What Happens When Service Canada Denies Your CPP Disability Claim
When Service Canada turns down your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability claim, you have the right to challenge that decision. The appeal process has three stages: an internal reconsideration by Service Canada, then a review by the Social Security Tribunal (SST), and finally a further appeal to the SST's Appeal Division if needed. Most people who appeal do so because Service Canada says their condition is not severe enough to prevent work, or because the agency missed medical evidence that supports their case.
You do not need a lawyer to appeal, though some people hire one. The process is free, and you can represent yourself at every stage. The key is understanding the timeline for each step and knowing what documents Service Canada will ask for.
Key Takeaways
- You have 90 days from the date on Service Canada's decision letter to request a reconsideration, which is your first appeal step.
- A reconsideration is reviewed by a different Service Canada officer who looks at your original process plus any new medical evidence you submit.
- If Service Canada denies the reconsideration, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal within 90 days of that second decision.
- The SST is an independent body separate from Service Canada, and a tribunal member will review your case on paper or hold a hearing where you can present your situation.
- Medical documentation is the most important evidence at every stage—letters from your doctors, test results, and records of treatment carry more weight than your own description of your symptoms.
Requesting a Reconsideration From Service Canada
A reconsideration is Service Canada's internal review of your claim. You must request it within 90 days of the date on the decision letter you received. The 90 days starts from the date printed on the letter, not the date you received it in the mail.
To request a reconsideration, contact Service Canada by phone at 1-833-537-4342 (toll-free) or visit your local Service Canada office in person. You can also mail a written request to the address on your decision letter. When you contact them, have your Social Insurance Number ready and clearly state that you want to request a reconsideration of your CPP Disability denial.
Service Canada will send you a form to complete. On this form, explain why you believe the decision was wrong. This is your chance to point out if the officer missed something in your medical records, if your condition has worsened since you first applied, or if you have new medical evidence. Be specific: do not just say "I am still disabled"—instead, write something like "My doctor's letter from March 2024 states I cannot work more than two hours per day due to pain, but this was not included in the original file."
Send the completed form back to Service Canada along with any new medical documents. A different Service Canada officer will review your entire file, including the new evidence. This review usually takes 60 to 90 days. Service Canada will mail you a new decision letter.
What to Include in Your Reconsideration Request
Medical evidence is what changes outcomes at reconsideration. Before you submit your request, contact your doctors and ask them to send updated letters or reports directly to Service Canada. These letters should describe your current condition, any treatments you are receiving, and why your condition prevents you from working. A letter that says "This patient has severe arthritis and cannot perform sedentary work" is more useful than one that only confirms you are under their care.
If you have had any new tests, imaging, or diagnoses since your original process, include those records. If you have been hospitalized, attended rehabilitation, or started a new medication, include documentation. If your condition has worsened, ask your doctor to note that in writing.
You can also include a written statement describing how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to work. Describe specific tasks you cannot do: "I cannot sit for more than 30 minutes without severe back pain" is more persuasive than "My back is bad." Mention any work you have attempted since explore and why you had to stop.
Appealing to the Social Security Tribunal if Service Canada Says No Again
If Service Canada denies your reconsideration, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal (SST), which is an independent body that reviews CPP Disability cases. You must request this appeal within 90 days of the date on Service Canada's reconsideration decision letter.
To appeal to the SST, visit the tribunal's website at www.sstcanada.ca or call 1-833-537-4342. You can also mail a written request to the SST office. When you request an appeal, the SST will ask you to complete a form explaining why you disagree with Service Canada's decision. Again, be specific about what you believe the agency got wrong or what evidence was overlooked.
The SST has two divisions: the General Division, which reviews your case first, and the Appeal Division, which only hears cases if there was an error in law or procedure at the General Division level. Most people start at the General Division.
How the Social Security Tribunal Reviews Your Case
At the General Division, a tribunal member will review your file. You have two options: a paper review, where the member reads your documents and makes a decision without a hearing, or an oral hearing, where you can present your case in person, by phone, or by video. You can request an oral hearing when you file your appeal, or the tribunal may offer one if it believes a hearing would help.
If you choose an oral hearing, you can bring a support person or representative. You do not need a lawyer, but you can hire one if you want. At the hearing, you will have a chance to explain your situation, answer questions from the tribunal member, and present any new evidence. Service Canada may also attend and present its position.
The tribunal member will issue a written decision, usually within 6 to 12 weeks of your hearing or paper submission. The decision will explain whether your condition is severe and prolonged as defined by the CPP Disability program. If the tribunal approves your claim, Service Canada will begin paying you. If it denies your claim, you can request an appeal to the Appeal Division if you believe there was an error in law or procedure.
Timeline and What to Expect at Each Stage
| Stage | Time to Request | Processing Time | Who Decides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconsideration | Within 90 days of original decision | 60 to 90 days | Different Service Canada officer |
| General Division (SST) | Within 90 days of reconsideration decision | 6 to 12 weeks (or longer for hearings) | Tribunal member |
| Appeal Division (SST) | Within 90 days of General Division decision | Variable; only if legal error occurred | Panel of tribunal members |
The entire process from reconsideration to a final SST decision can take 6 to 18 months, depending on how quickly you submit evidence and whether you request a hearing. Do not miss the 90-day important date at any stage—if you do, you lose the right to appeal and must start over with a new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my appeal is being reviewed?
Yes. Working during an appeal does not automatically disqualify you or stop your appeal. However, if you earn significant income, Service Canada may argue that you are capable of work and deny your claim. Report any work you do to Service Canada, and be honest about your earnings and hours on appeal forms.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal?
No. You can represent yourself at every stage. However, some people hire a lawyer or a paralegal who specializes in CPP Disability appeals. If you hire someone, they typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win. Ask about fees before you hire anyone.
What if I miss the 90-day important date?
If you miss the important date to request a reconsideration or appeal to the SST, you cannot proceed with that appeal. You would need to submit a new CPP Disability process. However, if you have a good reason for missing the important date (such as a serious illness), you can ask Service Canada or the SST for an extension, though this is rarely granted.
Can I submit new medical evidence at the tribunal stage?
Yes. The SST will consider any medical evidence you submit with your appeal, even if it was not part of your original process or reconsideration. This is why many people gather updated doctor's letters and test results before appealing to the tribunal.
What does "severe and prolonged" mean in the CPP Disability definition?
Severe means your condition prevents you from doing any type of work on a regular basis. Prolonged means it is likely to last at least 12 months or result in death. Service Canada and the tribunal use these terms strictly—having a serious condition is not enough if you could still work part-time or in a different field.