Canada Pension Plan retirement pension

FederalPensionChecked October 2, 2026

The CPP retirement pension is a monthly payment for people who paid into CPP while working. You can start it any time between age 60 and 70.

How much

Based on your contributions, earnings and start age. Maximum at 65: $1,507.65/month (January 2026). Average at 65: $858.34/month (July 2026). Starting before 65 lowers it; starting after 65 raises it.

When it's paid

Paid monthly by direct deposit. Taxable income. Adjusted every January for inflation.

Who qualifies

At least 60 years old
Made at least one valid CPP contribution
Contributions came from work in Canada outside Quebec (Quebec workers use QPP)

How to apply

Check your contribution record and estimate in My Service Canada Account
Decide when to start (60 to 70)
Apply online or by paper form
Apply several months before you want payments to begin
If you are past 70, apply right away - waiting adds nothing

What to have ready

Social Insurance Number
Banking information
Spouse's information if sharing pensions
Details of time raising young children or living outside Canada

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming you will get the maximum amount
Not asking about the child-rearing provision
Not applying by 70

Still being confirmed: The exact start-age adjustment percentages and recommended application lead time were not re-read on 2026-10-02. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

Old Age Security (OAS) pensionOAS is a monthly payment for people 65 and older who have lived in Canada long enough. You do not need to have worked to…
CPP survivor's pensionThe survivor's pension pays a monthly amount to the spouse or common-law partner of a CPP contributor who has died. The…
Canada Pension Plan disability benefitCPP disability gives monthly payments to people under 65 who can't work regularly because of a severe and long-lasting…
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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.