Retirement

CPP Timing

CPP can generally start from age 60 to 70. Starting earlier means smaller monthly payments, while starting later means larger monthly payments.

4 min

Retirement 101 • 04

CPP does not have one mandatory start age.

The standard age is 65, but eligible people can generally start from age 60 to age 70.

Timing changes the monthly pension.

Starting before 65 reduces the monthly amount. Delaying after 65 increases it up to age 70.

A timing decision can depend on

01Current cash-flow needs02Other retirement income03Whether you are working04Health and longevity expectations05Taxes and household circumstances

Earlier and later trade different benefits.

01

Start earlier

Receive smaller payments for more early months.

02

Start later

Give up early payments in exchange for a larger monthly pension later.

The official timing window is wide.

Earliest start60
Standard age65
Latest useful delay70
After 70No further age-based increase

The largest monthly payment is not automatically the best decision for every person.

The choice is about lifetime income, current needs and uncertainty, not simply maximizing one monthly number.

Before choosing a start age, compare

01Your CPP estimates at different ages02Other guaranteed income03Spending needs04Taxable income05Your ability to delay

Remember this

CPP timing trades earlier income for a different monthly amount later.

Use your own estimates rather than treating 60, 65 or 70 as automatically best.

Lesson complete

Reviewed 2026-08-18

Sources

Government of CanadaCPP retirement pension: When to start your pension ↗Government of CanadaHow much you could receive ↗
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