Disability Pensions

If a member’s ability to work is impacted by a physical or mental disability, they might be able to collect a MEPP disability pension, even if they are younger than 55 years of age.

If they have Combined Pensionable Service (CPS), then being an active or deferred MEPP member includes pensionable service earned with the Public Service Pension Plan before July 1, 2007.

A member can start to collect a partial or total disability pension prior to reaching the age of 55. If they are already 55 years of age or older and are vested, they can apply to begin their MEPP pension.

A disability pension is based on a member’s years of pensionable service and the average of their highest five consecutive years of salary. The pension will be paid for the member’s lifetime, unless their circumstances change and they no longer meet the qualifications.

To qualify, you must:

• be an active or deferred MEPP member before July 1, 2007. If they have CPS, this includes pensionable service earned with the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) before July 1, 2007;
• have at least five years of MEPP pensionable service (in other words, be vested);
• have left their funds in MEPP (if they are a deferred member);
• not be able to perform their regular work duties because of physical or mental inability;
• not be receiving a temporary disability benefit from Workers' Compensation Board (WCB); and
• not be receiving (nor eligible to receive) benefits under a long-term disability income (LTDI) plan, which has been filed with our administrator, Alberta Pensions Services (APS).

If a member’s ability to work is impacted by a physical or mental impairment, they can complete a Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form to apply to receive a MEPP disability pension. The member’s doctor(s) will also be required to complete a Confidential Medical Statement.

If the member is still participating in MEPP, they can complete the Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form in conjunction with their employer.

The Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form and Confidential Medical Statement are available here.

Members are responsible for any costs their doctor(s) may charge for completing the Confidential Medical Statement. Once MEPP receives the Confidential Medical Statement, it will be forwarded to an independent medical consultant. The independent medical consultant will review the evidence related to the member’s disability and recommend to MEPP if the member is considered to be partially disabled or totally disabled. The member will be notified of the independent medical consultant’s decision and advised whether they have been granted a disability pension and, if so, whether the pension is a partial disability pension or a total disability pension.

If the member’s application is denied or if a partial disability pension is granted, they will also be provided with instructions for requesting a review of the decision.

Even if a member meets the criteria above, but they are eligible to receive benefits under a filed LTDI plan, they will not be eligible for a MEPP disability pension.

This includes Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) temporary disability benefits.

The member will remain active in MEPP while receiving LTDI benefits. They must make contributions to MEPP during this period because they will continue to earn pensionable service.

If a member works for the Government of Alberta, their employer's LTDI plan is filed with APS. If they work for another employer, they will need to check with them to see if their LTDI plan is filed.

Members can contact Member Services if they require additional information.