Income Replacement Plan/Disability Benefit Plan FAQs

What if I do not have enough sick time to carry me through the elimination period?

If after reviewing your employee group’s Income Replacement Plan/Disability Benefit Plan information, you determine that you will not have enough sick time to cover you through the elimination period, visit the UBC Financial Services leave of absence web page.

You may want to consider utilizing vacation time or request that it be paid out to help you through this period. The leave of absence web page will outline how to apply for an unpaid medical leave of absence and also explains what will happen to your benefits.

Services Canada Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits can help bridge the gap between sick pay and IRP/DBP benefits if you should have to go on an unpaid medical leave of absence. It is important your last paid day at UBC be recorded as sick time in order to potentially have the two week waiting period waived.

What is Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP Disability)?

For CPP Disability information and eligibility criteria, visit the Service Canada, Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits website. People who qualify for disability benefits from other programs may not qualify for the CPP disability benefit.

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada may request or require that you apply for CPP disability benefits. This benefit is taken into account when determining the amount of your benefit under the Income Replacement Plan/Disability Benefit Plan.

How long does the claims assessment process take?

Once your application is complete, the claims assessment process takes up to six weeks to complete.

When should I apply for IRP/DBP benefits?

We recommend that your application be submitted eight weeks prior to the end of your elimination period. To determine the length of your elimination period, visit the UBC Human Resources benefits web pages. Ensure that you are viewing the IRP/DBP benefit for your employee group.

If my application is approved, for how long will I receive IRP/DBP benefit payments?

As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you will continue to receive IRP/DBP benefits payments until your recovery, retirement or death.

Benefits payments may cease before your recovery, retirement or death, if:

• further proof of your disability is requested but is not received in a timely fashion;
• you fail to take a physical examination and/or mental evaluation at the time requested by the benefits provider;
• you refuse to participate in a rehabilitation program deemed appropriate by the benefits provider, or cease to participate in the program; or
• you refuse to complete and return a Third Party Reimbursement Agreement/Direction form.

Other questions? Contact the IRP/DBP Claims Assistant at chelsea.stout@ubc.ca or 604-822-8696.