You may be able to expedite your CPP disability claim if you’re suffering from a serious illness. In today’s article, we’ll discuss how to bring a fast-tracked CPP disability claim for terminal illness or a grave medical condition.
Standard track CPP disability claim process
To qualify for CPP disability benefits, an applicant must meet several eligibility criteria. The standard CPP disability criteria requires that an applicant have a mental and/or physical impairment that is both severe and prolonged.
To apply using the standard track, the applicant must use the Application for Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits (ISP1151) and have their doctor submit a Medical Report for a Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (ISP2519). Service Canada then reviews the application and makes a decision to approve or deny the claim, typically within 120 calendar days of receiving the complete application. The process will take longer if employment or medical information is missing.
Fast-track terminal illness disability claim
There is a different set of eligibility criteria for applicants with a terminal illness disability claim, designed to make the application process simpler and the decision-making time shorter.
For the purposes of CPP disability, a terminal illness is a disease state that can’t be cured or adequately treated and is reasonably expected to result in death within six months. A person with a terminal illness disability claim applies using a streamlined application form: the Terminal Illness Application for a Disability Benefit under the Canada Pension Plan (ISP2530A), which includes a Terminal Illness Medical Attestation for their doctor to complete and submit.
Service Canada’s stated goal is to process and make a decision to approve or deny a terminal illness disability claim within five business days of receiving a completed application. Missing information will result in delays. It’s a good idea to work with an experienced CPP disability lawyer to ensure that the application paperwork is complete and accurate.
Application process and timeline for those with a grave medical condition
There is another type of CPP disability application that can be used to speed up the process. If you’re suffering from a grave medical condition, your CPP disability application will receive expedited processing. Service Canada has published a list of grave medical conditions (see Annex A for the full list). These conditions—which include several types of cancer, early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and ALS—are severe and rapidly progressive medical conditions with marked and severe functional limitations and may result in death.
A person who has a grave medical condition applies for CPP disability benefits using the same application form and medical report as a person applying under the standard track. The major difference is that an applicant with a grave medical condition should get Service Canada’s decision sooner: their stated goal is to make a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application package.
It’s important to emphasize again that missing employment or medical information will delay the process. If you want to avoid unnecessary delays, consider working with an experienced CPP disability lawyer to ensure your application package is completed properly from the outset. It’s also important to note that ig you receive a CPP disability claim denial, you have options.
TRUSTED LEGAL ADVICE FROM OUR CPP DISABILITY CLAIM LAW FIRM
We welcome you to contact our CPP disability claim lawyer for compassionate advice and speedy assistance with your fast-tracked CPP disability claim for terminal illness or a grave medical condition. The team at our CPP disability claim law firm will help you determine which benefits you are eligible to claim and guide you through the application process.
Calgary-based Ludwar Law Firm has over 25 years of experience representing clients with CPP disability claims. Our clients appreciate that we take the time to explain their options and what to expect during the claims process. Our legal expertise has helped get approval for all types of claims (CPP disability claim for accidents, CPP disability claim for injuries, and CPP disability claims for terminal illnesses). We also provide legal services for matters such as long-term disability claims to clients throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.
If you’re ready to work with a professional CPP disability claim lawyer, we welcome you to reach out to us. Your first consultation with our CPP disability claim lawyer is free and can be done at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.
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