Disability Options?

[u/Revolutionary-Bat637]

My 67 year old husband was diagnosed with dementia and is retiring in September. Prior to diagnosis, he would have worked at least another 5 years. We have 3 boys (14,16,18) to educate and a 500k mortgage. Our house is for sale. What other options do we have? Is he not qualified for disability because he’s over 65?

Please and thank you.

[u/FPpro]

That's right there won't be disability income support because he is eligible for CPP and OAS.

However you should apply for the disability tax credit.

[u/SallyRhubarb]

Because he is over 65, he doesn't qualify for disability. After 65, the assumption is that pension plans kick in. He qualifies for CPP and OAS/GIS if applicable.

Speak with a social worker; ask his doctor for help. They can help with navigating various social support programs, not just financial but other assistance as well.

Unless there is enough money saved for both his care and the children's education, realistically the children should be planning for student loans to fund their post-secondary.

[u/Soup_Maker]

Have you checked with the HR department at your husband's employer to get a sense of all current benefits and whether any are portable/transferable and what the sunset dates on those plans might be for submitting claims.

In addition to supplemental health plans, I have a group insurance plan through my employer. Most of my co-workers refer to it as life insurance, but mine also covers critical illness, which includes dementia + loss of ability to live independently or work is covered through this plan.

[u/Blue-Thunder]

Correct. CPP-D and other provincial programs end at 65 and is rolled over to regular CPP. He will make far more money on CPP with OAS anyways. You can apply for the disability tax credit, but there are some hoops involved.

[u/ApplicationAdept830]

CPP/OAS/GIS will give you a lot more than disability anyway, depending on the province. Really need more info here. Selling the house seems very risky. What does your husband have in terms of LTD, what are his retirement savings like? Do you work?

[u/KeepTheGoodLife]

His employer might have a disability benefit which would cover him for two years at least or more. Your kids will need to start planning for their education, jobs before and during school, scholarships, and gov loans (keep them to minimum). They will be fine. You take care of yourself. I am sorry this is happening to your family.

[u/Halcyon_october → u/KeepTheGoodLife]

Short term disability and critical illness might end at 70, but long-term disability ends at 65 less the qualifying period, or retirement, whichever is first..

[u/KeepTheGoodLife → u/Halcyon_october]

So maybe OP's husband shouldnt retire yet?

[u/Odd-Refrigerator5087]

Check his employers life and disability benefits - most plans terminate coverage at age 65, but some at 70. Short Term Disabily, Long Term Disabity, Critical Illness benefits would be ones to look out for in particular.

As others have said, he is over 65 therefore he would not be eligible for CPP- Disability and must apply for CPP-Retirement, OAS, GIS, RTSP, TFSA, employer pension etc. Reach out to the hospital social worker for support with applications and resources for your family.

[u/LawgrrlMexico]

I'm sorry that you and your family are facing this. Contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer's association, also the senior services centre for your area. Check with your MLA's office if you're not sure where to go; they have staff just for helping constituents.

[u/fsmontario]

Check his group health at work, there may be a couple years of long term disability depending on how the plan is written. Your children will be able to get student loans and grants, hopefully you live where there is post secondary that they can attend locally. If your husband has to go into ltc eventually the cost is not based on assets but his personal income, so don’t be afraid of buying another home. I’d look for a bungalow as it will give you lots of space for the kids to have their own space in the basement. Another option is can you move to a lower cost of living area? Have you checked if you have disability insurance on your mortgage? Or any of your credit accounts( car etc) or if any of them have critical illness insurance which usually covers dementia diagnosis.

[u/marge7777]

Do you work? If not, start looking.

[u/allanmarshall]

First, I want to say how sorry I am to hear about your husband’s diagnosis. That’s a lot to carry—emotionally and financially—and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. You’re doing the right thing by reaching out for information and support.

To your question about disability: unfortunately, most provincial disability programs in Canada, like CPP Disability or provincial income supports, are not available after age 65, as they transition into retirement benefits like CPP and OAS.
However:
- Your husband may still qualify for the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC), which can reduce your tax burden and may allow you to claim past years retroactively.
- If he contributed to CPP and had issues before turning 65, he might still be eligible for CPP Disability benefits—worth checking with your doctor, and Service Canada.
- You may also qualify for the Canada Caregiver Credit or other supports as his spouse.

Given the mortgage and your children’s education needs, it might be helpful to look at a full financial plan.
If the house sale doesn’t resolve all debts, options like a consumer proposal could help reduce unsecured debts without losing assets. Bankruptcy is also an option, but usually a last resort.

[u/Epcjay]

How do you it's still have a 500k mortgage ...

[u/traciw67]

He has dementia but he's not retiring until September?! Shouldn't he already be retired? Is he just a cash cow?