What is the CPP disability benefit?

Who is eligible to receive the CPP disability benefit?

How do I apply for the CPP disability benefit?

When should I apply for the CPP disability benefit?

How much will I receive?

Can I receive the CPP disability benefit if I am also receiving benefits from another source?

What do I do if my application for the CPP disability benefit has been turned down?

What happens once I begin to receive the CPP disability benefit?

When will my CPP disability benefit end?

Where can I go for help?

What is the 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.

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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.

>Has paid into the Canada Pension Plan for at least 4 of the last 6 years.
>Is under the age of 65
>Has a disability, whether physical or mental, that prevents the person from working at any job on a regular basis.
>A severe and prolonged disability* that prevents you from being able to work at any job on a regular basis. However, the disability does not have to have occurred because of the job.

*A disability is prolonged, when it is expected to last at least one year or is likely to result in death.

Children of a parent who is receiving a CPP disability benefit will also receive a benefit if they are under the 18 years of age or under the age of 25 and still in school full-time.

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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 CCP 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.

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When should I apply for the CPP disability benefit?
You should make your application 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.

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How much will I receive?
Everyone who is eligible to receive the CPP disability benefit is entitled to the same fixed monthly amount of $414.08*. Depending on the amount of your past contributions, you will receive an additional amount up to $663.44*. These amounts may increase every January to take into account any increase in the cost of living.

*These are the amounts for 2008.

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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. Therefore, it is best to contact your insurance company or social assistance program.

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What do I do if my application for the CPP disability benefit has been turned down?
If your application has been 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.

You can request a review of your application in cases where:

> You were denied a CPP disability benefit,
> You disagree with the amount allowed,
> You disagree with the date you are to begin receiving your benefit,
> The cancellation of your benefit.

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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.

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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 $4,200 in a particular year. You must also report any change in the day-to-day care taking 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.

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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.

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