Disability

If you're unable to work because of a physical or mental disability, you might be able to collect an SFPP disability pension.

To qualify for a partial or total disability pension, you must:

have been an active SFPP member before July 1, 2007;
have at least 2 years of pensionable SFPP service (be vested), but fewer than 25 years;
be under the age of 55 before commencing the disability pension;
have terminated from the Plan;
have kept your funds with SFPP (if you're a deferred member);
be unable to perform your regular work duties because of a disability; and
not be receiving or eligible to receive benefits under another disability plan as detailed below.

If you have 25 years of pensionable service or you're 55 or older and vested, you can apply to begin your regular SFPP pension.

Once your disability pension begins, we'll contact you occasionally to verify that you still qualify.

SFPP Disability Pension Calculation

A disability pension is based on your highest average salary and years of pensionable service. A partial disability pension is provided at a reduced amount compared to a regular or total disability pension.

The disability pension is paid for life, unless you no longer qualify.

How to Apply

If your doctor(s) determines that your ability to work will be affected, you and your employer are required to complete the Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form. Your doctor(s) will also be required to supply a separate Confidential Medical Statement, at your cost. These documents will be reviewed by an independent medical consultant.

Benefits Under Another Disability Plan

If you're receiving benefits under an employer-sponsored Long Term Disability Income (LTDI) plan or you're receiving Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) temporary disability benefits, you won't be eligible for any SFPP disability pension. This is because you'll remain active in SFPP while receiving these benefits.

How Receiving LTDI Plan Benefits Affects Access to SFPP Disability Pensions

Type of LTDI Plan	Is the LTDI Plan Filed With SFPP?	Eligible to Receive SFPP Disability Pension?
No LTDI Plan Coverage	N/A	May be eligible to apply
LTDI Sponsored by your Employer	Yes	No
LTDI Sponsored by your Employer	No	May be eligible to apply (if your employment terminates or you move to a non-SFPP participating position)
Temporary partial or total disability WCB benefit	Yes	No
WCB Income Replacement (WCB has determined you are not able to return to work)	N/A	May be eligible to apply

Receiving Benefits From WCB or a Filed LTDI Plan Through Your Employer

If you're off work and receiving a benefit from an employer-sponsored disability plan that's been filed with SFPP, or you're receiving WCB temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefits, you won't be eligible to receive an SFPP disability pension. You'll continue to participate in SFPP while you're receiving these disability benefits. You must pay SFPP pension contributions as if you were still at work receiving your income before becoming disabled. The time that you receive pay from a filed LTDI plan or WCB will count towards the pensionable service you have in SFPP.

Receiving Benefits From an Unfiled LTDI Plan Through Your Employer

If you're off work and receiving a benefit from an employer-sponsored disability plan that hasn't been filed with SFPP, you cannot apply for a disability pension. You'll continue to participate in SFPP while you're receiving these benefits, and you'll have the choice to buy back the service associated with the period you were collecting benefits from the unfiled LTDI plan as a period of leave without salary.