Disability Allowance
Disability Allowance
At some point, you may become disabled or too sick to work. The disability allowance is a monthly payment designed to support you during this difficult time.
How it works
The disability allowance is based on the CSSB pension you’ve earned up to your last paid day with your employer. It’s calculated using the pension plan formula, which factors in your years of service and earnings.
Important: Receiving the disability allowance doesn’t mean you’re retiring. Even though you’re accessing this benefit early, it won’t reduce the amount of your pension when you retire.
The disability allowance is only paid if you have been approved for Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits. You must apply for LTD through your employer.
Eligibility
Members must meet all requirements:
- A member or deferred member of the pension plan (deferred members have left employment but kept their pension with CSSB)
- Ten or more years of qualifying service in the plan
- Under 60 years of age and age plus service total less than 80 (e.g., you’re 45 years old and have worked for 20 years, your total is 65)
- Not receiving a pension from CSSB
- Can’t work because of a permanent disability (i.e., a disability that is likely long term with no known recovery date or is likely to result in death)
How to apply
Manitoba government employees
- Apply for LTD through your employer. This serves as your disability allowance application.
- Contact CSSB to confirm your marital status (single, married, or common law). This information is needed so CSSB can send you the correct documents.
- CSSB will follow up. If you are approved, we will contact you to set up your disability allowance payments.
All other employees or deferred members
- Complete the Disability Allowance Application and send it to CSSB. Apply for LTD with your employer if this benefit is available.
- CSSB will request a medical report from your doctor. You need to cover the cost of this report.
- If needed, CSSB will request information from your employer.
- CSSB will review the documentation received and let you know if your application was approved or declined.
- If approved, CSSB will contact you to make payment arrangements.
How long the benefit lasts
Once approved, the disability allowance is paid for your lifetime unless you return to work or no longer meet the definition of disability.
If you’re thinking about ending your employment because of disability, you can apply for the disability allowance before you make any decisions. By doing this, CSSB can determine your eligibility before you decide if you’ll leave your job.
Good to know
Pensionable service while receiving the disability allowance
In many cases, you will continue to build pensionable service even though you’re not working. Your employer covers your pension contributions while you receive LTD benefits.
Not every employer offers this arrangement. Always check with your employer to ensure you understand your benefits.
How LTD payments connect with the disability allowance
Most LTD plans set a maximum amount that can be received from all income sources. Most LTD plans require employees to apply for other income sources, like your CSSB pension. They will reduce LTD payments by the amount they expect you will receive from those other sources.
If you’re approved for LTD, it’s important to contact CSSB to set up your disability allowance. This will minimize the impact of reduced LTD payments.
Many life changes can affect your pension. Explore the different events below to learn more. Contact CSSB if you have questions.
Disability Allowance
At some point, you may become disabled or too sick to work. The disability allowance is a monthly payment designed to support you during this difficult time.
How it works
The disability allowance is based on the CSSB pension you’ve earned up to your last paid day with your employer. It’s calculated using the pension plan formula, which factors in your years of service and earnings.
Important: Receiving the disability allowance doesn’t mean you’re retiring. Even though you’re accessing this benefit early, it won’t reduce the amount of your pension when you retire.
The disability allowance is only paid if you have been approved for Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits. You must apply for LTD through your employer.
Eligibility
Members must meet all requirements:
- A member or deferred member of the pension plan (deferred members have left employment but kept their pension with CSSB)
- Ten or more years of qualifying service in the plan
- Under 60 years of age and age plus service total less than 80 (e.g., you’re 45 years old and have worked for 20 years, your total is 65)
- Not receiving a pension from CSSB
- Can’t work because of a permanent disability (i.e., a disability that is likely long term with no known recovery date or is likely to result in death)
How to apply
Manitoba government employees
- Apply for LTD through your employer. This serves as your disability allowance application.
- Contact CSSB to confirm your marital status (single, married, or common law). This information is needed so CSSB can send you the correct documents.
- CSSB will follow up. If you are approved, we will contact you to set up your disability allowance payments.
All other employees or deferred members
- Complete the Disability Allowance Application and send it to CSSB. Apply for LTD with your employer if this benefit is available.
- CSSB will request a medical report from your doctor. You need to cover the cost of this report.
- If needed, CSSB will request information from your employer.
- CSSB will review the documentation received and let you know if your application was approved or declined.
- If approved, CSSB will contact you to make payment arrangements.
How long the benefit lasts
Once approved, the disability allowance is paid for your lifetime unless you return to work or no longer meet the definition of disability.
If you’re thinking about ending your employment because of disability, you can apply for the disability allowance before you make any decisions. By doing this, CSSB can determine your eligibility before you decide if you’ll leave your job.
Good to know
Pensionable service while receiving the disability allowance
In many cases, you will continue to build pensionable service even though you’re not working. Your employer covers your pension contributions while you receive LTD benefits.
Not every employer offers this arrangement. Always check with your employer to ensure you understand your benefits.
How LTD payments connect with the disability allowance
Most LTD plans set a maximum amount that can be received from all income sources. Most LTD plans require employees to apply for other income sources, like your CSSB pension. They will reduce LTD payments by the amount they expect you will receive from those other sources.
If you’re approved for LTD, it’s important to contact CSSB to set up your disability allowance. This will minimize the impact of reduced LTD payments.