Can plan members receive a pension benefit if they become disabled?

The USPP provides benefits in the event of permanent disability. After exhausting all sick leave credits, plan members may qualify to receive a disability pension. Eligibility criteria for this benefit include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• must be an employee as defined by the Uniformed Services (Pensions) Act;
• must have accumulated a minimum of five years pensionable service; and
• disability must be medically certified, to the satisfaction of the Minister of Finance, as likely to be permanent. (Plan members should be aware that the assessment of eligibility involves an exchange of medical records between their physician(s) and the Plan’s Medical Assessor, and may involve further medical examinations. The approval process can be lengthy.)

The pension payable under medical disability is based upon the amount of pension earned to the date of retirement. Three things that distinguish this benefit from other retirement options are:

• permanent disability prohibits the plan member from returning to work;
• the benefit is payable with effect from the expiration of sick leave credits (but no earlier than the date that the application is received by the Pension and Group Insurance Administration Division);
• there is no minimum age requirement.

Note: Participation in a rehabilitation program is mandatory if recommended by the plan’s Medical Assessor.