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Are you wondering about Post Retirement Disability Benefits? Want to know if you qualify, or how to apply? This blog post will go through these questions and more, setting you on the path to getting what you need.

WHAT IS POST RETIREMENT DISABILITY BENEFIT?

The Post Retirement Disability Benefit is intended forCanada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension beneficiaries found to be disabled but not eligible for a disability pension due to being a CPP retirement pension beneficiary for more than 15 months. However, applicants who made sufficient contributions may be eligible for this benefit in addition to their retirement pension.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE?

The criteria to apply to Post Retirement Disability Benefits is the same as the criteria for CPP Disability pension.

To apply you must:

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• Be under the age of 65
• Have a severe and prolonged mental or physical medical condition (according to the definition in the Canada Pension Plan legislation)
• Meet the minimum contributory* requirements

*To reach the minimum contributory requirements you must:

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• Have made valid contributions to the CPP in four of the last six years
• Have contributed to CPP for at least 25 years, including the last six years
• Meet the requirements for the late applicant provision

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If you apply for CPP disability benefits but are not eligible because you have received the CPP retirement pension for more than 15months, do not worry. They will automatically consider your eligibility for post-retirement disability benefit.

HOW DO I APPLY?

To apply, you fill out the same application as you would to qualify for CPP disability benefits. You do not need to fill out a separate application.

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HOW MUCH CAN YOU RECEIVE?

The amount for Post-Retirement Disability benefit is a flat rate component of the disability pension. For 2021 it is $510.85. 

This amount will be paid to you until the age of 65, at which point the PRDB payment stops, and you will then continue to receive your retirement pension.

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*ThePost-Retirement Disability Benefit is paid in addition to the CPP retirement pension you are receiving until the age of 65.

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WHAT ARE THE MONTHLY AMOUNTS FOR POST RETIREMENT DISABILITY BENEFIT?

The average amount for new beneficiaries (as of Jan. 2021) is $510.85. The maximum payment amount (2021) is $510.85. The average and maximum monthly amount is also $510.85.

If you apply after you turn 65, Service Canada can only pay retroactive payments of the CPP retirement pension for up to 12 months (11 months, plus the month that you apply) but no earlier than the month following your 65th birthday,.There are no retroactive payments for retirement pension taken before the age of 65.

WHAT IF I AM GETTING OTHER BENEFITS?

If you are receiving both CPP survivor’s pension and disability benefits then they will be combined into a single monthly payment. The total amount that you get cannot be greater than $1,413.66 per month (the maximum amount of the disability pension).

If you are receiving both a retirement and survivor pension, and then granted a post-retirement disability benefit you will receive the higher amount of the survivor or post-retirement disability benefit flat rate.

If you are receiving disability income from other sources, such as a private insurer or a provincial/territorial program, you may still be able to receive the CPP disability benefit. However, these other sources may change their payments if you are approved for the disability benefit through Canada Pension Plan.Contact your insurance company or social assistance program for more details on your particular case.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL DEVICES?

The CPP disability benefit does not pay more for medications or medical devices.Contact your province or territory if you need financial help for medication or medical devices.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us, or research further on the Canada Pension Plan website.

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