CPP Calculator: When to Start
See how starting your Canada Pension Plan retirement pension at 60, 65 or 70 changes your monthly payment, and the age at which waiting pays off.
What we noticed
Year by year
How this calculator works
You can start your CPP retirement pension as early as 60 or as late as 70. Starting before 65 cuts your pension by 0.6% for every month before 65, up to 36% at 60. Starting after 65 raises it by 0.7% for every month after 65, up to 42% at 70.
Enter the monthly amount you expect at 65 (from your My Service Canada Account or your statement) and the age you plan to start. We show the monthly amount, how it compares with starting at 65, and the total you would have received by different ages. The age where one choice overtakes another is the break-even age.
CPP is raised each year with prices, so amounts are shown in today's money. We do not include tax or investing the money, so use this as a guide and check your own statement.
CPP numbers for 2026
| Maximum monthly pension at 65 | $1,507.65 a month |
|---|---|
| Average for new beneficiaries (July 2026) | $858.34 a month |
| Start before 65 | Reduced by 0.6% a month, up to 36% at age 60 |
| Start after 65 | Increased by 0.7% a month, up to 42% at age 70 |
| Earliest and latest start | Age 60 to age 70 |
Frequently asked questions
At what age should I start CPP?
It depends on your health, your other income and your need for money. Starting at 60 gives a smaller pension for longer. Starting at 70 gives a larger one for life. The break-even ages shown above help you compare.
How much is the maximum CPP in 2026?
The maximum monthly CPP retirement pension at 65 is $1,507.65 in 2026. Most people get less. The average for new beneficiaries is about $858 a month.
Is CPP taxable?
Yes. CPP counts as income, and you pay tax on it with your other income.
Does CPP go up with inflation?
Yes. CPP payments are adjusted each year for increases in prices.
Can I work while I get CPP?
Yes. You can work and receive CPP. Some people keep contributing and earn a small extra pension on top.