Retirement

CPP

The Canada Pension Plan retirement pension is a monthly taxable benefit based mainly on contributions, earnings and the age you start receiving it.

4 min

Retirement 101 • 03

CPP is a public pension linked to work and contributions.

Workers and employers contribute to the Canada Pension Plan outside Quebec, which has the Quebec Pension Plan.

Your retirement pension is not one identical amount for everyone.

The amount depends on factors including how much and how long you contributed, your earnings and the age you start.

CPP retirement pension basics include

01You must be at least 60 to receive it02You need at least one valid contribution03The benefit is taxable04Qualifying payments continue for life05Starting age changes the monthly amount

CPP and OAS are different public programs.

CPP

Built mainly from work-related contributions and earnings.

OAS

Based mainly on age and residence rules rather than payroll contributions.

CPP is one layer, not usually the entire retirement plan.

Employment yearsBuild contribution history

Start ageChanges monthly amount

PaymentMonthly if eligible

TaxTaxable benefit

Working in Quebec changes which public pension plan applies.

Quebec operates the QPP, and coordination rules apply when someone has worked in Quebec and elsewhere.

To understand your CPP, check

01Your contribution history02Your estimated pension03The age you may start04How CPP fits with other retirement income

Remember this

CPP turns part of your working contribution history into lifetime retirement income.

The amount is personal and the start date matters.

Lesson complete

Reviewed 2026-08-18

Sources

Government of CanadaCanada Pension Plan retirement pension ↗Government of CanadaDo you qualify ↗

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