Health Leaves and Disability Benefits: FAQs

Free Accrual

Q: Can I apply for free accrual if I have ended my membership in HOOPP or retired?

A: No, if you have ended your membership in the Plan or retired, you are not eligible to apply for free accrual.

Q. What happens if I don’t submit the medical evidence forms to HOOPP by the end of the 60-day deadline? Does it mean I won’t get free accrual?

A: It does not mean you won’t get free accrual. If you get the forms to us after the 60-day deadline, you can still be approved for free accrual but there could be a gap in your contributory service between the end of the qualifying period and, if you qualify, the start of free accrual. 

Q: If I don’t receive full earnings during the 15-week qualifying period can I make top up contributions?

A: Yes. You can make top-up contributions for this period within six months of the end of the 15-week qualifying period.

Q: Can I build my benefits if there’s a gap between the end of the qualifying period and the start of free accrual?

A. Yes, but only if your employer allows you to make contributions during such gap periods will you continue to build service. You need to pay these contributions to your employer no later than six months from the end of your health leave. If contributions aren’t allowed or you choose not to make them, you will not build any pension benefits during the gap unless you purchase this period under HOOPP's buyback rules.

Q: If I don’t qualify for free accrual, but my employer allows me to remain on a health leave beyond the 15-week qualifying period and make contributions, when do I have to make them?

A: You can make contributions while you are on the health leave or within six months of the end of your leave if you have returned to work and resumed making regular contributions with your employer. Once that deadline has passed, this period is available for purchase under HOOPP’s buyback rules.

Q: If I need more medical forms, where can I get them?

A: Forms are available from your employer, on HOOPP Connect or by contacting HOOPP Member Services.

Q: If my application for disability benefits is denied, can I appeal?

A: If you are on an employer-approved health leave and still employed but not approved for free accrual, you cannot appeal the decision; however, you may use new medical evidence to apply again at any time during your four-year health leave. If you have reached the end of the fourth year of your health leave or if your employment relationship has ended, or if you wanted to receive a disability pension but were not approved for one, you can appeal the Plan’s decision within 60 days from the date of your letter. Simply contact HOOPP if you wish to do so.

Rehabilitation Work Programs

Q: Do I have to make contributions to the Plan while I’m on an employer-approved rehabilitation program?

A: No. Provided that you are receiving free accrual from HOOPP and are on an employer-approved rehabilitation program, you do not have to make contributions. You will still have to provide HOOPP with medical evidence of your disability, as required.

Q: What happens if I return to work on a rehabilitation program or modified duties before the 15-week qualifying period ends?

A: If you return to work (whether on a rehabilitation program, modified duties or regular duties) for more than three weeks during the 15-week qualifying period, your health leave will be considered to have ended as of the date you returned to work. If you go off work again on a new employer approved health leave, a new 15-week qualifying period will begin.

Disability Pensions

Q: Do I have to elect to receive a disability pension  if I am determined to be totally and permanently disabled by HOOPP?

A: No. You have a choice between a disability pension and free accrual. HOOPP recommends you seek professional financial advice when making this decision.

Q: Can I apply for disability benefits if I have ended my membership in HOOPP or retired?

A: No. If you have ended your membership in the Plan or retired, you are not eligible to apply for disability benefits.

Q: Will the income I receive from my HOOPP disability pension affect any of my other compensation, such as my employer-provided long-term disability or Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits?

A: It may. Please ask your employer for more information.

Q: Can I continue to receive a disability pension if I go back to work? 

A: No. To qualify for a disability pension you must be totally and permanently disabled and unable to perform any job. If you are receiving a disability pension, please notify HOOPP if you return to work or are thinking about returning to work.

Q: Is my disability pension taxable income?

A: Yes. HOOPP will withhold tax as required by the Canada Revenue Agency.