CPP Disability Reconsideration: What Happens After A Denial?

If your CPP Disability claim was denied, the first step is usually to request a CPP Disability reconsideration.

Reconsideration means asking Service Canada to review the decision again. A different Service Canada employee should review your file and decide whether your claim should be approved.

You must request reconsideration in writing within 90 days of receiving your CPP Disability decision letter.

A reconsideration is often the first stage of a CPP Disability appeal. It is your chance to respond to the denial, submit stronger medical evidence, and explain why your condition meets the severe and prolonged test.

What Is CPP Disability Reconsideration?

CPP Disability reconsideration is the process of asking Service Canada to review a denied CPP Disability claim again.

If Service Canada denied your application, you can ask for another review instead of starting a new application. This is usually the best next step if you disagree with the decision and believe you qualify for benefits.

During reconsideration, Service Canada may look at:

• Your original application
• Your medical report
• Your work history
• The reasons your claim was denied
• Any new medical evidence you submit
• Any written explanation you provide about why you qualify

When Should You Request Reconsideration?

You should request reconsideration if your CPP Disability application was denied and you believe Service Canada made the wrong decision.

You must send your request in writing within 90 days of receiving your decision letter.

Before sending your request, review the decision letter carefully. The letter should explain why Service Canada denied your claim. Your reconsideration should respond directly to those reasons.

Common denial reasons include:

• Not enough medical evidence
• Medical records that do not explain work limitations
• Service Canada believing you can still do some type of work
• A lack of evidence that your condition is long-term
• Incomplete or inconsistent information
• Not enough CPP contributions

What Service Canada Looks For At Reconsideration

Service Canada must decide whether your disability is both severe and prolonged.

A disability is severe if it regularly prevents you from doing substantially gainful work. A disability is prolonged if it is long-term, indefinite, or likely to result in death.

Your reconsideration should clearly explain both parts of the test.

Proving your disability is severe

To prove your disability is severe, your evidence should explain why you can’t work regularly, reliably, or sustainably.

This can include evidence about:

• Pain, fatigue, weakness, or mobility issues
• Mental health symptoms
• Cognitive limitations
• Medication side effects
• Flare-ups or bad days
• Missed work or failed return-to-work attempts
• Why modified duties or part-time work are not sustainable

Proving your disability is prolonged

To prove your disability is prolonged, your evidence should explain why your condition is long-term, indefinite, or unlikely to improve enough for regular work.

This can include medical opinions about your prognosis, treatment history, specialist reports, and evidence showing that treatment has not restored your ability to work.

What To Include In A CPP Disability Reconsideration Request

Your reconsideration request should be clear, organized, and focused on why Service Canada was wrong to deny your claim.

A strong reconsideration request may include:

• A written request for Service Canada to reconsider the decision
• The date of the decision letter you are challenging
• A clear explanation of why you disagree
• Updated medical records
• A stronger report from your doctor or nurse practitioner
• Specialist reports, test results, or hospital records
• A personal statement explaining your work limitations
• Evidence of failed work attempts or worsening symptoms
• A response to the specific reasons Service Canada denied your claim

The goal is not to send as much paperwork as possible. The goal is to send evidence that clearly supports the severe and prolonged test.

CPP Disability Appeal Letter: What Should It Say?

Many people call their reconsideration request a CPP Disability appeal letter. At this stage, the letter is usually a written request asking Service Canada to reconsider the denial.

Your CPP Disability appeal letter should be simple, direct, and specific.

It should include:

• Your name and contact information
• Your Social Insurance Number
• The date of the decision letter
• A statement that you disagree with the CPP Disability denial
• A request for reconsideration
• The reasons you believe you qualify
• A response to the denial reasons
• A list of any new evidence you are submitting

Avoid relying on a short letter that only says you disagree. A strong CPP Disability appeal letter should explain why the decision was wrong and what evidence supports your claim.

Medical Evidence For CPP Disability Reconsideration

New or stronger medical evidence is often the most important part of a CPP Disability reconsideration.

Useful medical evidence may include:

• Updated reports from your doctor or nurse practitioner
• Specialist reports
• Clinical notes and records
• Hospital records
• Test results or imaging reports
• Medication history
• Treatment records
• Reports about functional limitations

Your medical evidence should explain more than your diagnosis. It should describe your symptoms, restrictions, limitations, treatment history, prognosis, and why you cannot work regularly.

If your doctor supports your claim, ask them to explain your work limitations clearly. A statement that you are “disabled” may not be enough if it does not explain why you can’t work.

How Long Does CPP Disability Reconsideration Take?

CPP Disability reconsideration can take several months.

Service Canada’s CPP Disability toolkit says it will inform applicants of the reconsideration decision within 120 days of receiving the request for reconsideration.

Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether the file is complete, and whether more medical information is needed.

If you submit new evidence after requesting reconsideration, keep copies of everything and confirm that Service Canada received it.

Can You Work During CPP Disability Reconsideration?

Working during CPP Disability reconsideration can affect your claim if Service Canada believes your work activity shows that you can do substantially gainful work.

However, limited work, reduced hours, modified duties, or failed return-to-work attempts do not automatically mean you are not eligible.

If you tried to work but could not continue because of your disability, explain that clearly. Work attempts can sometimes support your claim if they show that employment was not sustainable.

In 2026, Service Canada says you must contact them once you earn $7,400 before tax while receiving CPP Disability. A substantially gainful occupation is work that pays $20,971.45 or more before tax in 2026.

CPP Disability Reconsideration And Long-Term Disability

Many people request CPP Disability reconsideration because their long-term disability insurer tells them to.

If you receive LTD benefits, your insurance company may require you to apply for CPP Disability and pursue reconsideration if the claim is denied.

A CPP Disability denial does not automatically mean your LTD benefits should stop. CPP Disability and LTD benefits use different rules. However, your insurer may still pressure you to appeal because a CPPD approval could reduce the amount the insurer has to pay.

If your LTD insurer is pressuring you to request reconsideration or appeal CPP Disability, get legal advice before submitting the same information again.

What If Your CPP Disability Reconsideration Is Denied?

If your CPP Disability reconsideration is denied, you may be able to file a CPP Disability appeal with the Social Security Tribunal of Canada.

The Social Security Tribunal is separate from Service Canada. It reviews appeals from people who disagree with reconsideration decisions.

You generally have 90 days to appeal after receiving the reconsideration decision.

At the tribunal stage, you may need to explain:

• Your medical condition
• Your symptoms and treatment
• Your work history
• Your restrictions and limitations
• Why you cannot work regularly
• Why your condition is long-term or indefinite

How To Improve Your Chances At Reconsideration

A successful reconsideration usually requires more than simply saying you disagree with the denial.

To improve your chances:

• Read the denial letter carefully
• Identify why Service Canada refused your claim
• Submit stronger and updated medical evidence
• Explain your functional limitations in detail
• Connect your symptoms to your inability to work
• Address any concerns about treatment, work activity, or prognosis
• Make sure your information is consistent across all documents
• Get advice before the 90-day deadline passes

When To Speak With A CPP Disability Appeal Lawyer

You should consider speaking with a CPP Disability appeal lawyer if:

• Your CPP Disability application was denied
• You do not understand the denial letter
• You are unsure what to include in a reconsideration request
• Your doctor supports your claim, but Service Canada denied it
• You need help preparing a CPP Disability appeal letter
• You are close to the 90-day deadline
• Your LTD insurer is pressuring you to appeal
• Your reconsideration was denied and you have a tribunal hearing

A lawyer can review your denial letter, explain your options, help gather stronger evidence, and prepare your claim for reconsideration or appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPP Disability Reconsideration

What is CPP Disability reconsideration?

CPP Disability reconsideration is a request for Service Canada to review a denied CPP Disability claim again. It is usually the first step after a CPP Disability denial.

How long do I have to request reconsideration?

You must request reconsideration in writing within 90 days of receiving your CPP Disability decision letter.

How long does CPP Disability reconsideration take?

Service Canada’s CPP Disability toolkit says it will inform applicants of the reconsideration decision within 120 days of receiving the request. Timelines can vary depending on the case.

Do I need new medical evidence for reconsideration?

New or stronger medical evidence is often important. Your reconsideration should address the reasons Service Canada denied your claim and explain why your condition prevents regular work.

What should I include in a CPP Disability appeal letter?

Your letter should state that you disagree with the denial, request reconsideration, explain why you qualify, respond to the denial reasons, and identify any new evidence you are submitting.

What happens if CPP Disability reconsideration is denied?

If reconsideration is denied, you may be able to appeal to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada. You generally have 90 days to appeal after receiving the reconsideration decision.

Can a CPP Disability appeal lawyer help with reconsideration?

Yes. A CPP Disability appeal lawyer can review your denial letter, identify what evidence may be missing, help prepare submissions, and assist if the case later moves to a tribunal appeal.

Should I reapply instead of requesting reconsideration?

It depends. In many cases, reconsideration is the better next step after a denial. The right approach depends on your deadline, contribution history, medical evidence, and the reasons for the denial.

Speak With A CPP Disability Appeal Lawyer

If your CPP Disability application was denied, speak with a disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP before filing your reconsideration request.

Our team can review your denial letter, explain your options, and help you understand what evidence may be needed to strengthen your CPP Disability appeal.