Got The Letter From CPP

In this post, I mentioned being very upset about the information I received from CPP (Canada Pension Plan). I finally received an official letter from them, which doesn't make me any happier about the situation, but at least it explains things a little more clearly.

We regret to tell you that we cannot approve your application because you do not meet all the eligibility requirements of the Canada Pension Plan.

These eligibility requirements include the following:

• you must be 35 years of age or older at the time of the contributor's death; or
• if you are under 35 years of age, you must have a dependent child or be disabled.

Our file shows that you do not meet any of the above conditions. Therefore, you do not qualify for this benefit.

However, you may qualify for a Canada Pension Plan Survivor's pension:

• upon the birth of a child you were expecting at the time of your spouse's death; or
• if you become disabled; or
• the month after your 65th birthday.

Dear Government of Canada:

Excuse me for waiting until 1975 to be born. What a mistake that was. I clearly did not think that one through.

I do have a child. You just won't recognize her because she died before she was born. Well, perhaps I should have had a live child instead!

And I do have a disability. Unfortunately for me it doesn't prevent me from being able to work. I guess having a severe-profound hearing loss (read: legally Deaf) isn't good enough. I should've also been crippled and have brain damage. And may I point out that if being Deaf doesn't limit your ability to work, then how come I have a hard time getting hired for anything despite the fact that I am a college graduate with a degree and everything?

And what makes you think I will live til I'm 65? I have already shown you, not once, but twice, that death knows no age. It doesn't matter how old you are, you could still die. Oh that's right, I'm a SURVIVOR. Well, excussssseeee me!

You suck, Government of Canada. Yes, I said it. YOU SUCK.

Sincerely,
your really pissed-off Canadian resident.

I suppose I shouldn't complain too much. My husband did, apparently, qualify for the death benefit (though not in the full amount!). A whole lot good that does him!