Let’s take a closer look at the CPP benefit and who qualifies.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Canada Pension Plan Benefit disability benefit, you must be aged 65 or under and have made the minimum threshold of contributions to the CPP plan during your working years. However, those that are suffering from a substantial mental or physical disability that prevents any type of gainful employment may also quality. Note that the term “substantial” is key here; the mental or physical disability must either be life-threatening, chronic and/or greatly reduce quality of life.
To qualify for the CPP post-retirement benefit, you must be aged 60-65 and have made the minimum threshold of contributions to the CPP plan during your working years. Again, suffering from a substantial mental or physical disability is also a qualifying factor. Individuals that have received the CPP retirement pension for more than 15 months, or that received the pension but later became disabled, may also quality for CPP disability.
What is the Children’s Benefit?
An aspect of the CPP provides a monthly benefit to the dependent children of disabled or deceased CPP contributors. A maximum of two children’s benefits can be paid to one child.
For the child to be eligible, he, she or they must be under 18. However, those 25 and under and in a recognized school or university full-time may also be eligible. The child must be the natural or legally adopted child of the contributor, or “legally or ‘in fact’ by the contributor while under the age of 21; or a child legally or ‘in fact" in the custody and control of the contributor while under the age of 21.”
Children that are 25 years and older, and are not in a recognized university program, are not eligible.
Where to Learn More?
The Government of Canada’s website has information about the CPP program, along with links to help you apply or to contact a representative for more help. Service Canada centres can help people looking to speak with a representative in person. Financial planners can also provide more information.
CPP is an important tool in the retirement toolkit. Apply as soon as you are eligible and speak to a financial planner or Service Canada representative for assistance in completing, and understanding, the application process.
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