A long-term monthly disability benefit.  The benefit is paid until the age of 65.  At that time it is converted automatically to the Canada Pension Plan retirement pension. 

The amount of the benefit paid depends on how much and how long you contributed to the Canada Pension Plan.  Most people contribute their credits through deductions taken through their employment paycheques.  If you are self-employed, you are supposed to be contributing annually if your annual earnings are more than $3500.  If you stayed home at certain points to raise children, you may also receive equivalent credits for this work.

If approved for the benefit, the average monthly amount paid is $971.23.  The maximum monthly amount paid to anyone is $1,335.83.

When you are in receipt of CPP-Disability, your dependent children may also be eligible for a fixed benefit amount of $244.64 each per month.

If you are already in receipt of a private insurance LTD benefit, your CPP-D amount may be deducted from this benefit amount.  You should check with your LTD provider or workplace benefits department prior to applying for CPP-Disability.

NOTE:  Residents of Québec who have contributed to the Québec Pension Plan need to apply to that program.

• You are between the ages of 18-65.
• You have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan for four of the last six years (or three of the last six years if you have contributed for 25 years or more)
• You have an illness, condition or disability that is severe and prolonged; this is determined through your application, the medical report completed by your physician/oncologist, and the assessment of this information by the CPP-Disability assessors at Service Canada
  OR
• You have a cancer that cannot be cured or adequately treated, and your overall prognosis is less than 6 months; in this case your eligibility is determined through your Application for Terminal Illness

There are additional considerations for exceptional circumstances.  Visit the Service Canada website or call for more information. 

NOTE: If you are between 60-65 and in receipt of CPP regular pension benefits already, you can still apply for CPP-Disability.If you have been in receipt of the CPP pension less than 15 months and are approved for CPP-Disability, your pension amount will be converted to the CPP Disability amount.If you have been in receipt of the CPP pension for more than 15 months and are approved for CPP-Disability, your regular pension payments will continue plus you will receive a fixed amount of $496.36 per month.

The Application Kit for CPP-Disability benefits, or for Terminal Illness CPP-Disability benefits, need to be printed, completed and mailed in. Your physician or oncologist will need to complete the Medical Report and mail that in separately. 

A staff member at your cancer centre (e.g. social worker, resource worker/volunteer, nurse, navigator) or your physician may have paper copies of the application if you cannot print them.  They may also be able to fax your application to the Service Canada office.

You should apply as soon as you are unable to work.  Even if you are applying for EI Sickness Benefits you can apply for CPP-Disability if you expect your inability to be severe and prolonged.

After you Apply

Service Canada attempts to process applications CPP-Disability for Terminal Illness within 5 business days of receipt.  A CPP-Disability representative will call you or your designate to let you know if the application has been approved or if more information is needed.

Service Canada processes all other applications for CPP-Disability within 4 months of receipt.  A CPP-Disability representative may call you during this evaluation period with any questions, or to let you know if more information is required. 

If approved, you are notified by mail.  The first payment starts the fourth month from the date you were determined to have become disabled, with retroactive payments being provided for no more than 12 months from the date your application was received.

You can volunteer, attend school/re-training, or work minimally (up to $5500 in gross earnings per year) while in receipt of the CPP-Disability without it affecting your benefit.

If not approved, or if you disagree with the credit information used to calculate your benefit amount, you can appeal.   See our section on Income Programs.

Phone: 1-800-277-9914
Visit website