Trinidad and Tobago - Pensions and benefits
If you have lived or worked in Trinidad and Tobago and in Canada, or you are the survivor of someone who has lived or worked in Trinidad and Tobago and in Canada, you may be eligible for pensions or benefits from Trinidad and Tobago or Canada, or both.
The Agreement on Social Security between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago came into force on July 1, 1999.
Available benefits
If you contributed to both the Canada Pension Plan and the Trinidad and Tobago pension program, or if you lived in Trinidad and Tobago, this agreement may help you qualify for:
- Canadian old age benefits
- Trinidad and Tobago old age benefits
If you are the widow, widower or child of a person who contributed to the pension programs of both countries, this agreement may help you qualify for:
- Canadian survivor benefits
- Trinidad and Tobago survivor benefits
You may qualify for Canadian or Trinidad and Tobago benefits, or both. However, under the Agreement, the benefit paid by each country will be based solely on your creditable periods under that country's pension program. In other words, Canada will pay a benefit amount reflecting the portion of your periods that are creditable under Canada's pension program, and Trinidad and Tobago will pay a benefit amount reflecting the portion of your creditable periods under Trinidad and Tobago's pension program.
Eligibility
Canadian benefits
The Canadian pension programs included in the Agreement are the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Old Age Security (OAS) program.
If you do not qualify for a Canada Pension Plan benefit, Canada will consider periods credited under the pension program of Trinidad and Tobago as periods of contribution to the Canada Pension Plan. However, this Agreement does not extend to disability benefits.
If you do not qualify for an Old Age Security pension because you have not lived in Canada for the minimum number of years, Canada will consider periods credited under the pension program of Trinidad and Tobago as periods of residence in Canada.
Note: Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) contributors
The Government of Canada’s international social security agreements cover Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan benefits only. If you contribute or have contributed to the QPP but not to the CPP, please consult the Quebec Pension Plan.
Trinidadian and Tobagonian benefits
The pension program of Trinidad and Tobago is similar to the Canada Pension Plan and covers most employed and self-employed persons in Trinidad and Tobago.
To qualify for a benefit under the pension program of Trinidad and Tobago, you normally must have contributed to the program for a minimum period of time.
If you have not contributed to the program for the minimum period, to qualify for a retirement benefit from Trinidad and Tobago under the Agreement, Trinidad and Tobago will consider periods of contribution to the Canada Pension Plan and periods of residence in Canada after April 10, 1972, and after the age of 18 as periods credited under the pension program of Trinidad and Tobago. To determine eligibility to a Trinidad and Tobago survivor benefit, Trinidad and Tobago will consider periods of contribution to the Canada Pension Plan as credited periods under the pension program of Trinidad and Tobago.
Apply
Print and complete one of the following application forms:
If you live in Canada
If you live in Canada and want to apply for Canadian benefits, consult the Pensions in Canada.
If you live in Canada and want to apply for Trinidad and Tobago benefits:
- Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement - Application for Trinidadian retirement benefit (CAN/TT 1)
- Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement - Application for Trinidadian invalidity benefit (CAN/TT 1.2)
- Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement - Application for Trinidadian Funeral Grant (CAN/TT 1.1A)
- Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement - Application for Trinidadian Survivor benefit (CAN/TT 1.1)
Attach any necessary supporting documents, and return the application form to a Service Canada Centre, or mail it to:
International Operations
Service Canada
PO Box 2710 Station Main
Edmonton AB T5J 2G4
Canada
If you live in Trinidad and Tobago
If you live in Trinidad and Tobago and want to apply for Canadian benefits:
- Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement - Application for Canadian Old Age, Retirement and Survivor Benefits (ISP5054-TTO)
- Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement - Application for CPP Child's Benefits (ISP5055-TTO)
- Trinidad and Tobago/Canada Agreement - Application for CPP Disability Benefits (ISP5053-TTO)
Attach any necessary supporting documents, and return the application form to a social security office in Trinidad and Tobago, or mail it to:
International Operations
Service Canada
PO Box 2710 Station Main
Edmonton AB T5J 2G4
Canada
Trinidad and Tobago's social security
Resources
- Agreement on social security between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
- General overview of Trinidad and Tobago's social security system
- Information on programs and services for Canadians living abroad
- Information on contributing to the Canada Pension Plan while working abroad and contact information for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Note: The Agreement
This page contains general information on the Agreement on Social Security between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and may not describe all the provisions that apply to your situation. If you have any questions, please contact us. In the case of a discrepancy between this page and the Agreement, the wording and provisions of the Agreement will prevail.
Page details
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