When should I start my CPP?
CPP shrinks by 0.6% for every month you start before 65, up to 36% less at 60. It grows by 0.7% for every month you wait past 65, up to 42% more at 70. The trade-off is more, smaller cheques starting sooner against fewer, larger cheques starting later.
Your amount at 65 is on your Statement of Contributions in My Service Canada Account. The figure shown is an example. Starting early can also mean fewer contributing years, which this doesn't capture.
Common questions
Is CPP indexed to inflation?
Yes, CPP payments are adjusted each January for inflation.
Can I work and collect CPP?
Yes. If you work while collecting CPP, contributions continue (required under 65, optional from 65 to 70) and earn a post-retirement benefit.
What about my spouse?
Survivor benefits and pension sharing between spouses can change the right start age for both of you.
CPP is one piece of the sequence.
The right start age depends on your RRSP, OAS, health and your spouse's plan. We'll lay it out side by side.
More tools
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Open →Figures as at November 2026. Sources: Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, Income Tax Act.
Illustrative arithmetic only. Figures set by legislation can change; verify current rules before relying on any result. Educational only. Not tax, legal, or investment advice. Confirm with your accountant before acting. Mutual Funds and Segregated Funds provided by the Fund Companies are offered through Worldsource Wealth Management Inc., sponsoring mutual fund dealer. Other Products and Services are offered through David Creighton, Lindsay Smith, John Creighton, Matthew Smith, Darroll Powe, and Creighton Financial Group.