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 |
|
|
QPP retirement benefit |
n/a |
|
How Empire Life calculates benefits for new claimants approved for LTD |
|
|
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.