Explainer
CPP retirement pension: start ages and monthly adjustments
CPP retirement pension payments depend in part on the starting age. Starting before or after the standard age changes the monthly payment.
- Start ages
- Earliest age 60; standard age 65; no further increase for delaying beyond 70.Service Canada, CPP pension start age
- Before 65
- Reduction of 0.6% per month, up to 36% at age 60.Service Canada, CPP pension start age
- After 65
- Increase of 0.7% per month, up to 42% at age 70.Service Canada, CPP pension start age
Starting before the standard age
The standard starting age for CPP retirement pension is 65, with payments available as early as 60. Starting before 65 reduces payments by 0.6% for each month, up to a 36% reduction at age 60. Service Canada, CPP pension start age (opens in a new tab).
Delaying the pension
Starting after 65 increases payments by 0.7% for each month, up to 42% at age 70. There is no benefit to delaying beyond 70. These adjustments do not establish a pension amount: this general explanation does not calculate contribution history, eligibility, tax or interactions with other benefits. Service Canada, CPP pension start age (opens in a new tab).