What Is Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability?

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit is a monthly monetary benefit for individuals who have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from substantially gainful employment. It is designed for individuals with long-term, indefinite-duration disabilities and individuals with grave or terminal health conditions.

Eligibility

Canadian residents may qualify for CPP disability if they:

• are under the age of 65.
• have made enough contributions into the CPP from previous employment.
• have a long-term mental or physical disability that regularly prevents gainful employment.

A signed medical report from a physician or nurse practitioner is required to qualify for CPP disability benefits.

Certain other restrictions and eligibility requirements are also considered. For example, residents of Quebec may qualify for the Quebec Pension Plan disability benefit rather than the CPP disability benefit. Individuals who have had periods of zero or low income due to raising young children —and therefore have lower contributions to CPP— may receive pension credits that qualify them for CPP disability benefits (assuming all other eligibility requirements are met).

Benefit amount

Currently (January 2022), the basic CPP disability benefit is $524.64. Additional funds may be added to the basic benefit (depending on the amount the person has contributed to CPP while working). The maximum CPP disability benefit is currently $1,457.45.