CPP and QPP

Canada Pension Plan and Québec Pension Plan

The public retirement pension you build by working: the CPP in most of Canada, the QPP in Québec. It’s paid for life.

The 2026 numbers

Numbers checked against the official sources on September 28, 2026.

Anyone working in Canada who earns more than $3,500 a year: contributions come off your pay.
The QPP covers work in Québec; the CPP covers the rest of Canada. They work almost the same way.

You contribute 6.3% of your pay between $3,500 and $74,600, and your employer matches it. Above that, another 4% up to $85,000.
Your pension depends on your years of work and your earnings. The maximum at 65 is $1,507.65 a month in 2026.
Starting before 65 cuts it by 0.5%–0.6% for each month early (30%–36% at 60), for life.
Waiting past 65 raises it by 0.7% a month, up to 58.8% at 72.
If you worked both in Québec and elsewhere in Canada, the two plans coordinate: you generally get a single pension.

A pension of $1,000 a month at 65 (QPP)

The same person, three start ages.

Province or territoryExample: Québec

Monthly amounts, before tax and indexation. The right age depends on your health, your other income and whether you need the money now.

Fictional example, round numbers.

Taking it at 60 by reflex: the reduction lasts for life.
Waiting at all costs: each year you wait is a year without a pension, and it only pays off if you live long enough.
Never checking your statement (My Service Canada Account or Retraite Québec): a missing year lowers your pension.