CPP Payments: How Much Can You Get from the Canada Pension Plan in 2025?
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) can be a big part of your income when you retire. If you qualify for the maximum CPP payments at age 65, you could receive $17,196 a year, which works out to $1,433 each month. However, how much you get from CPP depends on two things: how much you’ve contributed over the years and how long you’ve made those contributions between ages 18 and 65. Most people don’t get the maximum amount. In fact, as of January 2025, the average new CPP payment is $9,697.68 per year.
CPP Payments 2025
Here’s what you can expect to receive from CPP in 2025:
| Type of Pension or Benefit | Average Amount (2025) | Maximum Amount (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement pension (at age 65) | $808.14 | $1,433.00 |
| Disability benefit | $1,538.67 | $1,673.24 |
| Survivor’s pension – younger than 65 | $527.91 | $770.88 |
| Survivor’s pension – 65 and older | $325.64 | $859.80 |
| Death benefit (one-time payment) | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Combined survivor’s and retirement pension (age 65) | $1,017.67 | $1,449.53 |
| Combined survivor’s pension and disability benefit | $1,293.81 | $1,683.57 |
Not sure how much you’ll get? Don’t worry – the government calculates it for you.
How to Check Your CPP Contributions
You can see your CPP contributions by logging into your My Service Canada Account. If you use online banking with a major bank, signing up is quick and easy. Prefer paper? You can request a Statement of Contribution by calling 1-877-454-4051 or downloading the form from the Service Canada website. Keep in mind, this statement might not show your exact future CPP payments. It doesn’t account for things like the child-rearing drop-out provision or changes in your income.
CPP Increases with Inflation
CPP payments go up every January based on inflation. The increase is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the cost of living. Even if the cost of living goes down, your CPP payments won’t decrease – they’ll stay the same. In January 2025, CPP payments increased by 2.7%, based on CPI changes from November 2023 to October 2024.
CPP Payment Dates for 2025
If you’re signed up for direct deposit, your CPP payments will land in your bank account on these dates:
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- March 27, 2025
- April 28, 2025
- May 28, 2025
- June 26, 2025
- July 29, 2025
- August 27, 2025
- September 25, 2025
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Why Most People Don’t Get the Maximum CPP
Only about 6% of people get the full CPP amount. On average, recipients get about 56% of the maximum. Why? To get the maximum, you need to contribute to CPP at the highest level for 39 years. That means earning at least the Yearly Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) every year. For 2025, YMPE is $71,300.
Here’s how YMPE has changed over the years:
| Year | YMPE |
| 2025 | $71,300 |
| 2024 | $68,500 |
| 2023 | $66,600 |
| 2022 | $64,900 |
| 2021 | $61,600 |
| 2020 | $58,700 |
| 2019 | $57,400 |
| 2018 | $55,900 |
| 2017 | $55,300 |
| 2016 | $54,900 |
Also, there’s a new Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YAMPE) as part of the enhanced CPP. Canadians will pay an extra 4% on earnings between $71,300 and $81,200.
When Should You Start Taking CPP?
Most people start CPP at age 65, but you can start as early as age 60 or as late as age 70. There’s no benefit to waiting past 70, so make sure to apply on time.
- Taking CPP early (before 65): Your payments will be reduced by 0.6% for each month you start early. If you start at 60, that’s a 36% reduction.
- Deferring CPP (after 65): Your payments increase by 0.7% for every month you delay. If you start at 70, you’ll get 42% more.
Final Thoughts
CPP is an important part of retirement planning, but most people won’t get the maximum payments. On average, people get around 55% to 60% of the maximum amount. To find out what you’ll receive, check your Statement of Contribution online or request a paper copy from Service Canada. You must also note that CPP payments rise with inflation, and you’ll get your money towards the end of each month. Think carefully about when to start your CPP based on your personal situation, health, and retirement plans.