How to Apply for CPP Retirement Pension

How to Apply for CPP Retirement Pension

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a federal benefit administered by Service Canada. It is not automatic; you must apply. The official advice is to apply early—up to 12 months before your chosen start date—to ensure payments begin on time.

Before You Apply

• Confirm you qualify.
• Choose your pension start date.

Information You Need

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Direct deposit information (financial institution, branch/transit number, account number)
• If you lived or worked outside Canada: country name, insurance number, start and end dates

For Child Rearing Provision, you may need:

• Child's full name, SIN, date of birth
• If child born outside Canada: proof of entry date, immigration records (IMM 1000), passport, customs declaration, travel tickets
• Dates you did not receive Family Allowance or were not eligible for Canada Child Benefit
• Dates you were not the primary caregiver

Apply Online

1. Sign in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
2. If someone helps you communicate, you can authorize them via MSCA (this does not allow them to apply for benefits, change your address, or change tax withholding).
3. Select "Apply for Canada Pension Plan retirement pension" in MSCA.

Processing time: decision by mail within 28 days of receipt.

Apply by Mail

You must use a paper form if you:

• Live outside Canada
• Have a third party managing your CPP account
• Had CPP disability benefits end before age 65
• Were denied CPP disability benefits in the past
• Received CPP children's benefit between 18–25 but not paid directly to you
• Received or were denied CPP children's benefit before 18 and did not receive it after 25
• Receive CPP survivor's pension under an International Social Security Agreement

Steps:

1. Complete form ISP-1000.
2. If needed, complete consent form ISP-1603.
3. If applying on someone's behalf, complete incapability form ISP-3505 and choose ISP-3506 (individual) or ISP-3507 (agency).
4. Mail to the Service Canada office in your last province/territory of residence.

Processing time: decision by mail within 120 days of receipt.

Special Cases

• If receiving CPP disability, it automatically converts to retirement at age 65.
• If living outside Canada, you must apply by mail.

Official Source

• CPP retirement pension - Apply - Canada.ca