CPP Disability Pension Appeal Dismissed Due to Insufficient Contributions

Citation: KL  v  [NAME] , 2026  SST  294 Social Security Tribunal of Canada General Division – Income Security Section Decision Appellant: [redacted] Respondent: [redacted] Decision under appeal: [NAME] reconsideration decision dated December 22, 2025 (issued by Service Canada) Tribunal member: [NAME] of hearing: Videoconference Hearing date: March 2, 2026 Hearing participant: Appellant Decision date: March 2, 2026 File number: GP-25-2000 On this page Decision Overview What the Appellant must prove Reasons for my decision Conclusion Decision [ 1 ] The appeal is dismissed. [ 2 ] The Appellant, K. L., isn’t eligible for a [NAME] ( [NAME] ) disability pension. This decision explains why I am dismissing the appeal. Overview [ 3 ] The Appellant got diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2009. He says he hasn’t been able to work since then. He applied for a disability pension in August 2025. [ 4 ] The [NAME] (Minister) denied the Appellant’s application. It says he hasn’t made enough valid contributions to the [NAME] to have a minimum qualifying period. Because he doesn’t have a minimum qualifying period, he can’t get a disability pension. [ 5 ] The Appellant appealed the Minister’s decision to the General Division of the Social Security Tribunal. He says he would like to get a disability pension. He worked for as long as he could until his limitations stopped him from working anymore. What the Appellant must prove [ 6 ] For the Appellant to succeed, he must show he qualifies for a disability pension. [ 7 ] One of the requirements to get a disability pension is that a person needs to have made the minimum amount of valid [NAME] contributions to have a minimum qualifying period. If they don’t meet that requirement, they don’t qualify. Reasons for my decision [ 8 ] The Appellant doesn’t have enough years of valid [NAME] contributions to have a minimum qualifying period. So, he doesn’t qualify for a disability pension. [ 9 ] The law says the Appellant has to have made valid contributions to the [NAME] in at least four of the last six calendar years at the time of his application. If he doesn’t meet the contributory requirements at the time of his application, he may qualify for a disability pension if he can show he was disabled within the meaning of the [NAME] at an earlier time when he met the contributory requirements. Footnote 1 [ 10 ] The Appellant hasn’t made valid contributions for at least four years in a six-year period at any point in time. He has years of valid [NAME] contributions 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2017. Footnote 2 But, this is less than the four required in a six-year period. [ 11 ] I recognize the Appellant tried to make valid contributions in other years – but they were below the amounts the [NAME] accepts for a disability pension. So, the earnings aren’t considered valid. For example, the years 2016 and 2019. Footnote 3 [ 12 ] Because the Appellant hasn’t made enough valid contributions to establish a minimum qualifying period, he doesn’t meet the legal test to get a [NAME] disability pension. Because he doesn’t meet the legal test, he doesn’t qualify. Conclusion [ 13 ] I sympathize with the Appellant’s situation. I recognize his mental health has affected his ability to work and therefore contribute to the [NAME] . Footnote 4 That being said, I have to follow what the law says. I don’t have equitable jurisdiction – meaning I can’t allow his appeal based on compassionate reasons. [ 14 ] Based on the facts in the appeal and what the law says, the Appellant hasn’t made enough valid contributions to have a minimum qualifying period. So, he doesn’t qualify for a disability pension. [ 15 ] This means the appeal is dismissed. Footnotes Footnote 1 See subsection 44(2)(a)(i) and 44(1)(b)(ii) of the [NAME]. Return to footnote 1 referrer Footnote 2 See GD2-35. Return to footnote 2 referrer Footnote 3 See GD2-35. This is indicated by a “B/Y”. Return to footnote 3 referrer Footnote 4 See GD2-43 to 52. Return to footnote 4 referrer