How do I apply?
You must fill out and send in an application kit. You can do this online using your My Service Canada Account. If you do not have an account, you can register for one at canada.ca/msca.
You can also fill out an application kit and mail it to the address on the form. Or take it to your nearest Service Canada office.
Find the forms online at canada.ca/esdc-forms. Or call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914. For TTY call 1-800-255-4786.
Filling out the application kit
The kit has an application form and a medical form. You must fill out the application form and sections 1 and 2 of the medical form.
A friend or family member can help you fill out the forms. Or a community legal clinic or a lawyer might be able to help you.
Medical information
Send as much medical information as you can to prove your disability is both severe and prolonged. If you apply online, you can upload documents to your My Service Canada Account.
You must explain in a very clear way how your disability stops you from working. Give as many details as you can.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner must fill out sections 3 to 9 of the medical form. They often charge a fee to do this. CPP pays up to $85 of the fee. You must pay anything more than that.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner may send the form back to you or to Service Canada. If they send it to you, you must send it to Service Canada.
You do not have to wait for your doctor or nurse practitioner to send their part. Send your application as soon as you can. You can send in sections of your application as you finish them.
Keep copies and proof
Keep a copy of what you send and proof of when you sent it. For example, save notes, screenshots of what you upload to your My Service Canada Account, or receipts from the post office.
If you have a terminal illness
If you have an illness that you will likely die from within 6 months, fill out the terminal illness application. If you qualify, you can get benefits faster.
Service Canada takes only 5 days to decide if you can get benefits when you use this form. It usually takes 120 days to let people know or 30 days if the person has a very serious illness.
To find out how to get and send in this form, go to the top of this page.
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