lived in Canada for at least 40 years since turning 18, you will be entitled to a full pension. If you have lived in Canada for less, time you may still qualify for a full pension or you may qualify for a partial pension. For more information about your particular situation, you can contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
Most people will receive their first monthly payment the month after their 65th birthday.
Pension payments will be increased annually to reflect the cost of living.
Can I appeal decisions I do not agree with?
Yes. If you have been turned down for the Old Age Supplement or you are not receiving a full pension, you should contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 for an explanation of the decision. If you are not satisfied with the explanation, you can ask for a reconsideration of the decision. This request must be made in writing, within 90 days, to the Regional Director of Income Security Programs. You should include the following information in your appeal letter: