Canada Pension Plan

Almost all individuals who work in Canada contribute to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The CPP provides pensions and benefits when contributors retire, become disabled, or die. 

• Retirement pension
  You can apply for and receive a full CPP retirement pension at age 65 or receive it as early as age 60 with a reduction, or as late as age 70 with an increase.

• Post-retirement benefit
  If you continue to work while receiving your CPP retirement pension, your CPP contributions will go toward post-retirement benefits, which will increase your retirement income.

• Disability benefits
  If you become severely disabled to the extent that you cannot work at any job on a regular basis, you and your children may receive a monthly benefit.

• Survivor benefits
  When you die, CPP survivor benefits may be paid to your estate, surviving spouse or common-law partner and children.

• Pension sharing
  Married or common-law couples in an ongoing relationship may voluntarily share their CPP retirement pensions.

• Credit splitting for divorced or separated couples
  The CPP contributions you and your spouse or common-law partner made during the time you lived together can be equally divided after a divorce or separation.

Note:  If you live in Quebec

If you live in Quebec, please visit the Régie des rentes du Québec Web site for information on pensions and benefits under the Quebec Pension Plan.