Can I get a pension or disability?

[Richard]

I was diagnosed with COPD in July.My cardiologist sent me for a pulmonary function test .Spirometer reading indicated I had mild to moderate COPD emphysema.They can't find a modified job for me at work so I resigned.I applied for CPP disability but I'll only know if I can receive a pension in December.I've worked for 34 years at my last job,own a house and have bills.My wife works but she's getting up in age (60years old)I'm worried about our expences. Does anyone know if CPP will help me ?

[jim]

Hi tryprayer, nice to meet you. I'm sorry I can't help with your query as I live in Australia, but one of our Canadian members is sure to know something about it.

Enjoy your day.

[gerald]

Yes you can get CPP disability for COPD as long as you meet their criteria. You can collect it until you are 65. I would suggest that when you sen din the forms you send in the doctors portion yourself with your application. Originally, I left it to the doctors office to send in their portion and they lost it and I got rejected. Also make sure to indicate the date the disability was diagnosed as they may do retroactive.

This gives an idea of what they feel qualifies.
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/disability/benefit/index.shtml

there is also a link to the application. Be careful when filling out the information about your disability. We all tend to be optimistic, but be realistic. Fill out what it feels like on a bad day because that can be your limiting factor. I also filled out a lot of the doctors portion to save his time and he went over it and signed off on it.

Also, remember to apply for your Disabilities tax deduction. That is a separate applicaiton but it is signfiicant.

[pippy]

Just make sure you answer Every Question even if it is a no or not related.
That is what I was told

[gerald]

Pippy is right, make sure it is complete. Once you have filled it in you may be able to take it to a Canada Service center and have them review it incase you missed anything.

Trypayer: Also remember, Even if they do reject your applicaion the first time you have the right to have it reviewed if you let them know within 30 days (?). So if rejected address the issues they bring up and resubmit asking for the review.

[shelley]

I think you may have difficulty meeting the criteria if you've been diagnosed as mild to moderate. CPP disability doesn't usually kick in until you're at the severe to very severe stage unless you have other co-mobidities. What happened at your job is very unfortunate. By law in Canada, they must find you a suitable position in the company. There are a number of agencies that would have jumped on top of them including the Human Rights Commission. It's unfortunate that you resigned instead of letting them lay you off or something. I wish you the best of luck but I think you're going to find yourself on a difficult path.

[John]

I live in the states and yes you can collect ss disability and retirement . I had retired and then was dxed . The key is like Shelly said your #'s have to be low enough and you need to be disable for 1 year or more to get ssdi . Check with ss they will help you !

[Richard]

Thanks Jimm,Gerald,Pippy and Shelley

[Richard]

and John thank you

[ken]

Photocopy (make a copy of) each page you submit.  This is for your ready reference in the future and as a back- up if needed. I wish you the best of luck.

Ken 

[gerald]

Tryprayer:

My knowledge on Ontario programs is dated. However, after a quick search you may qualify for an Ontario Disability support.

www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/disabben

www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/97o25b#BK4

Elegibility for many of these programs is based on the affect of the disability rather than absolute numbers. So the threshold you will need to overcome is the degree of impact on your day to day life and getting the doctor to sign off verifying the limitation.

[shelley]

ODSP is a very different animal than CPP disability and is more aligned with what was once referred to as the "welfare" program. Not only does it take into account your disability but it looks at your income, if any, your assets and the assets of those who you live with. You can only have limited assets and resources. I would approach this very cautiously if you have any assets such as a house, car, RRSPs, RIFFs, etc or if anyone living with you has anything. Please, just be aware that this is different from the standard CPP disability that most often discussed.

[Jani]

I still work but have copd and winters are hard on me to it be so cold can a person still get a disability benefits in Canada. Or is your copd have to be at the point where you can't work in order to get disability

[joany]

Hoping our Canadian members can help you, Jani.

[gerald]

Jani,  CPP disability still exists.  Your COPD would need to impose significant restrictions on your ability to walk sit etc but those limits can be met.   These links outline the eligibility requirements

www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit/eligibility.html

www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/cpp-disability-benefit.html#disability

There are also Provincial disability programs that assist as well but you need to check for your own province for that.
Provincial plans can also assist with a lot of provincial expense like property taxes, transit fares, bridge tolls etc