Estimate how starting your Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan retirement pension earlier or later could change your monthly and annual pension.
Quick answer
How does your starting age affect your CPP or QPP pension?
Starting a CPP or QPP retirement pension before age 65 generally reduces the monthly pension, while delaying it beyond age 65 generally increases the monthly amount. This calculator applies the applicable age adjustment to your estimated pension at age 65.
Estimated retirement pension
Complete the form and click “Calculate pension” to see your estimated CPP or QPP retirement pension.
CPP
Canada Pension Plan retirement pension
The CPP retirement pension is a monthly taxable benefit based primarily on your contributions and pensionable earnings during your working years.
Age 65 is the standard reference age used for the retirement pension.
Starting the CPP before age 65 reduces the monthly pension permanently.
Delaying the CPP after age 65 increases the monthly pension, up to the maximum supported starting age.
QPP
Quebec Pension Plan retirement pension
The QPP provides retirement income to eligible Quebec workers based on their earnings and contributions to the plan.
Age 65 is also the reference age used when comparing QPP retirement pension amounts.
Starting the QPP before age 65 permanently reduces the monthly amount, with the exact early-retirement reduction depending on the applicable QPP rules.
The QPP can be delayed beyond age 65, allowing a larger monthly pension.
Choosing when to start CPP or QPP
The age when you begin your retirement pension affects the amount you receive each month. Receiving the pension earlier provides payments sooner but at a lower monthly amount, while delaying generally produces a larger monthly pension.
Start before age 65
You begin receiving payments earlier, but the monthly pension is permanently reduced.
Start at age 65
Age 65 is the reference age and no early or delayed-start adjustment is applied.
Start after age 65
You wait longer before receiving the pension, but the monthly amount is permanently increased.
Where to find your pension estimate at age 65
For a more personalized result, enter the pension estimate from your official record rather than the maximum pension. CPP estimates can be viewed through My Service Canada Account, while QPP estimates are available through Retraite Québec. The maximum pension applies only to people whose contribution and earnings history supports the maximum amount.
Important information
This calculator adjusts a pension estimate at age 65 according to the selected starting age. It does not reconstruct your complete CPP or QPP contribution history and does not determine your official pension entitlement. Your actual pension may also be affected by contribution periods, pensionable earnings, exclusions, additional plan components and other applicable rules.
Official sources
CPP and QPP retirement pension information
The general rules used by this calculator are based on information published by the Government of Canada and Retraite Québec.