What are the steps to applying for a Canada Pension Plan (CPP)?

To apply for the Canada Pension Plan, complete the application online, or print it out and mail it to Service Canada. If you fill it out online, there are two steps to the process. First, complete your application online and submit it electronically. Then, print out the signature page provided in Step 7 of the application, sign it and mail it to Service Canada.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides monthly benefits to contributors and their beneficiaries upon the contributor's retirement, disability or death. Working Canadians over the age of 18 are required to contribute a portion of their monthly incomes to the CPP. Benefits of the plan include pension sharing, disability benefits and credit splitting for divorced or separated couples. Eligible Canadians must apply for the Canada Pension Plan in order to begin receiving benefits.

Applicants must have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP to qualify for benefits. The standard age to start getting CPP benefits is 65, but applicants may receive decreased benefits as early as age 60. Alternatively, increased benefits are awarded if the contributor delays applying until age 70 or later.

Before applying, you need to have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and banking information close at hand. If you wish to take advantage of pension sharing, you must have your spouse or common-law partner's SIN as well. You must also provide your children's SINs and proofs of birth if you are planning to request the child-rearing provision on your application.