Start CPP at Age 60, 65 or 70?
The age you start your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) can change your monthly payment. CPP can start as early as age 60 or as late as age 70.
CPP Start Age Rules
CPP is reduced by 0.6% for every month before age 65 and increased by 0.7% for every month after age 65. Starting CPP at 60 gives you 36% less than starting at 65. Waiting until 70 gives you 42% more than starting at 65.
Table 1: CPP Percentage by Start Age
| CPP Start Age | Rule | Adjustment | % of Age 65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 0.6% less per month | 36% less | 64% |
| 61 | 0.6% less per month | 28.8% less | 71.2% |
| 62 | 0.6% less per month | 21.6% less | 78.4% |
| 63 | 0.6% less per month | 14.4% less | 85.6% |
| 64 | 0.6% less per month | 7.2% less | 92.8% |
| 65 | Base age | 0% | 100% |
| 66 | 0.7% more per month | 8.4% more | 108.4% |
| 67 | 0.7% more per month | 16.8% more | 116.8% |
| 68 | 0.7% more per month | 25.2% more | 125.2% |
| 69 | 0.7% more per month | 33.6% more | 133.6% |
| 70 | 0.7% more per month | 42% more | 142% |
This table does not calculate your exact CPP payment. Your actual CPP depends on your contribution history, earnings and the age you start your pension.
Source: Government of Canada information on when to start your CPP retirement pension.
Estimate Your CPP From Age 60 to 70
Enter your estimated CPP or QPP pension at age 65 into our calculator. It will show how much your pension could be if you start at any age from 60 to 70.
You can find your CPP estimate in your
My Service Canada Account.
Quebec residents can use their
Retraite Québec account.
Table 2: Simple Dollar Example
This example uses $1,000/month at age 65 only to make the math easy. Your real CPP amount depends on how much and how long you contributed to CPP during your working years.
| Start CPP at Age | Approx. Monthly CPP | Approx. Yearly CPP |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $640 | $7,680 |
| 65 | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| 70 | $1,420 | $17,040 |
Table 3: 2026 Maximum CPP Example
For 2026, the maximum CPP retirement pension at age 65 is $1,507.65/month. Most people receive less than the maximum, so this table should be viewed as a maximum example, not a guarantee.
| Start CPP at Age | Percentage of 65 | Monthly CPP | Yearly CPP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 64% | $964.90 | $11,578.80 |
| 65 | 100% | $1,507.65 | $18,091.80 |
| 70 | 142% | $2,140.86 | $25,690.32 |
Source: 2026 maximum CPP amount is based on Government of Canada CPP payment amount information.
Table 4: Simple Decision Table
This table is a simple guide only. The best age to start CPP depends on your income needs, health, taxes, retirement savings, and whether benefits like GIS may apply.
| Situation | CPP Start Age to Consider |
|---|---|
| You need income now | 60 |
| You want the standard CPP start age | 65 |
| You have other income and can wait | 70 |
| You want a higher guaranteed monthly payment later | 70 |
| You have health, tax or GIS concerns | Get advice first |
What If CPP/QPP Is Not Enough?
CPP or QPP is only one part of retirement income. If your pension estimate is lower than your target monthly income, an annuity may help provide additional predictable retirement income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is CPP reduced if I start at 60?
Yes. Starting CPP at 60 reduces your payment by 36% compared with starting at 65.
2. Does CPP increase if I wait until 70?
Yes. Waiting until 70, your payment increases by 42% compared with starting at 65.
3. Is there any benefit to waiting past 70?
No. The maximum CPP increase is reached at age 70. Waiting past 70 does not increase your CPP further.
4. Does everyone receive the maximum CPP?
No. Your CPP depends on your contributions, earnings and the age you start your pension. Most people receive less than the maximum CPP amount.
5. Where do Quebec residents find their QPP estimate?
Quebec residents should look for their estimated retirement pension in their Retraite Québec account, under their Québec Pension Plan statement of participation. In French, this is called a Relevé de participation.
Source: CPP early and delayed retirement pension adjustment rules are based on Government of Canada information on when to start your CPP retirement pension.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. CPP and QPP decisions should be reviewed with a qualified financial advisor.