Physician's Guide - Appendix 1
Do You Qualify for Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits?
A CPP disability benefit provides a monthly payment to people who have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan for the required period and have a "severe and prolonged" disability according to CPP legislation.
The following questions may help you and your doctor determine whether you should apply.
Your Medical Condition
(to be reviewed by your doctor)
- Does your medical condition stop you from working at any job?
yes / no / don't know
- Do you think your condition will prevent you from going back to work within the next 12 months?
yes / no / don't know
If you answered "yes" or "don't know" to both these questions, your medical condition may make you eligible for CPP disability benefits. If you answered "no" to either one, you may not qualify.
The following questions will help you determine whether you have made enough contributions to be eligible for CPP disability benefits.
Your Contributions
(to be completed by the patient)
- Have you done any paid work since your 18th birthday?
yes / no / don't know
- Was this work done after January 1, 1966, when the Canada Pension Plan came into effect?
yes / no / don't know
- Were any deductions taken off your pay for the Canada and/or Quebec Pension Plan?
yes / no / don't know
- Are you divorced or separated from someone who worked and contributed to the Canada and/or Quebec Pension Plan? If so, you may qualify for benefits.
yes / no / don't know
If you answered "no" or "don't know" to all of these questions, you may not have enough contributions to qualify. However, we encourage you to ask about your contributions or your situation by calling the Canada Pension Plan. Please have your social insurance number ready when you call.
1 800 277-9914 (English)
1 800 277 9915 (French)
1 800 255-4786 TTY
Information about Canada Pension Plan disability benefits is available at:
www.sdc.gc.ca