If You Think You’ll Never Be Able To Return To Work

Definition of totally and permanently disabled

Being totally and permanently disabled means the member has a medically certifiable physical or mental impairment that HOOPP has determined will prevent you, for the rest of your life, from doing any job.

If you are determined by HOOPP to be totally disabled or totally and permanently disabled – i.e., you can't do any job – you can be placed on a total disability leave.

If you are totally and permanently disabled, you may qualify for and choose a disability pension.

Disability benefits

You can receive HOOPP disability benefits if you provide HOOPP with medical evidence that shows you qualify for benefits.

HOOPP offers two disability benefits – free accrual or a disability pension.

Free accrual

Free accrual is contributory service for which neither the member nor the employer contributes.

Disability pension

A member who is totally and permanently disabled has two options. He or she can choose to receive a disability pension. A HOOPP disability pension is a lifetime pension based on the member’s contributory service with no reductions for early retirement. Disability pensions do not include the bridge benefit.

Alternatively, the member can elect to receive free accrual to a maximum of 35 years of service or age 65, whichever comes first.

Make sure medical evidence is provided by deadline

It’s up to you to ensure HOOPP receives medical evidence by the requested date. If you miss a deadline and subsequently provide qualifying medical evidence, you may have a gap in your contributory service or your benefits may be interrupted.