Main Content
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 - 16:47

Quebec government changes to QPP disability pension take effect January 1, 2024: Empire Life to align LTD benefits with provincial changes

elderly couple

As part of Bill 17, the Government of Quebec announced changes to the QPP disability pension for people 60 years and older, effective January 1, 2024. Empire Life will align to this change in Q1, 2024. 

To understand the change, it’s important to know that today, the QPP disability pension benefit is based on a fixed portion ($558/month) and a variable portion (~$978/month), even though it is considered one benefit. The variable portion is calculated based on the person’s reported employment income. Starting January 1, 2024, the QPP disability pension benefit will include only the fixed portion ($558/month). The variable portion ($978/month) will be separated out and paid automatically as QPP retirement pension. 

The following table re-caps the changes:

 

2023

2024

Plan member age

Under 65 

60–65 

QPP disability benefit

  • Fixed disability portion
  • Variable disability portion
  • Fixed disability portion

QPP retirement benefit

n/a

  • The variable portion of QPP disability will be transformed into the QPP retirement pension benefit 

How Empire Life calculates benefits for new claimants approved for LTD

  • Subtract QPP disability pension (fixed + variable portion) from LTD benefits 
  • Once the contract is amended, subtract both QPP disability pension (old fixed portion) and QPP retirement pension (old variable portion) from the LTD benefit even if plan member opts to defer receiving the retirement pension 

Plan members receiving LTD benefits now

Plan members who receive LTD benefits from Empire Life prior to the contract amendment will not be affected by this change

Empire Life will implement process and contract changes to reflect the new legislation and preserve LTD plan sustainability. We are also actively participating with the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) in ongoing conversation with the Quebec government to ensure fairness and equity for all impacted stakeholders.