
Common Questions
How do I apply for CPP retirement benefits?Last reviewed November 2020 by the Clicklaw Editors
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly benefit paid to people who have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan. The standard age to begin receiving a CPP retirement pension is when you reach age 65, however, you can take a reduced CPP retirement pension as early as age 60.
Good starting points include:
- Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension, from Service Canada, explains who is eligible, how to apply, what forms you need, and how much you might expect to receive.
- When I'm 64: Benefits for Older Adults, from People's Law School, has information about the Canada Pension Plan retirement pension.
- Public Pensions - COVID-19, from the federal government, lays out additional benefits that are available to seniors and persons with disabilities, who are experiencing hardship or increased costs of living during the COVID-19 pandemic. This website also contains a link to apply for CPP benefits online through the My Service Canada system.
Need more help?
- Service Canada, from the federal government, can help you with information about government benefits. Call 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232) or find a Service Canada Centre near you.
- Find an Advocate, from PovNet, provides a list of community advocates who may be able to provide information or assistance regarding government benefits.
- Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap.
See our related common questions:
- I’m trying to decide whether to apply early for CPP
- See all common questions about pensions, benefits & welfare
- See all common questions about seniors
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- pensions, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), application to CPP, retirement pension, coronavirus, COVID-19, covid19