First steps to take in the event of disability

In the event of illness or an accident, you could be entitled to various benefits depending on your situation.

The Gouvernement du Québec provides various coverage options depending on your situation:

• If your disability is severe and permanent, and you are a worker under age 65, you could receive disability benefits under the Québec Pension Plan.
• If your disability was caused by a work-related accident, you must contact the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) .
• If your disability was caused by a traffic accident, you must contact the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) .
• If you are receiving benefits that are too low to meet your needs, you could receive financial assistance from the Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale .

You can also consult the programs and services offered to individuals coping with a loss of independence  on Québec.ca.

Pension plans

If you are a member of one or more pension plans, you could have access to the provisions or benefits in the event of disability. Consult your Statement of Participation under your plans for more information.

If you are a member of a public-sector pension plan (RREGOP, PPMP, etc.), you could be entitled to disability benefits or disability benefits in the case of terminal illness.

Private insurance

Are you receiving disability or salary insurance benefits from an insurance company? Check with your insurance company to find out whether your disability benefits under the Québec Pension Plan can reduce your benefits.

Other useful links

• Your locked-in retirement account (LIRA) or your life income fund (LIF) in the event of disability
• Your voluntary retirement savings plan (VRSP) in the event of disability
• The Government of Canada's Registered Disability Savings Plan  for people with disabilities