Apply
Disruption of Canada Post services
Due to the labour disruption at Canada Post, mail correspondence from some programs and services may be impacted.
Consult the list of impacted programs for updates.
Are you ready to apply
Check that you qualify and choose your start date before you apply for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension.
- 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 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
or - completing the Consent to Communicate Information to an Authorized Person form (ISP-1603)
This form does not give permission to:
- apply for benefits on your behalf
- change your payment address
- request or change the withholding of tax
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:
- have a medical professional complete the Certificate of Incapability form (ISP-3505)
- complete the appropriate form based on your situation:
- for individual administration - Private Trustee form (ISP-3506)
- for agencies, charitable organizations, or municipalities - Agency or Institution form (ISP-3507)
Decide if and when you want federal income tax deducted from your CPP payments
Your CPP retirement pension counts as income and is taxable.
Taxes are not automatically deducted. You can ask that federal income tax be deducted from your monthly payments when you submit your application. This can also be done after you apply.
Decide how to apply and submit your application
You have 2 options to apply for CPP.
How to apply online
Apply for CPP online
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 Canada
- you have a third party (for example, power of attorney or trustee) managing a CPP account
- your CPP disability benefit stopped before the age of 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
Before you apply online, make sure none of these situations relate to you.
- Register or sign into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA):
Register or Sign in to MSCA - Select "Apply for Canada Pension Plan retirement pension" link from the Canada Pension Plan section of your dashboard to begin your application
How long will it take to process your application
Expect a decision by mail within 28 days from when we receive the application
How to apply with a paper form
Apply for CPP by paper
- Complete the application form (ISP-1000)
- If you download the form, check your Downloads folder, even if the page indicates the form is loading
- Mail it or drop it off at a Service Canada office
How long will it take to process your application
Expect a decision by mail within 120 days from when we receive the application
View your application status
To view your application status:
- sign into your MSCA, and select the "View my status updates" link
or - contact Service Canada
Updating and correcting your application
How to update your direct deposit, mailing address or telephone number
- complete the eServiceCanada form
- visit a Service Canada Office, or
- contact us
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.
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