Canada Pension Plan payments for April go out soon — Here's how much you can get
Payments are arriving next week! 💸
Canadian seniors could get over $1,400 from the CPP payment for April 2025.
April is wrapping up fast — and if you're one of the many Canadian seniors counting on pensions and government payments to stretch your monthly budget, it's just about time for your next Canada Pension Plan deposit.
The April 2025 CPP payment is scheduled to land in bank accounts soon, so whether you're sorting out bills, picking up groceries or paying your taxes, now's a good time to double-check your payment details.
With inflation still nudging up prices across the board, pension programs like the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security continue to be key for retirees across the country. These Service Canada payments help cover everyday essentials, and staying updated on the CPP payment dates in 2025 can make a big difference when it comes to planning ahead.
Here's everything you need to know about the April CPP payment, how much you could get from Service Canada and who qualifies for these deposits in 2025.
How does the Canada Pension Plan work?
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a government program that provides monthly payments to eligible Canadians once they retire. Many Canadian workers pay into the plan via paycheque deductions throughout their working years, and then can begin to receive payments from the plan at a certain age.
You can start collecting your CPP payments as early as age 60, but the longer you wait (up to age 70), the more money you'll get each month. After 70, though, there's no extra incentive to delay — so most folks start cashing in sometime before then.
Once your application is approved and you begin receiving payments, the amount is locked in for life and will never decrease. But don't worry — it gets an annual cost-of-living increase to keep pace with inflation. Payments are typically deposited directly into your bank account each month, making CPP a steady and low-maintenance source of income during retirement.
Who is eligible for the Canada Pension Plan?
To qualify for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement benefits, you need to be at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid contribution to the plan during your working life. These contributions usually come off your paycheque if you've worked in Canada.
In some cases — like after a divorce or the end of a common-law relationship — you might be also able to share or split CPP credits with your former partner, which can help bump up your eligibility or payment amount.
You also don't need to retire to start collecting CPP. If you're under 70 and still working, you might even be able to increase your monthly income through the CPP post-retirement benefit — a little bonus for continuing to pay into the plan while receiving it.
How to apply for the Canada Pension Plan
Getting started with your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments is a pretty simple process — it just starts with choosing when you want to begin. You can apply for CPP anytime between age 60 and 70. Just remember: if you start early, your monthly payments will be smaller. Wait a bit longer, and you'll lock in bigger payments for life.
Once you've settled on your start date, applying is easy. The quickest way is online through your My Service Canada Account. If you're more into paper forms, that's totally fine too — just print out an application and send it by mail or bring it to your nearest Service Canada location.
More about applying for the CPP
Does Quebec have its own pension plan?
Yes — Quebec runs its own version of the national retirement program, called the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). It's very similar to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and offers monthly payments to eligible residents who have contributed through work in the province.
If you've spent your career in Quebec or currently live there and have paid into the CPP, your retirement benefits will come from that program instead. But if you've worked in different parts of Canada and contributed to both, don't stress — the systems are coordinated, and your benefits will reflect everything you've paid into.
Just like the CPP, QPP payments are made each month. This month, the QPP deposit is set to arrive on April 30.
How is the Canada Pension Plan calculated?
The amount you receive from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) depends on several personal factors that shape your payment over time.
First up is timing. If you start collecting CPP at age 60, your monthly amount will be lower. The longer you wait — up to age 70 — the more you'll get each month.
Your contributions matter too. The more you've paid into the plan throughout your working years, the higher your payments will be. And your earnings history plays a role — if you earned more during your career, that means you probably paid more into the plan and therefore will likely receive more.
If you're still working and under 70, you can keep adding to your pension through the CPP post-retirement benefit. Every year you contribute adds a bit more to your future payments, which are adjusted and then locked in for life.
Other factors — like time spent raising children, periods of low or no income or living with a disability — can also influence your final amount. For a clearer picture, you can check your My Service Canada Account or use Service Canada's Retirement Income Calculator to see a personalized estimate.
More about calculating CPP payments
How much does the Canada Pension Plan pay?
As of January 2025, the maximum monthly Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payment for someone starting at age 65 was $1,433, according to Service Canada. But most Canadians don't receive the full amount. On average, new retirees who begin collecting CPP at 65 around now will get about $900 per month.
Your specific CPP payment depends on how much you earned and contributed during your working years, so your number could be higher or lower than the average.
To find out what your payment might look like, you can log into your My Service Canada Account or use the Retirement Income Calculator for a quick and personalized estimate.
More about CPP payment amounts
Is the Canada Pension Plan taxable?
Yes, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments count as taxable income. However, it's important to note that unlike a regular paycheque, taxes aren't automatically deducted unless you ask for it.
If you want taxes taken off upfront, you can set that up easily through your My Service Canada Account or by sending in a paper request. Otherwise, you might end up needing to make quarterly tax payments later on, depending on your total income.
For Canadians living outside the country, a non-resident tax is automatically withheld from CPP payments — so that part's handled for you.
More about CPP and your taxes
When are the Canada Pension Plan payment dates?
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments usually arrive during the last week of each month, and they can even land directly in your bank account if you have direct deposit set up. The next payment is scheduled for Monday, April 28.
If you're trying to map out your finances for the rest of the year, here's when to expect the rest of your CPP payments in 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
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