Disability

Definition

Physical or mental incapacity of a member which is likely to prevent them from following their normal occupation (or a comparable one) for a period exceeding a fund-specified minimum.

Prerequisite chain

1. Condition. Physical or mental incapacity of the member exists
2. Functional status. The normal or a comparable occupation can't be followed
3. Applied test. Trustees weigh actual capacity to work, including with treatment/accommodation

Qualifiers

• Severity. Total vs. partial incapacity, per fund rules
• Duration. Typically requires incapacity expected to exceed a specified minimum period (e.g. 6 months) or be permanent
• Scope. Own occupation vs. any comparable occupation, per fund rules
• Other. Governed by the Pension Funds Act and the fund's own rules; medical evidence required

Impact

Prevents the member from performing their normal occupation, affecting income and retirement benefits.

Example

A pension fund's trustees approve an ill-health early retirement benefit only after considering whether reasonable treatment and workplace accommodation could restore the member to work.