CPP Benefits
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides disability benefits to people who have made enough contributions to the CPP and who are disabled and cannot work at any job on a regular basis. Benefits may also be available to their dependent children.
- To qualify for a disability benefit under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP):
- A disability must be both "severe" and "prolonged", and it must prevent you from being able to work at any job on a regular basis.
- Severe means that you have a mental or physical disability that regularly stops you from doing any type of substantially gainful work.
- Prolonged means that your disability is long-term and of indefinite duration or is likely to result in death.
- Be under the age of 65 and
- Meet the CPP contribution requirements. To qualify for a CPP disability benefit you must have contributed to the CPP in:
- Four of the last six years, or
- Three of the last six years if you have contributed for at least 25 years.
- A disability must be both "severe" and "prolonged", and it must prevent you from being able to work at any job on a regular basis.
- How much could you receive:
- For 2023, the average monthly CPP disability benefit is $1,127.30 and the maximum monthly amount is $1,606.78. You will receive the basic monthly amount fixed for all recipients, plus an amount based on how much you contributed to the CPP during your entire working career.
- If you are receiving a CPP disability benefit, your dependent children may also be eligible for a children's benefit. In 2023, the flat monthly rate your child can receive is $281.72.
Workers Compensation Benefits (WCB)
WCB is here to help when an injury occurs at work. A workplace injury can be difficult and stressful for everyone involved. Workers' compensation insurance is no-fault insurance providing:
- Medical and return-to-work support services. Your injured workers will have access to the appropriate medical services to help them safely return to work. This includes chiropractic treatments, physiotherapy, counselling, etc.
- Protection against loss of income. Compensation for lost wages is based on 90 per cent of the worker's net earnings or income. In 2023, the maximum is $102,100., based on gross annual earnings.
- Lawsuit protection. This includes protection for you, your workers and other parties covered by WCB. (If you're incorporated, the directors must carry optional personal coverage to be protected from lawsuit. Personal coverage provides you with access to the same benefits and services available through workers' compensation insurance.)
- Effective Jan. 1, 2016, waged farm workers in Alberta are protected under the workers' compensation system.
- If you are injured at work, this means you will have access to the benefits and services available under the Workers' Compensation Act. This includes replacing lost wages resulting from your injury, as well as providing medical and rehabilitation support to help you recover and return to work safely.
- Coverage for farm and ranch owners, family members of owners, and non-waged workers is optional.
- Industry classifications set the stage for rate setting. All employers are classified into industries to help us accurately set premiums.
- You're classified in an industry with other employers who have similar businesses and risks as you do, rather than by the occupations of your employees. Premium rates are then set for your industry classification. The rates vary from industry to industry, reflecting the loss experience for each group.
- When developing these industry descriptions, we consult with business and industry representatives. Although we've tried to include all of the activities within an industry, the descriptions may not list every process or activity. We've classified employers in industries that we think best reflect their overall business. Rates – 2.75 to 2.97.
Blue Cross
- How are my benefits calculated? The payable WI (Weekly indemnity) benefit amount is usually based on a portion of the salary you were earning immediately before you stopped working. The method used to calculate your WI benefit amount is outlined in your employee benefits booklet.
- The payable LTD benefit amount is based on a portion of the earnings you were receiving before your disability began and will commence following an elimination period as outlined in your employee booklet. This amount may be reduced by other sources of income as defined by the group policy. Examples of primary deductions are benefits payable under Worker’s Compensation or Canada/Quebec Disability Benefits (CPP/QPP).
- LTD benefits or waiver of premium benefits typically have a maximum benefit period based on age. Unless otherwise specified under your group policy, the termination age is typically 65.
Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan
- Comprehensive Protection: Short Term & Long Term Disability Insurance.
- Disability insurance, whether short or long term, gives employees a financial cushion in the event they become disabled due to an injury or illness and are unable to work for a period of time. Although Health insurance will typically cover the costs of treating an injury or illness, most people will have a difficult time paying for basic necessities if they aren't able to work.
- Short Term Disability Insurance (Weekly Indemnity) We understand that each of our clients has a different budget and unique needs. You will be able to decide how long your employees must be off work before they may begin to collect benefits, and how long they may collect benefits. For employees under age 65, Short Term Disability insurance benefits represent 66 2/3% of their gross income to a maximum of $1,200 per week.
- Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance Insuring employees for the long term, LTD coverage can help provide financial security so a disabled employee can focus on recovery and returning to work. Chambers Plan LTD benefits provide employees with:
- Up to $7,000 per month.
- Benefits for 2 or 5 years, or until age 65.
- Guaranteed coverage to groups with 3 or more employees (non-evidence limits vary from $1,200 to $3,000).