Should You Take CPP at 60, 65, or 70? What Canadians Need to Know
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
CPP Early vs Late Retirement
Should You Take CPP at 60, 65, or 70?
You can start the Canada Pension Plan as early as age 60 or delay it until age 70. Starting before 65 permanently reduces your monthly payment. Delaying after 65 permanently increases it. The best choice depends on your health, income needs, and long-term retirement plans.
CPP timing is one of the most searched retirement questions in Canada because the decision affects your income for life.
When Can You take CPP at 60 or 65 or 70?
You can apply for CPP between ages 60 and 70 through Service Canada.
Age 65 is considered the standard start age. However, you are not required to begin at 65. You must apply to receive payments. They do not start automatically.
If you are unsure how CPP works overall, see our guide on how CPP works in Canada.
Age
| Effect on Payment |
60 | Permanently reduced |
65 | Standard amount |
70 | Permanently increased |
What Happens If You Take CPP at 60?
You can start CPP as early as age 60. However, your payment is permanently reduced for each month you begin before age 65.
This reduction does not disappear when you turn 65. It applies for life.
Taking CPP at 60 means:
Smaller monthly payments
More total months of payments
Immediate retirement income
This option may make sense if you need income sooner or expect a shorter retirement period.
What Happens If You Take CPP at 65?
Age 65 is the standard starting point.
At 65:
No early reduction
No delayed increase• Standard calculated pension amount
Your payment is based on your contribution history, earnings, and years of contributions.
If you want to understand potential payment amounts, see our article on how much CPP you may receive.
What Happens If You Delay CPP Until 70?
If you delay CPP after 65, your payment increases permanently for each month you wait, up to age 70.
Delaying means:
Larger monthly payments
Fewer total payment years
Increased lifetime income if you live longer
The maximum increase is reached at age 70. There is no additional benefit to delaying beyond 70.
CPP details and eligibility rules are published by the Government of Canada.
Is It Better to Take CPP Early or Delay It?
There is no single correct answer. It depends on your situation.
If You Need Income Immediately
Starting at 60 provides income sooner, even though it is lower monthly.
If You Expect a Long Retirement
Delaying can provide higher monthly income later in life, which may help offset rising living costs.
If You Are Still Working
You can receive CPP while working. If under 70, you may continue contributing and increase your benefit through the post-retirement benefit.
How CPP Timing Affects Lifetime Income
Taking CPP at 60 results in smaller monthly payments for more years.
Taking CPP at 70 results in larger monthly payments for fewer years.
The “break-even” point depends on how long you live. If you live well into your 80s or 90s, delaying may result in more total lifetime income. If not, starting earlier could result in more total payments received.
Your personal health, savings, and other income sources should be part of the decision.
Common Mistakes Canadians Make
Many assume the early reduction is temporary. It is permanent.
Some believe delaying always guarantees more total money. It depends on lifespan.
Others confuse CPP with Old Age Security, which is a separate program.
Some do not check their personal CPP estimate before deciding when to take cpp at 60 or 65 or 70
FAQs
Is CPP reduced permanently if taken at 60?
Yes. The reduction applied for starting early is permanent and does not increase when you turn 65.
Can I work while receiving CPP?
Yes. You can work while receiving CPP. If under age 70, you may continue contributing and increase your benefit.
Does delaying CPP increase survivor benefits?
In some cases, yes. A higher base pension can affect survivor benefit calculations.
Can I cancel CPP after starting it?
You may cancel within a limited time frame after payments begin, but you must repay any amounts received.
Sources
Last checked: 2026-02-28 | 03:32 PM CT
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