Disability Pensions

If you can no longer work because of a disability, you may be able to collect a PSPP disability pension.

To qualify, you must:

have been an active or deferred member of PSPP or a CPS-related plan before July 1, 2007;
have at least two years of PSPP pensionable service or CPS (vested);
if deferred, have left your funds with PSPP;
not be able to perform your regular work duties because of physical or mental inability; and
not be receiving or eligible to receive benefits under another disability plan as detailed below.

You can apply to receive a partial or total disability pension at any age before 65 if you are not yet eligible for an unreduced pension. If you are over 55 and entitled to an unreduced pension, you can apply to begin your regular PSPP pension.

A disability pension is based on your highest average salary and years of pensionable service. The pension will be paid for your lifetime unless you no longer qualify for a disability pension. Once your disability pension begins, we will contact you occasionally to verify that you still qualify.

How to Apply

If your ability to work is impacted by a physical or mental impairment, you can complete a Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form to apply to receive a PSPP disability pension. Your doctor(s) will also be required to complete a Confidential Medical Statement.

If you are still participating in PSPP, complete the Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form in conjunction with your employer.

The Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form and Confidential Medical Statement are available here.

You are responsible for any costs your doctor(s) may charge for completing the Confidential Medical Statement.
Once PSPP receives the Confidential Medical Statement, it will be forwarded to an independent medical consultant. The independent medical consultant will review the evidence related to your disability and recommend to PSPP if you are considered to be partially disabled or totally disabled.
You will be notified of the independent medical consultant’s decision and advised whether you have been granted a disability pension and, if so, whether the pension is a partial disability pension or a total disability pension.
If your application is denied or if a partial disability pension is granted, you will also be provided with instructions for requesting a review of the decision.

Benefits from Another Disability Plan

If you meet the criteria above but are receiving benefits under a LTDI plan, you are not eligible for a PSPP disability pension.

You'll remain active in PSPP while receiving LTDI benefits. You must make contributions to PSPP during this period and you will continue to earn pensionable service.

LTDI benefits include Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) temporary disability benefits.