If you’re looking for a long term disability New Brunswick guide, then you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll review how long-term disability (LTD) works in New Brunswick, compare the different programs and benefits you can get, and provide you with a step-by-step process on how to apply.
Once you’ve read this article, you should know all about the benefits you can get and how to apply for them.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to discuss your situation with us, click on the button below to schedule a free case evaluation.
Long term disability New Brunswick guide
This comprehensive guide to long-term disability in New Brunswick covers various aspects, including eligibility criteria, common disabilities, employment statistics, available benefits, application processes, and rates for different programs. From understanding qualifying conditions to applying for benefits, this article provides essential insights and steps to navigate the system effectively.
Let’s dive in!
What qualifies for long-term disability in New Brunswick?
Any condition can qualify for long-term disability insurance benefits in New Brunswick. Approval for benefits is not based on the diagnosis itself; rather, it is contingent upon how your condition prevents you from working.
The following are some examples of conditions that qualify for LTD:
Keep in mind that this list is NOT comprehensive. Just because your condition isn’t listed doesn’t mean you won’t qualify.
Long-Term Disability in New Brunswick
According to the most recent Canadian Survey on Disability conducted in 2022, New Brunswick has the second-highest percentage of people with disabling conditions in Canada, at around 35.3 percent. This is up 8.6 percentage points from the last survey, conducted in 2017.
This research indicates that the number of people with disabling conditions in the province is growing quite rapidly. This could be attributed to the rising rate of mental health-related disabilities, which grew 3.2 percentage points Canadawide from 2017 to 2022.
The most common disabilities in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the most common disabilities include pain-related disabilities (63 percent of those with disabilities) and mental health disabilities (43 percent of those with disabilities), according to the 2017 CSD. Other common conditions may include those related to flexibility and mobility, which occur in New Brunswick at slightly higher rates compared to the rest of the Canadian population.
Employment among disabled populations in New Brunswick
Unemployment disproportionately impacts the disabled population in New Brunswick. According to the 2016 Census, only 55.4 percent of people with disabilities in the New Brunswick population were employed, compared to 76.5 percent of persons without disabilities.
Unemployment affects certain disabilities more than others. For instance, only 22.8 percent of New Brunswick residents with developmental disorders are employed. Similarly, only 33.7 percent of those with memory-related disabilities remain part of the labour force. On the other hand, people with hearing and seeing-related disabilities have much higher overall employment rates, at 58 percent and 56.3 percent, respectively.
List of New Brunswick disability benefits
The following is a list of disability benefits New Brunswick has to offer:
Long-term disability insurance
Canada long term disability insurance is a prevalent benefit available in New Brunswick. Eligibility for this insurance requires coverage under a policy offering long-term disability benefits. Typically, individuals are covered through their workplace’s group insurance policy, although some may have a private, individual long-term disability policy obtained through an insurance broker.
If you’re covered under a group benefits plan, it’s essential to verify whether long-term disability benefits are included. For self-employed people, acquiring a long-term disability policy through a broker is common practice. To determine if you have long-term disability benefits, contact the broker who facilitated the policy or review your insurance documentation.
CPP disability
CPP disability is a federal program that provides disability benefits to people who have a severe, prolonged disability that prevents them from doing substantially gainful work.
In order to qualify for CPP disability benefits, you need to make less than $17,000 per year. You also need to have worked previously and paid into the Canadian Pension Plan through your payroll taxes. CPP payments generally pay up to $1,616.52 per month in 2024 and last until you reach age 65.
WorkSafeNB long term disability
WorkSafeNB provides monthly benefits to workers who are injured on the job. To qualify for workers’ compensation payments, you must work for an employer insured under WorkSafeNB and experience a work-related injury or illness. Once approved, the program covers the cost of the health care services and supplies that are necessary to treat your injury and help you return to work. This includes:
- Paying for medical therapies and hospital fees
- A direct-pay prescription drug program that helps pay for prescriptions
- Income benefits that include up to 85 percent of your take-home pay while recovering from serious workplace injuries
- Any personal care needs or travel expenses associated with medical care during your recovery
You may be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services if you suffer from a permanent disability because of a workplace injury. This service will help you find ways to get back to work. You may also have grounds for an impairment award that will provide you with compensation for the permanent loss of your ability to work.
New Brunswick disability support program (DSP)
The New Brunswick government administers a disability support program designed to provide financial coverage for specific disability-related costs in New Brunswick. While Canada has a robust public health program, there are some benefits that may not be covered by that program. The disability support program can help cover the cost of home support workers, respite care, residential facility services for supervision, transportation support, and assistive devices.
In order to qualify for the disability support program in New Brunswick, you must be a New Brunswick resident between 19 and 64 years old with a long-term disability. The disability support program also requires that you have a disability where community involvement, specialty benefits and other supports would help you live a better life.
Disability Tax Credit
The Disability Tax Credit is another disability benefit in New Brunswick. But unlike the other programs, it does not provide a monthly payment. Instead, it gives a refund on federal income taxes paid. So, to get benefits, you need to be paying taxes. Or, you need to be dependent on someone who does. In that case, however, the other person receives the benefit — not you.
If you have a child with a long-term disability, then you can qualify for the child disability benefit. With this benefit, you receive a monthly payment. To qualify, you must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit. In addition, your child must meet the criteria for the disability tax credit.
Registered Disability Saving Plan (RDSP)
If you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit, then you are eligible for an RDSP. An RDSP is a long-term savings plan designed for people with disabilities. When you open an account, the government may also provide you with grants and bonds to go toward your savings.
You can qualify for an RDSP if you meet the following criteria:
- You are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit
- Under the age of 60
- Are a Canadian resident
New Brunswick disability grants
The following is a brief overview of the disability grants offered in New Brunswick:
NB Vehicle Retrofit Program
NB Vehicle Retrofit Program was created by Ability NB, a community-based, provincial non-profit organization that supports people with mobility-related disabilities.
This program is designed to increase the mobility of a person with disabilities by covering 80 percent of the cost of the purchase and installation of eligible retrofitting and accessibility features for vehicles.
Some elements that may be eligible for this funding include new:
- Wheelchair or scooter lifts or ramps
- Roof, floor and door modifications
- Accessible seating and hand controls
- Wheelchair tie downs
In addition, the program also connects eligible candidates with specialists and suppliers who can make recommendations on what equipment should be installed.
Accessible NB
Accessible NB is a free program designed to help businesses foster more accessible work environments. The program offers accessibility reviews and free consultations to businesses. It also provides specific recommendations for new designs, modifications, and improvements.
Transition NB
Transition NB is a non-profit program that creates personalized education and career plans for students with disabilities. The program also connects students with resources and supports designed to make the transition easier.
New Brunswick disability rates 2024
How much is disability in New Brunswick? You may be wondering how much is disability in New Brunswick. While we can’t provide you with an exact number, this is what you can expect for each program.
New Brunswick disability amount:
| Type of Benefit | Amount Paid (2023) | How Long Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Group LTD Insurance | 60 to 70% of your wages | To age 65 |
| Priviate Insurance | Fixed monthly amount stated in Policy. Amount varies. (e.g., 5,000 per month) | To age 65 or more |
| CPP Disability | $1,127.30 (Average) and $1,606.78 (Maximum) | To age 65 |
| WCB | Typically 85% of your usual take-home pay | To age 65 |
Long-term disability insurance rates
In New Brunswick, long-term disability can either pay a percentage of your income (e.g., 55-80 percent) or a fixed amount (e.g., $2,000 per month). Read your group benefits booklet or talk to your plan administrator if you have questions about how much your LTD payments will be.
To learn more about long term disability, check out our LTD calculator.
CPP disability New Brunswick rates
In 2024, the basic CPP disability payment amount is $583.32. CPP adds to this basic amount based on how much you paid into the program. The average amount for new beneficiaries as of October 2023 is $1,127.30, while the maximum amount in 2024 is $1,606.78.
WorkSafeNB rates
If you are approved for WorkSafeNB loss of earning benefits, the program may cover up to 85% of pre-disability income. The maximum assessable earnings for 2024 is $76,900.
DSP New Brunswick rates
What are the disability support program New Brunswick rates for 2024? The DSP does NOT pay income replacement benefits to qualified applicants. Instead, the program develops a custom personal disability support plan tailored to your needs.
Disability supports can include:
- Home Support Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Respite
- Personal support and assistance in and outside the home
- Supports for community involvement and participation
- Personal living skills training
- Disability-specific transportation supports
- Technical supports and devices that are met through policy guidelines
- Residential facility services
- Meals on Wheels
- Employment and Support Services Program
New Brunswick Disability Tax Credit rates
The Disability Tax Credit is another disability benefit in New Brunswick. But unlike other programs, it does not provide a monthly payment. Instead, it gives a refund on federal income taxes paid. So, to qualify for it, you need to be paying taxes. Or, you need to be dependent on someone who does. In that case, however, the other person receives the benefit — not you.
If you have a child with a long-term disability, you can qualify for the Child Disability Benefit. This benefit provides a monthly payment. To qualify, however, you must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit. In addition, your child must meet the criteria for the Disability Tax Credit.
Are you looking to work with a long term disability lawyer Brunswick? Click on the button below to schedule a free consultation.
How to apply for disability in New Brunswick
If you have recently realized that you need to apply for long-term disability in New Brunswick, you may feel overwhelmed by all the requirements and forms you have to fill out. That is why we compiled a list of seven simple steps on how to apply for long term disability in New Brunswick.
1. Figure out what plan covers you
There are multiple long-term disability benefits and coverage options available in New Brunswick. In order to get the coverage you need, you must first determine what benefits you qualify for.
You can start this process by considering where your injury happened. For example, you should apply for WorkSafeNB if you get injured at work. Seek legal advice if you are unsure if your injury was work-related.
If you did not suffer a workplace injury or illness, you should check to see if you have group benefits through your employer. If so, you should find out if you have long-term disability coverage under the plan.
Another possibility is you may have an individual disability insurance policy. You would have bought this directly from an insurance company. If you think this may be the case, contact your insurance broker or find a copy of your policy.
However, if none of these options apply to you, check to see if you qualify for CPP disability. Try to remember if you paid into CPP. This would include receiving a paycheque with payroll deductions. If you paid into CPP at least four of the last six years leading up to when you stopped working, you would have coverage.
You may also be eligible for the disability tax credit or the New Brunswick Disability support program.
2. Get support from your doctor
It is nearly impossible to win disability benefits without your doctor’s support. In most cases, you will need to have a certification from your doctor indicating the extent of your disability and why it prevents you from working. Your doctor may also need to lay out treatments you may have tried or your future prognosis.
If you do not have your doctor’s support, you may have a hard time getting your claim approved. Talk to your doctor about your inability to work. Discuss what treatment options might help improve your condition and whether they might enable you to return to work in the future.
3. Get the correct New Brunswick disability form
Many disability programs typically involve three forms: one for you to complete, one for your doctor to fill out, and one for your employer to complete.
You can usually get these forms online or through your employer.
4. Complete the application forms
Once you get all the forms, you should start completing the New Brunswick disability application.
Your primary responsibility lies in completing the notice of claim form accurately and thoroughly. This form is crucial, so ensure you take the necessary time to fill it out correctly. Your responses should be comprehensive and precise. Once completed, send the notice of claim form to your benefits provider promptly.
Additionally, you’ll need a medical report from your doctor, which is a requirement for all benefit plans. It’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your doctor specifically to review and complete this form. Your doctor will then fill it out and return it to you for submission to your provider, or they may opt to send it directly.
For workers’ compensation and long-term disability insurance, an employer’s report is necessary. Your employer is responsible for submitting this report, and they should have copies readily available. You are not required to provide this form to your employer.
Take the time to ensure your New Brunswick disability benefits application is accurate and complete to avoid potential rejection due to missing or insufficient information.
5. Write a cover letter and submit your application
Your cover letter should be relatively short and concise. So, don’t overload it with unnecessary information. It should explain what documents are attached and highlight important details. A lawyer can help review your cover letter and give you more information about what you might want to include.
Keep in mind that once you submit your application, you may have to wait sometime before you are assigned a claim representative and start to move forward with your claim. It can take time to have your disability benefits approved.
6. Attend an interview with your claim representative
Once your application is submitted, your insurance provider will usually assign a claim representative to your case. Typically, the representative will ask to schedule an interview with you — usually over the phone. During the interview, they may ask specific questions about your disability or ask for additional medical information.
Your claim representative is responsible for deciding whether your claim is approved or denied, so you need to answer their questions carefully, thoughtfully, and thoroughly.
If you’re concerned about the questions a claim representative might ask, consider reviewing your answers ahead of time to ensure that you are prepared to provide the information the claim representative will need.
7. Wait for the decision
Once your interview is over, you may need to send additional medical information to your claim representative — should they ask. Make sure to cooperate with them and get them everything they need. After you have submitted all the required information, the waiting game begins.
We know waiting for the decision is often the hardest part of this process. However, try to keep a positive mindset. Even if your claim gets denied, you can always appeal the decision.
Check out our article, long term disability denied to learn more about what you can do after a denial.
Having trouble with long term disability NB benefits?
Many people can obtain long-term disability benefits without hiring a lawyer. However, in some cases, seeking legal support is necessary.
If you are looking to hire an LTD lawyer or advocate, you should do your research. It is best to hire a long-term disability lawyer or someone who is experienced with the process.
At Resolute Legal, we have successfully represented many people from New Brunswick in long-term disability claims. We have represented people at all claims stages, including applying for benefits, internal appeals, legal appeals, and lawsuits. If you’re dealing with an appeal, we can review your situation and offer suggestions to improve your chances of success. This is part of our free claim review.
Call us toll-free today at (888) 480-9050 or book a free consultation.
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FAQs on NB disability
How long is long term disability in New Brunswick?
Long term disability insurance benefits in New Brunswick and the rest of Canada persist until you no longer meet the policy’s disability criteria or until the coverage period concludes, typically at age 65. Coverage duration varies by policy, so it’s essential to review your plan for specifics on benefit duration.