How to Qualify for a Canadian Disability Pension

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The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Program is monthly assistance available to individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling condition and who qualify under certain guidelines. Benefits also exist under the CPP for children who have one or both parents participating in the program. In order to apply for and receive disability payments, you must first determine if you qualify, then obtain and complete required application and questionnaire forms. You must also have a physician submit a report on the medical condition that qualifies you as disabled.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Determining Your Eligibility for CPP Disability Benefits

1. The place to begin in the process to qualifying for CPP Disability Benefits is to ask yourself the CPP starter questions. The first two are somewhat simple:Are you under age 65?Have you earned the minimum income? The 2008 minimum is $4,400.00, and this level is adjusted each year.

2. Next, you must meet certain levels of past contribution to the Canada Pension Plan. In order to qualify for disability benefits, you need to have paid into the plan through either employer contributions or self-employment payments.Have you contributed to the CPP at or above the minimum earning level while working four of the last six years, three of the last six years if you have made CPP contributions for 25 years or more? Check your earnings records for the qualifying time period. If you have worked for an employer or have been self-employed, and earned more than $3,500, you have contributed to the CPP. If you are uncertain, contact the Canada Revenue Agency for information on your records.

3. Once you have met the required age, earnings, and contribution levels, consider your disability.Do you have a severe and prolonged disability as defined by the CPP legislation? The CPP defines “severe” as a disability which keeps you from performing the job you had before you were disabled. A disability is considered “prolonged” if the anticipated duration is at least one year or is liable to be fatal. If you feel your disability meets these definitions, you may likely qualify for disability benefits under the Canada Pension Plan.

Applying for CPP Disability Benefits

1. Having met all of the requirements for the CPP Disability Benefits Program, it is time to apply. Obtain the CPP Disability Application Kit from the Service Canada website (download PDF here) or by calling 1 800 277-9914 (English),1 800 277-9915 (French), or 1 800 255-4786 (TTY). Service Canada is Canada’s governmental benefits and services agency. You can also request a package in writing at the address of the Service Canada office in your region. A list of regional offices can be found in the Resources section below..

2. Once you receive the CPP Disability Application Kit, complete the forms that require information from you. On your own, you can complete four forms:1. The application forms for you and your dependent children (if applicable)2. The questionnaire about your work history and medical condition. This form is more in-depth. Be sure to have any relevant medical records, names of physicians, and employment information at hand.3. A consent form to give Service Canada permission to get additional information for the application process.4. Form to complete if you reduced your working hours or stopped working to care for your children under the age of seven. You may be entitled to additional benefits if you meet these conditions.

3. The fifth piece of the application kit is a medical report completed by your doctor, which explains the nature and severity of your disability. Take this form to the physician who knows the most about your main medical problem, and have him or her fill it out. Allow ample time in your application process for your physician to return this form to you.

4. Before submitting your application package, check each form for completion. Fill in any missing dates or information. A thoroughly completed application will keep problems during process to a minimum. It is advisable to make copies of all forms to keep in your files.

5. Check your completed package for each form:1. Application for you (and dependent children, if needed)2. Work history and medical condition questionnaire3. Consent form for processing4. Reduced working hours or work stoppage for child care form5. Medical report from physicianSecure all forms in a large envelope. Mail to the address of the Service Canada office in your region. You may also submit the forms in person by making an appointment at the Service Canada office nearest you. Call 1 800 277-9914 (English),1 800 277-9915 (French), or 1 800 255-4786 (TTY) to make arrangements.Decisions on most applications are made approximately four months from receipt of complete application packet. Some applications can take longer. You will receive a phone call followed by a letter explaining either when your benefits will begin, or how to appeal a denial.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow ample time for the application process, including time for a physician to fill out the necessary report on your medical condition.

• Decisions can take from four months or more.

Resources

• CPP Disability Application Kit (PDF)
• Service Canada CPP Information Site
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Service Canada Regional Offices