Disability Pensions

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

If you 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.

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

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

To qualify, you must:

  • be an active or deferred MEPP member before July 1, 2007. If you 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, to be vested);
  • have left your funds in MEPP (if you are a deferred member);
  • not be able to perform your 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).

How to Apply

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

If you are still participating in MEPP, complete the Disability Retirement Benefits Application Form in conjunction with your employer.

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

You are responsible for any costs your 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 your disability and recommend to MEPP if you are considered to be partially disabled or totally disabled. You will be notified of the independent medical consultant’s decision and advised whether you have been granted a disability pension and, if so, whether the pension is a partial disability pension or a total disability pension.

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

Benefits from Another Disability Plan

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

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

You will remain active in MEPP while receiving LTDI benefits. You must make contributions to MEPP during this period because you will continue to earn pensionable service.

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

Contact Member Services if you require additional information.

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