The work test involves two parts. Depending on the age you became disabled, you must prove that you worked until recently and for long enough to receive the benefits. For example, if you became disabled before you turned 24, you must have worked for at least one and a half out of the past three years before the date of your disability. If you became disabled after the age of 31, you must have worked for at least five years out of the past ten years.
The next part of the work test is the duration of work test. To receive disability benefits, you must prove that you have worked long enough over the course of your life to qualify for the program. This duration is based on your age. For example, if you suffered your disabling condition at 60 years old, you need to have worked at least 9.5 years during your life. If the condition occurred at 28, you can qualify with 1.5 years of lifetime work experience.