what an excellent forum for the scared/unaware. I’m lucky to have stumbled upon this forum. For those that operate and actively participate here - thank you from all of us who desperately need answers.
I will supply my back-story as a basis for your replies (hopefully without boring you with too many details).
I broke my neck 8 years ago, becoming a C7 quadriplegic. This does not mean I am like Christopher Reeve, I am confined to a wheelchair, paralyzed from the chest down but can still move my arms although my hands are fairly gimpy. I had been an auto mechanic prior to my injury (at age 32). After losing the use of my legs I struggled maintaining a reason to live. As time went by my outlook improved, although my medical condition did not. I had been blessed to have excellent help after injury in regards to getting things in order to receive insurance & CPP-D benefits. With my finances relatively secure I was able to stick my head in the sand and focus on finding some purpose to my new life. I re-educated at my own expense, learning computer drafting.
Although not initially finding employment I kept on trucking and eventually landed a great job, albeit in the oilfield which has been and still is in a down-turn. I worry considerably about the future - whether the job will last and if I will be able to last the job, being my first real employment since being disabled.
With that in mind I opted not to let CPP know I had returned to work (hence my username); continuing to collect the monthly $1000 on top of my $60k annual salary.
After filing my taxes last week, CRA has made contact in regards to what the hell I think I am doing. I am not surprised nor the least bit dismayed - I played with fire and am about to get burned.
So apparently I won the bet, my job has lasted but now it seems I will be faced with paying back 18 months of benefits. My thinking was that I did not want to give up my CPP-D and then lose my job and have to jump through all the hoops to re-apply. I realize they do not need to hear that, I am planning on admitting all wrong-doing and facing whatever they deem fit.
In the literature sent out it says re-payment options can be worked out. As long as I co-operate is it unreasonable to think $1000 per month until its paid back is too little? What would the interest rate be? Will they freeze my bank accounts?
I have 3 weeks to respond. I am not looking to fight anything, but am wondering if it be prudent/economical to retain legal council?
Any insight from anyone will be most helpful.