How HOOPP works when you can't
How HOOPP works when you can't
How HOOPP works when you can't
If your employer places you on a health leave because you are unable to work due to a physical illness or injury, or mental illness, HOOPP disability benefits may assist you.
Overview of HOOPP disability benefits
HOOPP offers two types of disability benefits to members:
Options available based on HOOPP’s assessment
The level of your disability determines which of the two benefits you may qualify for, as this table shows:
| If HOOPP’s assessment finds that you are | You may be eligible to receive |
| partially disabled | free accrual |
| totally disabled | free accrual |
| totally and permanently disabled | free accrual OR disability pension |
Definitions of disability
The benefits you may be eligible to receive will depend on your level of disability, as assessed by HOOPP. We use three different definitions of disability, as outlined below:
Partially disabled:
You have a physical or mental impairment that HOOPP has determined prevents you from performing duties related to your own job.
Totally disabled:
You have a physical or mental impairment that HOOPP has determined prevents you from engaging in any employment for which you are reasonably suited by virtue of your education, training or experience.
Totally and permanently disabled:
You have a physical or mental impairment that HOOPP has determined prevents you from engaging in any employment for which you are reasonably suited by virtue of your education, training or experience and that can reasonably be expected to continue
for the remainder of your lifetime.
The qualifying period
To be eligible to apply for these benefits, your employer will need to place you on a health leave. The first 15 weeks of an employer-approved health leave is known as the qualifying period. During this time, you and your employer make contributions to your pension based on any employment earnings that you receive.
Free accrual can only begin after the qualifying period has ended.
There is no qualifying period for a disability pension; if approved by HOOPP, you can begin receiving this benefit immediately.
How to apply
HOOPP will provide you with a copy of our Disability Benefits booklet and the medical forms once you have reached 15 weeks of your health leave. Or, you can contact Member Services or sign in to HOOPP Connect to download the appropriate forms and follow the instructions provided.
HOOPP will review your completed forms, along with any other additional medical evidence that you choose to include, to assess whether you meet one of the Plan’s definitions of disability. HOOPP will then contact you to let you know if you qualify for benefits and to outline any next steps that are required.
If you are not on an employer-approved health leave, or if you have already retired or ended your membership in the Plan, you are not eligible to receive disability benefits from HOOPP.
If you are not approved for disability benefits
If HOOPP determines that you do not meet the definitions of disability as described above, you will not be eligible to receive disability benefits from the Plan.
You will remain a member of HOOPP during your health leave, even if you’re not making contributions. However you will not build any service during this time. It is important to note that you may be able to make contributions to the Plan, based on your earnings, during the first four years of your employer-approved health leave.
You can reapply for benefits by using new forms and providing medical evidence at any time during your health leave.
We know this may be a difficult time for you. We are here to help. If you have any questions about HOOPP disability benefits or about the information that is required in order to apply for these benefits, please contact HOOPP Member Services.
In the event of a shortened life expectancy
If a doctor licensed in Canada gives a medical opinion that you have a life expectancy of less than two years, you may be able to unlock and withdraw funds from your pension. Your qualifying spouse, if you have one, must also give their consent to withdraw the funds. Please call HOOPP Member Services for more information.
What happens if I return to work during the qualifying period?
You can return to work for up to three consecutive weeks without interrupting the 15-week qualifying period. If you stop work again for the same health reason, you will not have to start a new qualifying period.
If you return to work for more than three consecutive weeks, and then are off on a subsequent employer-approved health leave, a new 15-week qualifying period will begin.
Authorizing others to support you
No one can predict when an illness or disability may affect us – which is why HOOPP is here to help you prepare for the unexpected. In some cases, you may require assistance managing your personal or financial affairs, or want to authorize HOOPP to share
your pension information with a third party on your behalf. Find out how authorizing a trusted party,
either through an authorized representative, Power of Attorney (POA) or statutory guardian can provide you with the support you need.
This document provides a simplified overview of HOOPP's benefits based on the terms of the HOOPP Plan Text at the time of publication. From time to time, HOOPP may amend the HOOPP Plan Text. In cases where the information provided in this document differs from that contained in the HOOPP Plan Text, the HOOPP Plan Text will govern. More details, including the full HOOPP Plan Text and a complete description of the Plan and its benefits, can be found on hoopp.com.
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