Do you need information about CPP disability payments in Canada? It can be difficult finding the answers you seek because much of the information on the internet is outdated. CPP disability is a dynamic program that’s always changing with each passing day.
You don’t want to make an important decision based on outdated information. Luckily for you, this guide will give you all the resources you need about CPP disability payments as well as how to apply for disability in Canada. Read on to find out more.
What’s CPP Disability?
CPP disability is an offshoot of the Canada Pension Plan, and it’s a program by the federal government that provides financial aid to eligible individuals and their dependent kids. The program has age, disability, and contribution requirements you’d have to meet to qualify.
The maximum monthly CPP disability payments for 2021 is $1,457.45 CAD. Each dependent child nets you an extra C$264.53 monthly. CPP disability is present across all territories and provinces in Canada except for Quebec. Quebec has a similar program known as QPP.
Who And What Qualifies For CPP Disability?
Not every individual with a disability will meet the requirements for CPP disability. That’s a fact. For you to be eligible, you have to meet the following criteria:
- A prolonged and severe disability
- CPP contributions must meet the minimum requirements
- You must be less than 65 years
Prolonged and Severe Disability
You have to show that you have a prolonged and severe disability in compliance with the regulations and laws of the CPP. Prolonged means that your disability isn’t going to get better anytime soon, and there’s a significant chance of death. Severe means you can’t carry out gainful employment regularly. You have to meet both criteria for you to receive CPP disability payments.
For instance, you can have a severe disability because of a fractured ankle, but you can fully recover in a few months. The injury may be severe, but it isn’t prolonged. If that’s the case, you won’t be eligible for the CPP disability benefits. CPP disability is not for short-term disability. If you have a temporary disability, apply for Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits.
Contribution Requirements
To meet the contribution criteria for CPP disability payments, you must put your money into the program for:
- Four out of the last six years
- Three out of the previous six years, on the condition you’ve put in cash for a minimum of 25 years.
Even if you don’t meet the above criteria, it’s still possible to be eligible in the following circumstances:
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You left the workforce to raise kids
You may even qualify for CPP disability payments via the Child Rearing Provision. This provision will allow you to be eligible despite not working recently. And that’s because raising a child was your reason for leaving the workforce.
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You went through a separation or divorce
If you and your partner are living together and contributing jointly to the CPP, you can apply to split your contributions. The total credits are divided between both parties, thus ensuring you get CPP disability without recent work.
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You worked in a foreign country
Canada has agreements with similar countries on CPP disability, and this means you can transfer your credits from one country to the other. The consequence of this is that you can qualify for CPP disability benefits despite not working recently in Canada, although you worked in another country.
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Provision for Late Application
If you cannot meet the contribution requirements for CPP disability, it is still possible to qualify under the rule for late application. However, it is still a challenge for most people. You have to prove that your prolonged and severe disability began in the past.
The disability must be at a time when you met the contribution requirements and continued to date. There’s a lot of legal hurdles to climb, and an individual can quickly lose a case by present the wrong narrative or evidence.
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Physical and Mental Limitations
It is quite a hurdle to be eligible under this criteria. First, you have to show you were physically and mentally unable to apply. Second, you have to show that you didn’t have anyone who’d be able to apply on your behalf. Finally, you have to show that you applied within one year of regaining your physical or mental abilities.
CPP Children’s Benefit
Dependent children of individuals approved for CPP disability get the Children’s Benefit. It is not a benefit that you get because of your child’s disability but a benefit your child receives because of your disability. If you qualify for CPP disability, by extension the program awards extra benefits for each of your dependent children. You receive the benefits for your children below the age of 18. Once your kids are 18, the benefits go directly to them.
Difficulty Obtaining CPP Disability
Depending on your circumstance, it may be difficult to receive CPP disability payments. Although it may be an uphill climb to win approval, it isn’t impossible. You may lose on your first application and win at the appeal. If you hire a lawyer, your chances of winning approval increases.
Despite this, not every individual who deserves a CPP disability gets it. First, proving disability has nothing to do with the truth of your situation. It’s all about the evidence and documents supporting your claim. People with chronic pain, fatigue or anxiety have a difficult time proving their disability than others. Make sure you have the right strategy to win.
CPP Disability: Rules & Regulations
Legislation as well as judicial decisions back every aspect of CPP disability. Below are some of the statutes, regulations, policies, and case law that form the backbone of CPP disability:
- Canada Pension Plan Act
- Department of Employment and Social Development Act (5)
- Canada Pension Plan Regulations
- Social Security Tribunal Regulations
- Service Canada’s CPP Disability Adjudication Framework
- Social Security Tribunal Case Law Database
- Tribunal and Court Decisions
Applying For CPP Disability
Applying for CPP disability is easy and straightforward. But first, you’ll need to obtain the CPP disability forms. These forms include:
- Application for CPP Disability Benefits ISP-1151 (for you)
- CPP Disability Benefit ISP-2519 ( for your doctor)
You can find both forms here.
Once you and your doctor have completed your respective applications, you mail both to your provincial CPP disability office. It takes an average of 4-6 months for you to get a decision on your claim. If you feel your application wasn’t properly handled, file a petition to the Office for Client Satisfaction.
On a final note, applying for CPP disability is free. If you pay your doctor to fill the medical report, Service Canada will defray the cost up to C$80. Ensure you write your Social Insurance Number (SIN) before mailing your application.
