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Disability Pensions

Often when you're not able to continue working, you're also facing many other life challenges, including financial. The good news is you may qualify for a LAPP disability pension.

You're Eligible for a LAPP Disability Pension If:

You're vested; and
You can't effectively perform your regular work duties or your disability prevents you from engaging in any gainful employment; and
You're not able to start an unreduced pension; and
You're not receiving a benefit from a disability plan filed with LAPP, or a Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefit.

How Is a LAPP Disability Pension Calculated?

A disability pension from LAPP is calculated based on your age, years of service in the Plan, and your highest average salary. The pension will be paid as long as you live, unless you return to work or no longer qualify. Once your disability pension begins, we will contact you from time to time to verify your disability status.

The two types of LAPP disability pensions are Total Disability Pension and Partial Disability Pension.

Partial Disability
You're incapable of effectively performing regular work duties as a result of your disability.

Total Disability
You're suffering from a disability that is reasonably expected to last the rest of your lifetime and prevents you from engaging in any gainful employment.

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Plans and How They Relate to LAPP Disability Pensions

Type of LTD Plan	Is it an LTD Plan filed with LAPP?	Result:
No LTD Plan Coverage.	N/A.	May be eligible to apply.
LTD Sponsored by your Employer.	Yes.	Not eligible at this time.
LTD Sponsored by your Employer.	No.	May be eligible to apply if you resign or move to a non-LAPP participating position.
Temporary Partial or Total Disability Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) benefit.	Yes.	Not eligible at this time.
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Income Replacement (WCB has determined you're not able to return to work).	N/A.	May be eligible to apply.

How Do I Apply For a Disability Pension?

If you and your doctor(s) decide you're not able to continue working, complete the Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form and Confidential Medical Statement.

Once you fill out the application, we will contact your listed doctor(s) for more information, and your doctor(s) can talk to you about any charges for medical reports.
When we receive the medical reports from your doctor(s), they will be forwarded to an independent medical consultant (another doctor). This doctor will review the reports and advise LAPP, who will then use these opinions to verify the disability as well as determine if it's partial or total.
A letter will be sent to you explaining whether your application has been approved and if it's a Total or Partial Disability Pension.
If your application was denied, or if a Partial Disability was granted instead of a Total Disability Pension, you'll also be provided with instructions for requesting a decision review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm Receiving Pay From a LAPP-Approved or WCB LTD Plan Through My Employer?

If you're off work while disabled and receiving a benefit from a disability plan filed with LAPP, or a WCB temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefit, you're not able to receive a LAPP disability pension. You can apply for a LAPP disability pension when you're no longer eligible to receive LTD benefits or WCB Income Replacement.

Am I Still a LAPP Member if I'm Receiving a Benefit From a Disability Plan Filed With LAPP, or a WCB Temporary Total Disability or Temporary Partial Disability Benefit?

You'll continue to be a LAPP member while you're receiving pay from an LTD plan filed with LAPP or from WCB Income Replacement. You must pay LAPP pension contributions as if you were still at work receiving your income before becoming disabled. The time that you receive pay from a filed LTD plan or WCB income replacement will count towards the service you have in LAPP.

What if I'm Receiving Pay From an Unfiled LTD Plan?

You won't be able to apply for a disability pension unless you resign or move to a non-LAPP participating position, but you'll have the choice to buy that service as a period of leave.

Shortened Life Expectancy

If you've been diagnosed with an illness or disability that is terminal or will shorten your life expectancy considerably, you may be eligible to access all or a portion of your LAPP benefit entitlement.

Please visit the Shortened Life Expectancy page for more information.