The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a federal government program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible contributors in Canada. It is a contributory, earnings-based social insurance program, meaning that both employees and employers contribute to the plan through payroll deductions, with self-employed individuals paying both portions.

Canadian workers aged 18 and older who earn more than a minimum threshold contribute a percentage of their income to the CPP. These contributions accumulate and are used to fund monthly payments during retirement or in case of disability or death. The amount of CPP benefits received depends on how much and for how long a person has contributed.

The main types of benefits under CPP include:

• Retirement Pension – typically available starting at age 65, but can be taken as early as 60 or as late as 70.

• Disability Benefits – for contributors who become severely and permanently disabled.

• Survivor’s Pension – paid to the spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor.

• Children’s Benefits – for dependent children of disabled or deceased contributors.

• Death Benefit – a one-time payment to the estate of a deceased contributor.

Administered by Service Canada, CPP is a vital part of Canada’s public retirement income system, ensuring financial security for millions of Canadians.