CPP Start-Age Comparison Calculator
You can start CPP any time between 60 and 70, and the age you choose permanently changes the monthly amount for life. This tool compares all three common start ages side by side and shows where they break even.
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How start age changes your CPP
Starting before 65 permanently reduces the pension for each early month, while delaying past 65 permanently increases it for each month of patience, up to age 70. The right choice depends on health and longevity expectations, other income sources, whether you’re still contributing, survivor considerations, and how the income interacts with tax and OAS.
How the numbers are calculated
CPP reduces by 0.6% for each month you start before 65 (a 36% reduction at age 60) and increases by 0.7% for each month you delay past 65 (a 42% increase at age 70). These are the legislated adjustment rates published by Service Canada. We apply them to a base amount at age 65 — either your own estimate or the published maximum.
About the break-even age
Starting later means fewer years of payments but a larger cheque. The break-even age is where the later start’s cumulative total catches up to the earlier start. If you expect to live well past it, delaying tends to pay off; if not, starting earlier may suit you better. This is a simplified view — it doesn’t model CPP indexing, investment of early payments, taxes, or survivor benefits.
Frequently asked questions
How are my CPP payment amounts determined?
Your CPP retirement pension depends on how much and how long you contributed, and your average earnings over your working life. The more years you contributed near the maximum earnings limit, the larger your pension. Periods of low or zero earnings lower it, though CPP automatically drops out a number of your lowest-earning years to help. See Service Canada: How much you could receive.
How do I get the maximum CPP benefit?
To receive the maximum CPP, you generally need to have contributed at or near the maximum annual pensionable earnings limit for about 39 of the years between ages 18 and 65. Because CPP drops out your lowest-earning years, you don’t need a perfect record — but most people receive less than the maximum because few contribute at the ceiling for that long. You can see your own estimate in your My Service Canada Account.
What are the penalties for taking CPP early or late?
Taking CPP before age 65 permanently reduces your payments by 0.6% for each month early — up to 36% less if you start at 60. Delaying past 65 permanently increases them by 0.7% for each month — up to 42% more if you start at 70. The change is permanent and lasts for life, which is what this calculator's comparison and break-even ages help you weigh.
How much do I contribute to CPP?
Employed and self-employed people aged 18 to 70 contribute on their pensionable earnings. In 2026 the employee rate is 5.95% on earnings between $3,500 and the $74,600 ceiling (employers match this; the self-employed pay both halves at 11.9%). A second tier, CPP2, applies a further 4% on earnings between $74,600 and $85,000. See Service Canada: CPP contributions.
Do I keep contributing to CPP if I work while collecting it?
It depends on your age. If you’re working and collecting CPP between 60 and 64, contributions are still mandatory, and they go toward a Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) that adds to your income. Between 65 and 69, contributing is optional — you can elect to stop. At 70, contributions stop entirely. See Service Canada: CPP while working.
Can I contribute to CPP after age 70?
No. Once you turn 70 you can no longer contribute to CPP, even if you keep working. Since delaying CPP past 70 gives no further increase either, age 70 is effectively the last point at which it makes sense to start your pension.