Accidents happen – one way or another, they involve expenses. For a typical family, losing a source of income and having to pay medical bills signals a heavy financial burden. It is for this reason that Canadians are always encouraged to get federal disability benefits.
In general, government disability insurance entitles a policy holder and any listed beneficiaries to benefits given that he has worked long enough to pay a certain amount of Social Security taxes. There is a branch type for this in which a policy holder can claim financial compensation based on financial need.
Disability insurance is usually an add-on to employee benefits given by companies. However, these are from private insurance companies and are levelled out in order to accommodate the lowest paid workers. If you want more coverage, you need to get additional insurance from private companies and the federal government.
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a monthly compensation given to working contributors that have given enough premiums and possess a disability that disables them to work. Under this are:
- Disability Benefits – a taxable monthly payment given to individuals with enough contributions and are not able to work on a regular basis due to disability.
- Children’s CPP – compensation given to the legal children (biological or adopted) of deceased CPP contributors below 25 years old.
How to Apply for Disability Federally
First, print out the main application form (ISP 1151), consent forms, certified true copies of required documents, and all other requirements. An application kit can be found and downloaded from www.servicecanada.gc.ca; wherein you will find all the forms and the list of other requirements. You will also find links to further instructions and information about the insurance.
Take note that all information you provide will be collected under the authority of the CPP. It will be used to determine your eligibility. All personal information will be kept confidential, unless sharing to affiliated institutions is required.
Your federal disability application will be under deliberation for about four months upon receipt of your complete documents. Once a decision is made, an office will contact you through phone to explain how they came up with the decision. There will be instances wherein further information will be requested to support your application.
How to File for Disability Federally
Similar to the above process, you will need to fill out necessary application forms and submit supporting documents. One of the most important things you need to remember is that you have to obtain a personal recommendation from your doctor about your condition, along with a complete medical history.
If you are positive that your condition entitles you to a claim, make sure to keep these in mind:
- Fill out the forms neatly and accurately.
- Make sure all information match the supporting documents.
- Organize all submissions based on the order of the list for easy checking.
- Always have an original copy in personal file for review.
It takes approximately four months for a federal disability application to be processed from the date of submission or filing. Once you give your application, your records will be checked if you have given enough contributions to qualify for the benefit. You must have given contributions to CPP in:
- Four years within the last six years, or
- Three out of the last six years with a minimum contribution count of 25 years.
Once confirmed, your file will be passed on to medical adjudicators who are trained nurses with knowledge of CPP regulations, legislation, procedures and policies. Using the CPP Adjudication Framework, they determine whether you qualify or not.
How to Qualify for a Long Term Disability Claim
Federal disability retirement benefits can be claimed if you have reached the minimum age for retirement. Claims before this age can be made if you have a severe and prolonged condition. The condition must stop you from working regularly at any kind of job.
Severe refers to any mental or physical illness or injury that stops you from being productive in a normal work setting. While prolonged means that your condition is long-term for an indefinite period of time or considered terminal. If your current illness qualifies you to both these conditions, you are eligible to get benefits.
Other considerations may also affect the decision, such as:
- Severity and nature of your condition
- The impact of your condition on your capacity to perform the duties of your job
- The final prognosis
- Your work performance and productivity
- How much you earn
- Your personal information such as age, work history, and educational background
When to Expect Compensation
Once your disability application for benefits is approved, you can expect to start receiving compensation around four months after the government has determined that you are disabled. You are entitled to a maximum of twelve months of payments. Payments are usually deposited into your nominated financial account and are scheduled on a fixed date.
If by any chance your claim is denied and you do not agree with the decision of the adjudicators, you can request a reconsideration. This time, seek advice from disability lawyers on how to apply for disability. If you get proper guidance, you can ensure that your application is complete and compliant.
