How can I apply for disability benefits with the province?

In order to apply for disability benefits, your disability must be expected to last for at least two years, and it must directly and significantly restrict your ability to perform daily living activities. As well, your disability must require that you have an assistive device like a wheelchair, OR significant help from another person, OR help from an assistive animal.

If you are currently being supported on regular employable income assistance or you have received the designation of a person with persistent and multiple barriers (PPMB), you can request an application form from your EAW.

If you are not receiving income assistance through the province, there are a series of steps that must be taken before you can apply for disability benefits.

1. If you have been working and are now unable to continue due to your health concerns, MHR will require you to apply for CPP benefits at the same time you are applying for provincial benefits.
2. MHR may also require you to make application to the federal Employment Insurance program.
3. All new applicants face a three-week waiting period before they can have an intake appointment with the Ministry. If you have an urgent need for food, shelter, or health benefits, you can ask for an emergency needs assessment. If you are granted on you will not have to wait the full three weeks for an appointment.
4. During the three-week waiting period you will be expected to look for work unless you have a disability that makes it difficult for you to seek employment. If you do, you may be excused from doing a job search. Let your EAW or the Ministry know about your disability as soon as possible, preferably at your first interview. You may need to provide a letter from your doctor about your medical condition.
5. After the three-week waiting period, you may request an application for disability benefits. The only way of obtaining this application is through an EAW directly. The application is broken down to three sections. The first section is for you to fill out. Section two is the section your doctor fills out and Section three is the section an “assessor” fills out. An assessor can only be one of the following:
   • Your doctor (your doctor can fill out sections two and three), or
   • A registered psychologist, or
   • A registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse, or
   • An occupational therapist, or
   • A physical therapist, or
   • A registered social worker

After completing your section (Section 1), take the application to your doctor to complete Section 2. Section 3 is to be completed by one of the above assessors. It is recommended that you enlist the services of the qualified AVI advocate to do this section. HE/SHE will ensure that all the sections are completed properly and that a copy of your application is on file. Finally, seal the original in the postage paid enveloped provided in the application and take it to a post box.