CPP Disability: Ultimate Guide (Application, Denial, Appeal)

If you have a serious medical condition that prevents you from working, and you’ve paid into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), you may be eligible for CPP Disability benefits. This federal program is designed to provide monthly financial support to individuals who can no longer work due to a severe and prolonged disability.

Unfortunately, the CPP Disability system can be confusing, slow, and frustrating – especially if your application gets denied. More than half of initial claims are rejected, often due to missing details or ‘insufficient medical evidence.’ But even if you’re denied, you still have options.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians apply for and win CPP Disability benefits – from the initial application to final appeal. We understand how the system works and how to make sure your voice is heard.

In This Guide, You’ll Learn:

• Who qualifies for CPP Disability
• How to apply (and what mistakes to avoid)
• What to do if you’re denied
• How CPP Disability interacts with long-term disability insurance
• How our lawyers can help you succeed

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Table of Contents

What is CPP Disability?

CPP Disability is a benefit provided by the federal government through the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). It offer monthly financial support to people who can’t work because of a severe and prolonged disability.

This program is meant for individuals who:

• Have contributed to CPP through their employment
• Are under the age of 65
• Are unable to do any type of substantially gainful work

CPP Disability is not a welfare or social assistance program – it’s an insurance benefit that Canadians pay into while working. If you become disabled and can no longer work, you have the right to apply for support from the system you’ve contributed to.

Definitions That Matter

What does “severe” mean?

Your disability must prevent you from doing any job, not just your most recent one. Even if a job pays very little, if you’re medically unable to perform it, you may be considered “severely” disabled.

What does “prolonged” mean?

Your disability must be long-term with no reasonable chance of improvement. In most cases, this means a condition expected to last indefinitely, or to result in death.

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How Much Does CPP Disability Pay?

CPP Disability payments provide monthly income support if you can’t work due to a severance and prolonged disability. The amount you receive depends on two things:

1. A fixed base amount set by the federal government
2. An additional amount based on how much you contributed to CPP while you were working

CPP Disability Payment Amount in 2025

For 2025, the average monthly payment is approximately $1,150, but the maximum payment is $1,606.78.

A Few Key Notes:

• Payments are taxable income
• They are paid monthly, usually near the end of each month
• You can also receive a monthly benefit for dependent children, if eligible

See the latest CPP payment dates here.

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Who Is Eligible for CPP Disability?

To qualify for CPP Disability benefits, you must meet four key criteria:

✅ 1. You’re under the age of 65

You can’t receive both CPP Disability and your CPP retirement pension. If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for regular CPP or other retirement benefits instead.

✅ 2. You have a “severe and prolonged” disability

You can’t receive both CPP Disability and your CPP retirement pension. If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for regular CPP or other retirement benefits instead.

✅ 3. You’ve contributed to CPP through past employment

You must have worked and paid into the CPP system for a set number of years (we explain this in the next section).

✅ 4. Your condition is medically supported

You need medical evidence showing how your condition limits your ability to work. A simple note from a doctor is usually not enough – Service Canada expects details.

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Can I Get CPP Disability If I Haven’t Worked?

In most cases, no – you can’t receive CPP Disability benefits if you haven’t contributed to the Canada Pension Plan through past employment.

CPP Disability is not a general disability benefit. It’s an insurance-based program. That means:

• You must have earned income from employment or self-employment
• A portion of that income must have gone toward CPP contribution.

If you’ve never worked or never paid into CPP, you wont’ qualify – even if your disability is severe.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are very limited exceptions, such as:

• If you previously received CPP Disability and are reapplying after a short return to work
• If you qualify under the Late Applicant Provision (where the disability began earlier but the application came later).
• If you’re applying through the child-rearing provision (for parents who were out of the workforce raising children under 7)

Even in these cases, some CPP contributions must still have been made

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CPP Contribution Requirements

To qualify for CPP Disability, it’s not enough to simply have a disability – you must also meet specific contribution requirements based on your work history.

✅ You must have contributed to CPP for:

• At least 4 of the last 6 years, or
• At least 25 years total, with 3 of the last 6 years included.

These contributions are deducted from your paycheques while working and are usually listed on your T4 slips or pay statements.

What Counts as a Contribution?

CPP contributions are made when:

• Your employed or self-employed
• You earn over a minimum annual amount (currently $3,500/year)
• Your employer deducts CPP premiums, or you pay them directly if self-employed

Special Cases That Might Help You Qualify

Even if you don’t meet the standard rules above, you may still be eligible under one of these exceptions:

• Late Applicant Provision (you became disabled earlier but applied late)
• Child-rearing Provision (you stopped working to raise children under age 7)
• Survivor or Dependent Reapplication: special cases involving past CPP Disability recipients

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How to Apply for CPP Disability

Applying for CPP Disability can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with serious health issues. A single mistake or missing detail could delay your claim—or lead to a denial.

Here’s how to apply the right way.

✅ Step 1: Get Support From Your Doctor

Before applying, talk to your primary care provider or specialist. You will need their medical support to show that your condition is severe and prolonged.

Without proper documentation, Service Canada is more likely to deny your application.

✅ Step 2: Complete the Application

You can apply:

• Online through your My Service Canada Account
• Or by paper: Download and complete the application form

There are different forms depending on whether your condition is:

• Non-terminal, or
• Terminal (for fast-tracked applications)

Make sure to fill out every section in full. Be honest, and explain clearly why you can’t work, using real-life examples of your limitations.

✅ Step 3: Submit the Medical Report

Your doctor must also complete a Medical Report as part of your application:

• ISP-2519 – Medical Report for Non-terminal Illness
• ISP-2530B – Medical Attestation for Terminal Illness

✅ Step 4: Wait for a Decision

Service Canada can take up to 120 days to respond to your application.

In some cases, they may:

• Ask for more information
• Request that you undergo a medical assessment with one of their doctors

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What happens if I’m Approved for CPP Disability?

If your application is approved – congratulations. That means Service Canada agrees that your condition is both severe and prolonged, and that you qualify for monthly support through CPP Disability.

Here’s what to expect next:

📩 You’ll Receive a Letter in the Mail

Service Canada will send you a letter confirming your approval. It will include:

• The start date of your benefits (usually backdated)
• Your monthly payment amount
• Details about any retroactive payment owed to you
• Information about your ongoing obligations

💰 When Do Payments Start?

CPP Disability benefits are often backdated to when your disability began or when you first became eligible. This means you may receive a lump sum retroactive payment along with your first monthly deposit.

Ongoing payments are made once per month, typically near the end of the month. Check the current CPP Disability payment dates.

🧾 You’ll Receive a T4A Slip Each Year

CPP Disability is taxable income, so Service Canada will send you a T4A slip for tax filing purposes. You may want to speak with your accountant or tax advisor to avoid surprises.

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Is CPP Disability taxable?

Yes – CPP Disability is considered taxable income in Canada.

This means:

• You must report it on your tax return each year
• It can impact other income-tested benefits (like the GST credit or provincial supplements)
• You may owe tax depending on your overall income and deductions

Will I Get a Tax Slip?

Yes. Service Canada will send you a T4A(P) slip each year, which outlines how much CPP Disability you received. This is the form you’ll use to file your taxes.

💡 Can I Reduce My Tax Burden?

You may be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) – a non-refundable credit that reduces the amount of income tax you may owe. It can also open the door to other programs like the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).

⚠️ What About Retroactive Payments?

If you receive a lump sum retroactive payment, that amount could push your income higher for the year, increasing your tax liability.

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How Long Does CPP Disability Last?

CPP Disability benefits will continue as long as you meet the eligibility criteria – meaning your disability remains severe and prolonged, and you’re still unable to work.

There is no fixed time limit, but there are two key ways the benefits can stop:

1. You Turn 65

When you reach age 65, your CPP Disability benefits will automatically shift into a regular CPP retirement pension. This happens even if your condition hasn’t improved.

2. Your Medical Condition Improves

If Service Canada determines that your condition is no longer severe and prolonged – or you return to substantially gainful employment – your benefits may stop.

In some cases, they may:

• Request updates or medical reviews
• Ask if you’ve returned to work or school
• Require you to fill out a questionnaire or provide a doctor’s report

If your benefits are cut off and you disagree with the decision, you may have the right to appeal. Contact our team right away for advice.

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Why CPP Disability Claims Are Often Denied

It’s unfortunate – but more than half of initial CPP Disability applications are denied. Even people with serious, life-altering conditions can be rejected due to technicalities, vague medical reports, or missing details.

If this happens to you, don’t give up. Denials are common – but they can often be reversed with the right help and documentation.

🚫 Common Reasons for CPP Disability Denials:

• Incomplete or vague answers on your application
• Lack of detailed medical evidence from your doctor
• Service Canada believes you could still perform some type of work
• They believe your condition is temporary or may improve

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What Happens if CPP Disability Is Denied?

Being denied CPP Disability benefits can feel discouraging – but it’s not the end of the road. In fact, many people are approved after appealing or providing strong medical evidence.

📨 How Will You Know?

Service Canada will send you a written notice explaining:

• That your application has been denied
• The reason for the denial
• The deadline to request a reconsideration (usually within 90 days)

⚠️ Why It’s Critical to Act Fast

You only have 90 days from the date of your denial letter to file a formal request for reconsideration.

🧭 What You Should Do:

• Read your denial letter carefully
• Don’t reapply – request a reconsideration instead
• Gather additional medical evidence if possible
• Speak with a CPP Disability lawyer to guide your next steps

Book a free consultation with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and let us review your denial letter – at no cost to you.

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Appealing a CPP Disability Denial

If your CPP Disability claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision – but the process must be done properly, and within a limited time.

There are two main stages in the appeal process:

1. Requesting a Reconsideration from Service Canada
2. If denied again, appealing to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada

🧭 What You Should Do After a Denial:

• Request a reconsideration within 90 days of receiving your denial letter
• Don’t file a brand new application – it could delay your case
• Gather updated or missing medical evidence to strengthen your file
• Speak to a CPP Disability lawyer before submitting anything further

🗂️ What Happens at the Reconsideration Stage?

Service Canada will review your file again – often with a different decision-maker. You can:

• Submit additional medical documents or clarification letters
• Explain anything that was misunderstood in your original application
• Ask your doctor(s) to provide stronger or more specific support

🗂️ What Happens if Reconsideration Is Denied?

If you’re denied again, you can file a Notice of Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal. This is more formal, and may involve:

• Written submissions
• A hearing by phone, video, or in person
• Testimony from your or your doctor (if needed)

You don’t need to face this process alone. At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we handle every step of the appeal  – and you don’t pay us unless we win.

👉 Book your free consultation now.