What is the CPP Disability contributory requirement?
You generally must have made valid CPP contributions in 4 of the last 6 calendar years. If you have contributed for at least 25 years, you can qualify with contributions in only 3 of the last 6 years.
What counts as a valid contribution year?
A year counts if your earnings were above the year's basic exemption and you contributed to CPP. Years with very low or no earnings do not count toward the recent-contribution test.
How does this differ from US work credits?
The US uses a credit system (40 total, 20 recent). Canada uses a recency test based on contribution years (4 of the last 6, or 3 of 6 for long-term contributors). Both ensure you worked and contributed recently enough.
Are there exceptions if I fall short?
Possibly. The late-applicant provision, the child-rearing provision, and credit splitting after a relationship breakdown can adjust your contribution record. A disability advocate can assess whether these apply.