If you are a resident of Canada, you must have come across the term – CPP or Canada Pension Plan several times. However, you must not have gone deep into knowing what this plan actually is. So, under the Canada Pension Plan, individuals qualify for disability benefits if they have a severe and prolonged disability that prevents them from working.
The benefit exists to bring in some financial security in such times. However, the process of getting considered as the right fit of this plan is not really easy. The entire process and qualifications to see who is eligible for receiving this particular benefit of the Canada Pension Plan can be very puzzling.
But you don’t have to fret! This article will demystify CPP disability benefits, giving you a full breakdown of how the process works and whether you might qualify.
What are the CPP Disability Benefits?
CPP Disability Benefits are monthly payments to persons who have become disabled under the conditions set by the legislation. Benefits are designed to replace a portion of your income lost because you cannot work. How much you get will depend upon how much you have contributed to the CPP.
What is the Eligibility Criteria?
Not everyone can benefit from the CPP plan. You can be considered for a CPP disability benefit if you have the following conditions:
Age: There is a strict rule when it comes to qualifying for the CPP. Your age must be between 18 and 65 years. Otherwise, you cannot avail of this plan.
Disability: An individual’s disability should be serious and of a long-term nature, thus making it impossible for one to do any kind of gainful work or employment. This covers conditions that greatly limit one’s ability to perform daily activities or tasks related to work.
Contribution History: You must have paid adequate contributions to the CPP within a specific period. Of course, this particular period also depends on your age and the duration of your disability.
Recovery: There should not be a reasonable expectation that your disability will recover within a reasonable period. In other words, it is unlikely that your state may improve to the extent that you would go back to work.
Disabilities that Can Be Covered Under CPP
The CPP does not enumerate specific qualifying disabilities. However, some common conditions that may be considered to qualify for the benefits under CPP-D include the following:
Physical disabilities
These are certain injuries, chronic illnesses, or degenerative conditions that limit your capability to work. Examples include spinal cord injury, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. If you have been facing any of these, you are entitled to the perks of CPP.
Mental health conditions
Many of you must be wondering whether mental health conditions are considered for CPP or not. So, let me tell you that the answer is yes! Severe depression, anxiety disorders, or any other form of mental health impairment that makes you incapable of working. This will most times substantially impact your abilities to concentrate, interact with others, or deal with work-related stress.
Cognitive disabilities
Intellectual or developmental disabilities impact your ability to carry out activities. Examples include but are not limited to autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, or traumatic brain injury.
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Know About the Application Process
The application process for CPP disability benefits is generally done through the following:
Gather information
You first have to make a list of all the documents you will need. Once done, collect the documents and keep them in one place. The documents you will need are medical reports, employment records, and identification documents. Additionally, it is always a good idea to keep doctor’s notes, medical test results, and employment letters as well.
Application form
An application form should be completed providing comprehensive details about one’s disabilities and past medical history. One should explain symptoms, limitations, and how the disability impairs workability.
Application submission
Fill out the application appropriately, then submit it to the Service Canada office near you. You can also submit the form online.
Medical assessment
Service Canada will find it necessary to establish how your disability is severe. They may send you for a medical assessment for this purpose either physical or mental, prepared by a qualified healthcare provider.
Decision
Service Canada will review your application and the medical evidence presented with it and arrive at a decision as to whether you are entitled to receive benefits. The length of time it takes for them to reach this decision is quite extensive and many times it takes several months.
Reconsideration or Appeal of Decision
The decision may not be in your favour, and upon denial, the next course of action is to request reconsideration of your case. Requesting a reconsideration is an attachment in which additional records are enrolled and can also be requested by the tribunal to hold an oral hearing of your case.
Other things to be kept in mind:
- Work Limitations: Even though one is partially able to work, he is not ruled out in being qualified for disability benefits under partial conditions. The amount granted as benefits is supposed to be different based on the criticalness of one’s disability and his or her earning capability.
- Other Benefits: You may be entitled to CPP disability benefits in addition to other federal programs, such as Employment Insurance. However, there are specific provisions aimed at limiting the amount you receive as total benefits.
- Provincial Disability Benefits: Other provincial schemes will grant you a top-up on your CPP disability benefits. The trickiest requirement is proving that you are suffering from prolonged and severe disability.
How Will You Receive Your CPP Disability Benefit?
Once your CPP Disability Benefit is approved, the amount will be paid to you monthly. You will either receive the amount through a mailed check or the amount will be credited to your bank account. Most of the time, monthly CPP Disability payments are sent to you during the last week of every month.
The Bottom Line
By now you must be well aware of what CPP is and what the disabilities that a person faces are entitled to get the perks. Additionally, I have educated you about the entire application process involved while applying for CPP Disability Benefits. Go through the guide carefully, and be aware of all the points well.
Author’s Bio:
I am Matthew Baker, working as a professional guest blogger and content writer at Kotak Law. From product descriptions to technical articles and SEO content on various topics, I have honed my skills in delivering engaging and optimised written materials.
