Disability and your pension

Explore the options that may be available to you if you become ill or injured and are unable to work.

If you are unable to work because of illness or injury, you may be eligible for benefits under a long-term or short-term disability plan through your union or employer. In some cases you may also be eligible for a disability benefit through BC’s Public Service Pension Plan.

Your union or employer can tell you about the criteria you must meet to receive benefits under a long-term or short-term group disability plan. These benefits pay you an income while you are unable to work.

If you receive benefits under a short-term disability plan, you will continue to make pension contributions and accumulate pensionable and contributory service in the plan.

If you receive benefits under an approved long-term disability plan, you will not make pension contributions. However, you will continue to accumulate pensionable and contributory service in the plan while you are off work.

Disability benefit

You may be eligible for a disability benefit if you are totally and permanently disabled before age 60 and not covered under an approved long-term disability plan. A disability benefit pays you a monthly benefit and replaces any termination benefits or retirement pension you would normally receive as a plan member.

You may also be eligible for a separate disability benefit from Canada Pension Plan.