Canada Pension Plan Disability program - Change to contributory eligibility

On March 3, 2008, an amendment to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) legislation came into force that helps long-term contributors qualify for disability benefits.

What has changed?

This amendment allows CPP disability applicants with 25 or more years of contributions to meet the contributory requirement of the CPP Disability program with valid contributions in three of the last six years instead of four of the last six years. Applicants are required to meet the program's medical criteria to qualify for benefits.

This change applies to applications received on or after March 3, 2008.

Overview of CPP Disability program

The CPP Disability program is the largest long-term disability insurance program in Canada. Its primary role is to replace a portion of the earned income of CPP contributors who cannot work because of a severe and prolonged disability. A children's benefit is also available.

To qualify, applicants must be under the age of 65, have made the required contributions to the CPP, and have a severe and prolonged physical or mental disability that regularly prevents them from working at any job.

If an individual has been covered under a pension scheme of a country that has a social security agreement with Canada, the period of time that the individual contributed to that country's pension plan may be used to help meet the CPP Disability program's contributory requirement.

The federal and provincial governments are joint stewards of the Canada Pension Plan. Formal provincial consent from two thirds of the provinces with two thirds of the Canadian population was needed and obtained to bring this provision into effect.

The Province of Quebec administers its own plan, the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). The CPP and QPP have similar benefits and their operation is coordinated through agreements between the two plans.

For details on this contributory change or for general inquiries regarding Canada Pension Plan disability benefits, please call 1 800 277-9914.