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Federal · Canada-wide / Money, savings & borrowing

Plan your retirement in Canada

Prepared by · Sources checked

How do I retire?

Start by comparing your expected spending with the income you could receive from public pensions, an employer pension and your savings. Choosing when to stop working and when to start each pension are separate decisions; you can still work while receiving public pensions.

Where to begin

  1. Estimate your retirement spending, including housing, debt payments and the lifestyle you want. Compare it with what you spend now.
  2. Gather your CPP contribution statement or QPP participation statement, employer pension details, savings statements and residence history for OAS.
  3. Use the Canadian Retirement Income Calculator to compare possible income and pension start dates. Its estimates are a starting point, not a personalized financial plan.
  4. Review the start-date and application rules for CPP or QPP, OAS and any employer pension separately. If your income will be low, also check GIS eligibility.
  5. Compare the income estimate with your expected expenses before deciding when to stop working; discuss a detailed withdrawal and tax plan with a qualified financial professional.

Before you open the official service

  • A list of expected expenses and debts.
  • Public and employer pension statements, savings information and residence history.

Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.

What to check for your situation

Eligibility, amounts and suitable pension start dates depend on your situation. This is general planning information, not a recommendation to retire or start a pension at a particular age.

Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.

Official sources

Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.