What age to start your CPP retirement pension

When to start

The best age to start collecting your CPP retirement pension depends on your personal situation. Your health, financial situation and retirement plans should influence your decision on what age to start your CPP payments.

• Apply for the CPP Retirement Pension

Estimate how much you could get

The amount you get depends on:

• How long you paid into the CPP
• How much you paid into the CPP
• What age you start your CPP retirement pension

The CPP is not meant to cover all your retirement income needs. It provides a modest financial base, along with Old Age Security and your personal savings.

Figure 1: Example of starting your CPP retirement pension at different ages if your CPP pension at age 65 would be $691.93

Note: The average new CPP retirement pension (at age 65) was $691.93 in January, 2018. The maximum CPP retirement pension (at age 65) in 2018 is $1,134.17.

Text description of Figure 1 - Example of how much you could get in CPP pension at different ages if your CPP pension at age 65 was $691.93

Example of how much you could get in CPP pension at different ages if your CPP pension at age 65 was $691.93

Age at which the pension starts	Monthly pension amount
60	$443
61	$493
62	$542
63	$592
64	$642
65	$692
66	$750
67	$808
68	$866
69	$924
70	$983

New change to the CPP

Starting in January 2019, working Canadians contribute a little more to get higher CPP benefit payments when they retire. These changes in CPP contributions are being phased in gradually over seven years in small increases. Enhanced benefits will grow over time as Canadians work and contribute to the CPP enhancement, with each year of contributions resulting in a higher benefit.  Eligibility for CPP benefits stays the same.

Learn more

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