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Mail delivery for some programs and services may be delayed. Consult the measures in place during the potential disruption of Canada Post services.

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Are you ready to apply

You need to apply to receive the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension. Check that you qualify and choose your start date before you begin your application.

  • I qualify
  • I've chosen my pension start date

What to know before you apply

Plan to apply early

Apply in advance to ensure your CPP retirement pension starts on your chosen date. You can apply up to 12 months before your chosen start date.

If you are receiving a CPP disability benefit

When you turn 65, your CPP disability benefit will automatically change to a CPP retirement pension.

If you lived or are living outside of Canada

If you are applying from outside of Canada, you must use a paper application. Send your application to the Service Canada office in your last province or territory of residence. Learn more about pensions and benefits if you have lived or are living outside Canada.

Decide how to apply and submit your application

To start the process, select either ‘Online application' or ‘Paper application'.

Online application

Apply for CPP online

Before you apply online, make sure none of these situations relate to you.

Situations where you cannot apply online

If any of the following apply to you, you cannot choose the option to apply online. A paper application is required if:

  • you live outside of Canada
  • you have a third party (for example, a power of attorney or a trustee) managing your CPP account
  • your CPP disability benefit stopped before you turned 65
  • you have been denied a CPP disability benefit in the past
  • you received a CPP children's benefit between the ages of 18 to 25, but it was not paid directly to you
  • you either received or were denied a CPP children's benefit before the age of 18, and you did not receive it after the age of 25
  • you are receiving a CPP survivor's pension under an International Social Security Agreement

If you cannot apply online, find out how to apply using a paper form.

  1. Register or sign into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to:
    Apply
  2. Complete this option (if required):
    If someone is helping you communicate with Service Canada

    You can authorize someone to communicate with Service Canada on your behalf by signing in to your My Service Canada Account and selecting the "Give consent to communicate on my behalf" link.

    This does not give someone consent to:

    • apply for benefits on your behalf
    • change your payment address
    • request or change the withholding of tax
  3. Start your application:
    • Select "Apply for Canada Pension Plan retirement pension" link from the Canada Pension Plan section

How long will it take to process your application

Expect a decision by mail within 28 days from when we receive the application.

Paper application

Apply for CPP on paper

  1. Complete the form:
  2. Choose and complete an option (if required):
    If someone is helping you communicate with Service Canada

    You can authorize someone to communicate with Service Canada on your behalf by:

    If you are applying on someone's behalf

    To act as an administrator for someone who cannot manage their own pension and benefits, you must:

    1. Have a medical professional complete the Certificate of Incapability form (ISP-3505)
    2. Choose and complete the form that applies to you:
  3. Submit the form(s)

How long will it take to process your application

Expect a decision by mail within 120 days from when we receive the application

Online application

Apply for CPP online

Before you apply online, make sure none of these situations relate to you.

Situations where you cannot apply online

If any of the following apply to you, you cannot choose the option to apply online. A paper application is required if:

  • you live outside of Canada
  • you have a third party (for example, a power of attorney or a trustee) managing your CPP account
  • your CPP disability benefit stopped before you turned 65
  • you have been denied a CPP disability benefit in the past
  • you received a CPP children's benefit between the ages of 18 to 25, but it was not paid directly to you
  • you either received or were denied a CPP children's benefit before the age of 18, and you did not receive it after the age of 25
  • you are receiving a CPP survivor's pension under an International Social Security Agreement

If you cannot apply online, find out how to apply using a paper form.

  1. Register or sign into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to:
    Apply
  2. Complete this option (if required):
    If someone is helping you communicate with Service Canada

    You can authorize someone to communicate with Service Canada on your behalf by signing in to your My Service Canada Account and selecting the "Give consent to communicate on my behalf" link.

    This does not give someone consent to:

    • apply for benefits on your behalf
    • change your payment address
    • request or change the withholding of tax
  3. Start your application:
    • Select "Apply for Canada Pension Plan retirement pension" link from the Canada Pension Plan section

How long will it take to process your application

Expect a decision by mail within 28 days from when we receive the application.

Paper application

Apply for CPP on paper

  1. Complete the form:
  2. Choose and complete an option (if required):
    If someone is helping you communicate with Service Canada

    You can authorize someone to communicate with Service Canada on your behalf by:

    If you are applying on someone's behalf

    To act as an administrator for someone who cannot manage their own pension and benefits, you must:

    1. Have a medical professional complete the Certificate of Incapability form (ISP-3505)
    2. Choose and complete the form that applies to you:
  3. Submit the form(s)

How long will it take to process your application

Expect a decision by mail within 120 days from when we receive the application

Check your application status

Use one of the following methods to check your application status:

  • sign in to your MSCA and select the "View my status updates" link
  • contact Service Canada

Updating and correcting your application

How to update your direct deposit, mailing address or telephone number

Use one of the following methods:

Make sure your application is accurate

Make sure your application is accurate. If you notice any errors or missing information, contact us immediately to correct them.

You could be fined if there is false, misleading, or omitted information on your CPP retirement pension application. Interest is also charged on penalties and overpayments that are subject to a penalty.

Learn about Penalties, Interest and Disclosure Policy

Other pensions and benefits

There are several other pensions and benefits that you or your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for, depending on your situation:

List of other pensions and benefits

Old Age Security (OAS) pension: If you are 65 and older, even if you have never worked or are still working.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): If you are 65 and older, receive Old Age Security, and your income is low.

Allowance: If you are 60 to 64 and your spouse or common-law partner receives Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Allowance for the Survivor: If you are 60 to 64, your spouse or common-law partner has died, and your income is low.

CPP survivor's pension: If you are the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased CPP contributor.

CPP children's benefit: If you are a dependent child of a deceased CPP contributor.

Death benefit: A one-time payment on behalf of a deceased CPP contributor.

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