How does CPP define “disability”?
If you qualify for disability benefits from other government programs, such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or private insurers, this is not a guarantee that you’ll qualify for a CPP disability benefit. The Disability Test The CPP definition states that a disability has to be both “severe” and “prolonged”. • “Severe” means you cannot do any substantially gainful job on a regular basis; In looking at your application, CPP is supposed to consider your individual circumstances—for example, your age, work experience and education level and training, in determining whether you would be employable on a regular basis. CPP cannot consider the fact that there are fewer jobs in your geographic area. • “Prolonged” means your disability is likely long continued and its duration is indefinite (your doctors can’t predict when it will end), or it is likely to result in death.
