Disability Pensions

If you are not able to continue to work because of a disability, you might be facing many changes in your life, including financial.
Good news -- you may qualify for a LAPP disability pension.

You are eligible to receive a disability pension from LAPP if:

  • You are vested, meaning you have two or more years of LAPP service or membership,
  • You cannot effectively perform the regular duties of your work as a result of mental or physical inability OR your mental or physical inability can be expected to last for your lifetime and prevents you from engaging in any gainful employment,
  • You are under age 65, and
  • You are 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 to you for as long as you live, unless you return to work or no longer qualify for a disability pension. Once your disability pension begins, we will contact you from time-to-time to verify that your disability continues.

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

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Partial Disability
Incapable of effectively performing the regular duties of his/her work as a result of his/her physical or mental impairment.

Total Disability
Suffering from a physical or mental impairment that can reasonably be expected to last for the remainder of the patient’s lifetime and prevents the patient from engaging in any gainful occupation.

How Do I Apply For a Disability Pension?

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

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  • Once you fill out the application, we will contact your doctor(s) listed for more information about your request for a disability pension.
     
  • Talk to your doctor(s) about any charges for medical reports. These fees are your responsibility.
     
  • When we receive the medical reports from your doctor(s), they will be forwarded to an independent medical consultant who is a doctor. This doctor will review the reports and advise LAPP. LAPP will use these opinions to decide if you meet the definition of disabled, and, if so, whether the disability is partial or total.
     
  • A letter will be sent to you explaining if your application was approved. The letter will tell you if you have been granted a disability pension and, if so, whether the pension is a Total or Partial Disability Pension.
     
  • If your application was denied or if a Partial Disability pension was granted, you will also be provided with instructions for requesting a review of the decision.

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? May Receive A LAPP Disability Pension?
No LTD Plan Coverage N/A May be eligible to apply
LTD Sponsored by your Employer Yes  No
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  No
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Income Replacement
(WCB has determined you are not able to return to work)		 N/A May be eligible to apply

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

If you are 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 will not be able to receive a LAPP disability pension. You can apply for a LAPP disability pension when you are no longer eligible to receive LTD benefits or WCB Income Replacement.

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

You will continue to be a member of LAPP while you are 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 am Receiving Pay From an Unfiled LTD Plan?

You cannot apply for a disability pension (unless you resign or move to a non-LAPP participating position), but you will have the choice to buy that service as a period of leave.

Shortened Life Expectancy

If you are 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.