Any Canadians on disability because of stage 4 bc?

Hmm... I have been on LTD for over a year at Stage2 and other than the paperwork that has to be filled out initially and after the year ended I was not bothered by them at all. get my cheque like clockwork. Apparently if you know you are going to be off a year or more or are termnal then you can apply to CCP for a disability pension. When I applied for LTD initially one of the questions was have to applied for disability pension and if not why. At the time I didn't know I was going to be off this long so I just told them as far as I knew I was dying and I had no intention of being off a year or more. They seemed fine with it. I guess a lot will do with how your doctor fills out the paperwork. I had my family doctor do it. I guess all you can do is apply and hope they are accept. In my opinion you should not be refused. Heck, the stress alone is debilitating. Hopefully someone who has been through the process will see your post and give you more specific and encouraging news.

I have been on ltd since prior to BC diagnosis due to mutltiple other medical problems. dealt twith Sun life. the key is documentation. My hubbie put all my medical appts in computer and I sent them copies of everything. If i needed to fill out questionaire i never used line on form always sent very detailed answers on separate sheet of paper. I also snowed them down with faxed cpoeies, just to make sure they got the info as they were known for holding back on my ltd checks.. My family dr was great and filled out forms whilst I was in her office so i didnt wait. I am now on canada pension disablity. have some good info on that if anyone needs it. Best Floss

I would really like to have the info you have on applying for CPP-as I may have to do this. Thanks in advance!

HI I did send you a private email with some info I hope you received it Floss

I am collecting LTD due to Stage IV breast cancer.  A lot of forms, but no problems with approvals.   I also had to apply to CPP and that off-sets what I get from the insurer. 

My University students are also eligible for a CPP benefit, this was a nice break for them, as long as they are students and I am on LTD.

Hi Shelley,

I've been through the application process for CPP, local Social Services top-up and Revenue Canada disability tax credit.

Pearl is right, unless you have extended benefits the basic CPP & prov. top up amounts to $979/mth which is pretty pathetic.

To get a full disability pension you have to literallly be unable to care for yourself.  You can find the CPP Disability application forms online using Google, and also for your Province's disability benefits (which you may or may not need, depending on how long you've paid into CPP).  There is a dollar limit on assets you can own while on disability and also a revenue restriction of around $325/month (before they start reducing your disability) if you are able to work at all.

If you have any locked-in RRSP's you can access the funds by having your doctor write a letter stating you have a reduced life expectancy.  If you have to do this, be prepared, one can get very emotional when reading about their own 'impending' death.

Frankly, our system leaves a lot to be desired.  (being as PC as possible when I would prefer to scream and cuss...)

{{{Pearl}} my heart goes out to you.  I've been through it twice, so I know how truly difficult it is for you.  Hang in there.  You are a strong woman and you will get through.  One day you will look back and be proud of yourself, and at the same time wonder if it was all a bad dream.

Shelley, I'm so sorry I couldn't tell you the application process is simple and swift.  As a gov't employee I hope it will be a little easier for you.  I'm so very very sorry you even had to ask.  My thoughts & prayers are with you.  Are you posting on the Mets board?  There's a great (read fantastic) group of women there who will offer much love and support.

All the best, NED

I was on short term disability from my work for 6 months with a smooth transition to long term disability.  My oncologist wrote them a letter that basically had them sit down and shut up.  I have never had any problems with them.  I applied to CPP as it is required by Sunlife and when you are stage 4 a decision must be given to you within 48 hours of receipt.  And they do do that.  I got the call the next day saying it was approved and moved to the next dept which calculates the amount.

I also applied to the Federal Government for the tax credit under the columns of walking (restricted due to fatigue, use electric scooter - and - ability to dress myself.  I have difficulty reaching my feet and the arm sleeve takes time.  I got all of these with minimum fuss,.

I have had no problems getting sunlife to cover anything i need including a hospital bed, le pump, scooter, etc.

You go to service canada and follow it from there.... no problem