Mentally Ill, Can

Canadians living in and outside of Canada can applyCPP is the respondent. You can use an advocate,
for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability financialbecause it can be nerve wracking and intimidating, if
support, with the right qualifications, patience, and plentyyou do not know the full letter of the legislation.
of perseverance. I spoke with Allison Schmidt of theMIB: What if the appeal is rejected? Then what?
Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic a fee-based disabilityAS: The next level of appeal takes two to four years.
advocate in Saskatchewan.MIB: What does the person do for money while
MIB: Who qualifies for CPP and what qualifications arewaiting?
needed?AS: They apply for social assistance if the spouse or
AS: You have to have paid into CPP for four of thepartner does not earn an income. If the spouse does
last six years. If you haven’t made enoughhave an income, they use up savings, or borrow from
contributions, you can go back in time for enoughfamily. If they have assets such as a car or money in
contributions, which is called a “late application.”the bank, they don’t qualify for social assistance.
You have to have a mental or physical illness that isMIB: If the person is approved for disability benefits,
severe and prolonged, that makes you incapable ofhow much does the person get?
regularly pursuing any substantial gainful occupation.AS: The minimum is $490. The percentage of
MIB: Can children under 18 get disability?contributions over the years is assessed, so they get
AS: An individual with a disability lives below the$490 to $900, depending on earnings they have had.
poverty line, so the kids may need extra help to assistMIB: Are medications paid by disability?
in raising them.AS: They are not paid by the federal government.
MIB: What about if the child is over 18 and going toSome provinces top up the federal benefit or
university?sometimes award prescription help as well.
AS: If a contributor is on disability, their child who is aMIB: Is this taxable income?
student, 18 to 25, is eligible for disability payments. TheAS: Yes.
payment stops unless the child is in full-time school.MIB: Where can a person get help?
MIB: What about if a person is 18 and has never had aAS: You can hire a pay-by-fee advocate. Some
job, therefore hasn’t paid into CPP, yet isnon-profits do advocacy informally; I believe the MS or
disabled?Diabetes organizations have information kits.
AS: The person is not eligible at all. The governmentMIB: What else do you want people to know?
sees it as, if the person is 18, that person should beAS: If someone has say, mental illness, and continued
able to be self-supporting.to try and return to work, sometimes this is used
MIB: How long does it take to get CPP disabilityagainst the client. The government says, “Therefore
benefits?you can work since you can do sporadic work.” But,
AS: It can take up to two years. If a person issporadic work supports a claim, because, the
approved the first time round, it takes about sixgovernment will say, “You haven’t tried to do
months.any work, so how do you know if you’re
MIB: Where do you get the application forms?disabled?” It’s used as a double-edged sword.
AS: Call 800-277-9914Contact someone with experience working as an
MIB: What documentation does CPP need?advocate. It’s a numbers game, so appeal.
AS: They need proof of birth, like a birth certificate orI suggest when I have observed other government
a baptismal certificate…[and others]over the years, when appeals go higher up,
MIB: Is there an interview?they’re more difficult to win, like a triangle
AS: There is an interview if you want help completingpointing upwards. But with CPP, the triangle points the
the forms. They do not usually contact you untilother way down, so you actually have more success
they’re actually adjudicating the file. Then,with appeals. The more you stick it out, the higher up
they’ll call and ask for clarification or otheryou go, so you’re dealing with far more
information.reasonable individuals. Don’t give up when being
MIB: What percentage of people get rejected on thedenied.
first try?To Apply for DisabilityPrint online form at or call
AS: According to a 2003 figure, it’s close to800-277-9914
60%An Advocacy Primer for Persons with Disabilities
MIB: What is the next step if your application getsPovNet Page of Links and Resources
rejected?Information About Appealing A Decision To A Review
AS: Some give up, which is very unfortunate. You canTribunal
contact your MP’s office, and you can getOffice of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals
appeal and application guides on internet.Has more information about the appeal process,
MIB: For the appeal, what do you file, who do you fileincluding:
to, and what happens?- Forms and applications.
AS: You submit to a review tribunal. The tribunals are- A glossary explaining terms used in the appeal
held by an independent body set up to hear appealsprocess.
for the CPP; it’s the Office of the- Links to sites that offer more information on
Commissioner of the Review Tribunal. It is governmentlegislation and Canada’s public pensions and
per se, but it’s not CPP. It’s a board ofbenefits.
individuals who sit independently and listen to both- News bulletins and informational updates.
sides. They are looking at for the first time; what cameCall to start a review tribunal appeal at 1-800-363-0076
before is not valid. It’s not adversarial. The- free of charge in Canada(outside of Canada, call
person who appeals becomes the appellant and thecollect 613-946-0320) 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.