Who can receive CPP, and the main benefit types

The Canada Pension Plan is often thought of only as a retirement pension. It is broader than that, and knowing the main benefit types helps make sense of the large national figures that appear in pension news.

Who can receive CPP

In general, you can receive a CPP retirement pension if you are at least 60 and have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP. Contributions come from employment or self-employment in Canada outside Quebec during your working years. The amount you receive depends on your contributions, your earnings and the age you start.

The main benefit types

• Retirement pension — a monthly payment for life, available from age 60.
• Disability benefits — for eligible contributors who cannot work because of a severe and prolonged disability, and benefits for their dependent children.
• Survivor benefits — a survivor’s pension for an eligible spouse or common-law partner, a children’s benefit, and a one-time death benefit.
• Post-retirement benefit — for people who keep working and contributing while already receiving CPP (subject to age rules).

Why the distinction matters for the figures

Because CPP covers several benefit types, the people receiving it are a mixed group: different ages, different benefit types and different amounts. That is why a figure such as the average of 6.8 million CPP beneficiaries per month in 2024–25 should not be read as 6.8 million retirement pensioners. A separate government figure recorded 5.9 million CPP retirement pensioners in 2023–24.

When you read that a change “affects millions,” it is accurate because the overall CPP population is large — but it does not mean every beneficiary is the same or receives the same amount. For your own eligibility and benefit type, the official Government of Canada pages and My Service Canada Account are the place to check.