Canada's retirement income system has three levels: Old Age Security (OAS), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and private pensions and savings.

The Canada Pension Plan provides basic benefits when a contributor to the Plan becomes disabled or retires. At the contributor's death, the Plan provides benefits to his or her survivors.

You qualify for a Canada Pension Plan retirement pension if you have made at least one valid contribution (payment) to the Plan and if:

you are at least 65

you are between 60 and 64, and meet the earning requirements set out in the legislation.

Your retirement pension does not start automatically. You must apply for it (unless you already receive a Canada Pension Plan disability benefit and turn 65, at which point your disability benefit automatically changes to a retirement pension).

Although it is not a requirement, it is best to apply at least six months before you want your pension to begin.

For more information call:
1 800 277-9914 (toll-free)
1 800 255-4786 If you are hearing or speech-impaired and use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)

Additional Information available at:: Canada Pension Plan