Your start age permanently changes the monthly amount.
Age 65 is the standard start age, not a required choice. Starting before 65 means receiving more monthly payments at a smaller amount. Delaying after 65 means giving up payments while waiting in exchange for a larger monthly amount later. There is no further age adjustment after 70.
Your actual CPP pension also depends on your contribution record and provisions that may apply to you—not just the age adjustment. Use your own estimate rather than the published maximum when exploring the choice.
Five things to consider before choosing a CPP start age
Do you need the income now?
Starting sooner can provide cash flow without relying as much on work or savings.
What would fund the waiting years?
A later start requires another source of income, such as work, a workplace pension, cash or portfolio withdrawals.
How might health and expected longevity matter?
Someone expecting a shorter retirement may place more value on payments sooner. Someone in very good health who is planning for a long retirement may place more value on a larger payment later. However, no one can predict lifespan.
Will you keep working?
Employment income can affect the need for CPP now. Continuing CPP contributions while working may create post-retirement benefits. Taking CPP while still earning employment income may mean total income is taxed at a higher marginal rate, depending on your circumstances.
How does it fit the household plan?
Consider a partner’s income, other pensions, shared spending and survivor needs rather than looking at one pension alone.
Two simplified examples
Different circumstances can point to different trade-offs.
Starting CPP sooner
Someone may need income now, have limited savings available for a bridge or reasonably expect a shorter retirement because of poor health. Payments begin sooner, but the monthly pension is permanently smaller.
Delaying CPP
Someone may be in very good health, plan for a long retirement and have enough work or savings income while waiting. Payments begin later, but the monthly pension is permanently larger.
The age adjustment in dollars
Use your age-65 estimate as the starting point.
The percentages apply to your own calculated pension. They do not mean everyone receives the maximum CPP amount.
See an example
If the age-65 estimate were $1,000 a month
| CPP start age | Age adjustment | Illustrative monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 36% lower | $640 |
| 65 | No age adjustment | $1,000 |
| 70 | 42% higher | $1,420 |
Work and tax are part of the picture
Starting CPP can add taxable income while you are still working.
CPP is taxable income. If it overlaps with employment income, it may be taxed at a higher marginal rate than it would be in a lower-income year. Continued CPP contributions while receiving the pension may also create post-retirement benefits. The applicable rules depend partly on age and employment circumstances.
Related questions
A few useful follow-ups.
Is age 65 the only normal time to start?
No. It is the standard age, but CPP may begin from age 60 to 70.
Does CPP begin automatically?
No. You generally need to apply and select a start date.
Does waiting after 70 increase CPP further?
The maximum age adjustment is reached at 70. As a result, delaying CPP beyond age 70 does not increase the monthly payment further.
What if I keep working after starting CPP?
CPP contributions may continue and create post-retirement benefits, depending on your age and circumstances. Check the current Service Canada and CRA rules that apply. See the official links below.
Should I use the maximum CPP amount in a forecast?
Not unless it matches your own estimate. Your payment depends on your contribution history and other provisions. Check My Service Canada Account.
Explore it in your plan
Update your CPP assumption in your plan.
Use a CPP estimate you have checked and compare start ages alongside OAS, pensions, spending and savings. The illustration will not choose a start age for you.
Official sources
These sources were reviewed July 29, 2026. Program rules and tax treatment can change; confirm the information that applies when acting.
- Service Canada: When to start CPP (opens in a new tab)
- Service Canada: How much CPP could you receive (opens in a new tab)
- CRA: CPP contributions for working beneficiaries (opens in a new tab)
- Government of Canada: Canadian Retirement Income Calculator (opens in a new tab)
- Retraite Québec: Quebec Pension Plan retirement pension (opens in a new tab)
Retired Kevin is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.