Chart 3. Terminal illness application performance compared with the 95% fast-track standard

Source: DCAC analysis of ESDC FOI review-log data.

Some CPP Disability files are especially urgent. Terminal illness applications are meant to be handled quickly because families need answers, support, and income without unnecessary delay.

The service standard is clear. Service Canada says 95% of terminal illness decisions should be made within five business days after receiving a complete application. That is an important promise because these are some of the most vulnerable applicants in the program.

But the FOI data reviewed by DCAC shows that this target was not met in any year shown. The year-to-date results were 91.3% in 2022–23, 91.5% in 2023–24, 88.3% in 2024–25, 89.9% in 2025–26, and 91.9% in April and May of 2026–27.

What does the chart mean? The dashed line marks the 95% target. The actual results stay below that line every time. Even though the percentages may still look high, they are not reaching the standard for the most urgent cases. When a file is in the terminal illness stream, even a small gap can matter greatly to a person and family facing serious illness.

This issue should be easy for the public to understand. Fast-track cases should be truly fast. When the target is missed again and again, it raises important questions about whether the system is responding with the urgency these cases require. In these files, every day can matter for treatment, finances, and family planning.

At DCAC, we believe families deserve clear information, compassionate support, and timely action. If you need help with a terminal illness CPP Disability application or you are dealing with a delay, DCAC may be able to help you move the process forward and understand what to do next.

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