Episode 10: CPP-D Part 3 - The Appeals Process

The Appeals - CPP D part 3

Lots of banter at the start! Episode (on topic information) starts at 7:40 mark.

Feedback: [e-mail]

Links:

1. CPP Benefits - Request a reconsideration: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/request-reconsideration.html
2. Social Security Tribunal CPP-D Appeals Process at a Glance (this has the algorithm we keep talking about): https://www.sst-tss.gc.ca/en/your-appeal/canada-pension-plan-disability-appeals-process-glance
3. Disability Alliance of BC: www.disabilityalliancebc.org
4. North Shore Disability Resource Centre: www.nsdrc.org
5. My Service Canada sign in: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/my-account.html

Tips:

1. Expect to be rejected on your first application as only 40-45% of people are approved for CPP-D on their first try. Don't let this stop you!
2. With every step of the appeals process a significant percentage of people get approved.
3. Top reasons for rejection: Disability is not deemed "severe or prolonged", Insufficient medical evidence, Failure to meet CPP contribution requirements, Late application, Incomplete application.
4. Social Security Tribunal CPP-D Appeals Process at a Glance (link above) walks you through the entire appeals process, with timelines.
5. First appeal (step 1) is within Service Canada/CPPD itself. 40% of people who are rejected pursue this step. 35% of those who appeal to Service Canada are then approved.
6. Second appeal must be done within 90 days of Service Canada refusing your first appeal. This is the Appeal to the General Division of the Social Security Tribunal. 45% of people who fail their first appeal will move to this step. This step (step 2) can take over a year. 65% of those who go to the Social Security Tribunal were approved for CPPD. Another 45% are successful after appealing the rejection of the Social Security Tribunal (step 3).
7. If you're refused CPPD after working through all the steps at the Social Security Tribunal the last step is to take it to court.
8. Reach out to disability advocates such as The Disability Alliance of BC or The North Shore Resources Centre (or whatever is local to you). Many have mentors who can help walk you through applications and appeals.
9. My Service Canada (sign in to your account) has a calculator for how much you're likely to be paid on CPPD.
10. Your CPPD is likely to be clawed back by any long term disability benefit you're receiving. Remember that the protection of your pension, the endorsement by the federal government of canada as a disabled person, and many other benefits still make this worthwhile to pursue.
11. CPPD is taxable. Ask them to take taxes off (in My Service Canada), or save the money to pay back at tax time.
12. There are small increases in CPPD annually for inflation (like 2%).
13. You are expected to stay on CPPD unless a very significant change/improvement happens to your health.
14. For 2025 you could earn $7600 in extra income (not including LTD).
15. You must tell the government about any work/schooling/volunteering that goes on for more than 15 hours/week for more than 4 months.
16. You must inform the government of changes in personal life such as changes with children, as you are likely getting a CPPD benefit for each child.
17. When you turn 65 CPPD turns automatically into a regular CPP pension. The amount you receive will change.