How much CPP will I get in 2026? Average and maximum

The maximum Canada Pension Plan retirement pension for someone starting at 65 in 2026 is $1,507.65 a month, but the average new pension at 65 was $858.34 a month as of July 2026, according to Service Canada. Starting at 60 cuts the pension by up to 36 per cent, while waiting until 70 raises it by up to 42 per cent.

Updated Oct. 22, 2026. The January 2027 indexation rate has not been published yet.

The figures are from Service Canada’s CPP payment amounts page, which lists the average amount for new beneficiaries as of July 2026 and the maximum monthly amount for benefits starting in January 2026. Your own pension depends on how much and for how long you contributed, and when you start it.

Key facts

What is the average and maximum CPP payment in 2026?

Few people receive the maximum. It requires contributing at or near the yearly maximum for most of your working life, and the enhanced part of the plan is still building up. The table below shows Service Canada’s 2026 figures for each CPP benefit.

How much CPP will I get if I start at 60 or 70?

Service Canada’s when to start page says payments decrease by 0.6 per cent each month, or 7.2 per cent a year, up to a maximum reduction of 36 per cent if you start at 60. They increase by 0.7 per cent each month, or 8.4 per cent a year, up to 42 per cent at 70. The change is permanent.

What is the CPP post-retirement benefit?

If you keep working while receiving your CPP pension, your contributions buy a post-retirement benefit, a lifetime monthly top-up. Service Canada says CPP contributions are mandatory for working pension recipients under 65. From 65 to 70 you can choose to stop contributing by filling out form CPT30, giving a copy to your employer and sending the original to the Canada Revenue Agency. Contributions end at 70.

Each year of contributions earns a separate benefit that Service Canada pays automatically the following year, for the rest of your life. For 2026, the maximum post-retirement benefit at 65 is $54.69 a month and the average is $26.25. The benefit applies to work outside Quebec.

How does the CPP enhancement change my pension?

The CPP enhancement began in 2019. Service Canada’s enhancement page says the plan used to replace one quarter of your average work earnings and will grow to one third for earnings after 2019. The first additional contributions were phased in from 2019 to 2023, and the second, on a higher band of earnings, over 2024 and 2025.

For 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency says employees and employers each pay 5.95 per cent on earnings between $3,500 and the year’s maximum pensionable earnings of $74,600, plus four per cent on earnings from $74,600 to the second ceiling of $85,000. Service Canada says maximum benefit amounts increase every month as a result of the enhancement. Changes coming in 2027 are in our story on the CPP contribution rate cut.

How do I find out how much CPP I will get?

The most accurate figure is your own estimate in My Service Canada Account, which shows your contribution record and an estimate based on it. The government’s Canadian Retirement Income Calculator can combine that estimate with Old Age Security, workplace pensions and savings.

To qualify, you must be at least 60 and have made at least one valid contribution. You can apply online through My Service Canada Account up to 12 months before the date you want payments to start. In most cases, payments do not start until you apply. If you lived and worked in Quebec, contact Retraite Québec about the Quebec Pension Plan.

When are CPP payments made?

CPP and Old Age Security are paid on the same day each month. The remaining 2026 dates on the government’s benefit payment calendar are Oct. 28, Nov. 26 and Dec. 22. Our November benefit payment dates guide has the details, and our story on the latest OAS increase covers the other half of most retirees’ government income.

CPP amounts rise every January with inflation. Service Canada said benefits increased by 2.0 per cent for 2026. The January 2027 increase had not been published as of Oct. 22, 2026.

Frequently asked questions about CPP in 2026

What is the maximum CPP payment in 2026?

The maximum retirement pension for someone starting at 65 in 2026 is $1,507.65 a month, or $18,091.80 a year.

What is the average CPP payment in 2026?

The average new retirement pension at 65 was $858.34 a month as of July 2026, according to Service Canada.

How much CPP do you lose if you take it at 60?

Your pension is permanently reduced by 0.6 per cent for each month before 65, or 36 per cent at 60. Applied to the 2026 maximum, that is $964.90 a month.

How much more CPP do you get if you wait until 70?

Your pension rises by 0.7 per cent for each month after 65, or 42 per cent at 70. Applied to the 2026 maximum, that is $2,140.86 a month.

Is CPP automatic when you turn 65?

In most cases, no. You need to apply, and you can do it online through My Service Canada Account up to 12 months before you want payments to begin.

When is the next CPP payment?

The remaining 2026 CPP payment dates are Oct. 28, Nov. 26 and Dec. 22.

Do I have to pay CPP contributions if I work while collecting CPP?

Yes if you are under 65. From 65 to 70 you can opt out with form CPT30. Contributions earn a post-retirement benefit paid the following year.

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Sources: Service Canada, CPP payment amounts, when to start your pension, post-retirement benefit, CPP enhancement, indexation, how to apply and benefit payment dates; Canada Revenue Agency, CPP contribution rates and second additional CPP contributions.