Have you heard about the Canadian Pension Plan Disability benefits? You may have a physical disability that keeps you from working. In addition to that, you probably have a spouse or children that are dependent on you.

The CPP is a program that provides disability benefits to disabled people and especially those who cannot work. The benefits may also be made available to your dependent children, in some cases. It is a payment that is taxable and given on a monthly basis.
Criteria for Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for CPP disability benefits include:
• Persons below the age of 65 years of age.
• People whose medical condition keeps them from working.
• Persons with a disability as defined by the CPP, i.e., people with severe and prolonged disability.
• A person who meets the requirements of CPP contributions. That is if you have made contributions to the CPP for four years, in the last six years. Or, for one who has paid their dues for at least 25 years, in three of the previous six years.

For consideration of your application for the CPP benefits; your disability has to be prolonged and severe. One that prevents you from working regularly. The term “severe” implies a physical or mental impairment that keeps you from performing a steady and substantial kind of work.

As for the term “prolonged,” it refers to a disability that is indefinite or takes over a long time, and one that will likely lead to death. As you apply, you should meet both the severe and prolonged criteria.
You may also qualify for CPP disability benefits if you had periods when you didn’t make contributions to the CPP. It includes persons with the following provisions:

1. Child-Rearing: staying at home with little or no earnings, to raise your children as a primary caregiver.
2. Late Applicant: you meet the conditions of eligibility, but you are late to apply for CPP and also stopped working, a long time ago.
3. Credit Splitting: it refers to separated or divorced couples who made contributions to CPP before separation.
4. Incapacity: your physical or mental state rendered you incapable of applying for the benefits, and you couldn’t find someone to ask on your behalf.
5. Living or Lived outside Canada: if you worked overseas, the credits you accumulated during that period might help you qualify.

In Canada, there’s no standard definition of “disability.” That means, just because you qualify for other disability benefits doesn’t make you an eligible candidate for CPP disability benefits. Seek legal advice and assistance from a qualified CPP Disability Benefits Advocate, and you can also contact us at Ambwani Law Office.