CPP maximums for 2026
The maximum CPP retirement pension for someone starting at 65 in 2026 is $1,507.65 a month. Contributions apply to earnings up to $74,600 (the YMPE), with a second tier up to $85,000.
Last updated
| Figure | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly retirement pension at 65 | $1,507.65 |
| Maximum annual retirement pension at 65 | $18,091.80 |
| Year's maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE) | $74,600 |
| Second earnings ceiling (YAMPE) | $85,000 |
| Basic exemption | $3,500 |
| Employee and employer contribution rate | 5.95% |
| Maximum employee contribution | $4,230.45 |
| Self-employed contribution rate | 11.9% |
| Maximum self-employed contribution | $8,460.90 |
| CPP2 employee and employer rate | 4% |
| Maximum CPP2 employee contribution | $416.00 |
| Maximum CPP2 self-employed contribution | $832.00 |
| Maximum total employee contribution (CPP and CPP2) | $4,646.45 |
| Maximum total self-employed contribution (CPP and CPP2) | $9,292.90 |
Earnings ceilings and contributions by year
| Year | YMPE | Second ceiling | Maximum CPP | Maximum CPP2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Not yet announced. Expected November 2026. | |||
| 2026 | $74,600 | $85,000 | $4,230.45 | $416.00 |
| 2025 | $71,300 | $81,200 | $4,034.10 | $396.00 |
| 2024 | $68,500 | $73,200 | $3,867.50 | $188.00 |
The Canada Revenue Agency normally publishes the next year's ceilings and contribution maximums at the start of November. Service Canada publishes the new maximum pension with its January to March amounts.
How CPP contributions work
You contribute on earnings above the $3,500 basic exemption. In 2026 the rate is 5.95% up to the YMPE of $74,600, so the most an employee pays on that band is $4,230.45. Your employer pays the same amount. If you are self-employed you pay both halves, which is 11.9% and a maximum of $8,460.90.
A second tier, CPP2, started in 2024. It applies only to earnings between the YMPE and the second ceiling of $85,000. The rate on that band is 4%, to a maximum of $416.00 for an employee in 2026. Someone earning less than $74,600 pays no CPP2.
Starting CPP before or after 65
The $1,507.65 maximum is for a pension that starts at 65. Start earlier and the pension is reduced by 0.6% for every month before 65. Start later and it increases by 0.7% for every month after 65, up to age 70. The adjustment is permanent.
| Start age | Adjustment | Share of the age-65 pension | Maximum monthly pension, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | -36.0% | 64.0% | $964.90 |
| 61 | -28.8% | 71.2% | $1,073.45 |
| 62 | -21.6% | 78.4% | $1,182.00 |
| 63 | -14.4% | 85.6% | $1,290.55 |
| 64 | -7.2% | 92.8% | $1,399.10 |
| 65 | None | 100.0% | $1,507.65 |
| 66 | +8.4% | 108.4% | $1,634.29 |
| 67 | +16.8% | 116.8% | $1,760.94 |
| 68 | +25.2% | 125.2% | $1,887.58 |
| 69 | +33.6% | 133.6% | $2,014.22 |
| 70 | +42.0% | 142.0% | $2,140.86 |
The last column is arithmetic on the 2026 maximum, shown to make the adjustment concrete. Service Canada calculates your own pension from your contribution record.
Common questions
What is the maximum CPP payment in 2026?
The maximum CPP retirement pension for someone starting at 65 in 2026 is $1,507.65 a month. Most people receive less, because the maximum requires contributions at or near the earnings ceiling for most of a working life.
What is the YMPE for 2026?
The year's maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE) for 2026 is $74,600. The second earnings ceiling, called the YAMPE, is $85,000.
How much are CPP contributions in 2026?
Employees pay 5.95% on earnings between $3,500 and $74,600, to a maximum of $4,230.45. They pay a further 4% on earnings between $74,600 and $85,000, to a maximum of $416.00. The most an employee can pay in 2026 is $4,646.45. Employers pay the same again.
How much less is CPP if I start at 60?
CPP is reduced by 0.6% for each month you start before 65. Starting at 60 is 60 months early, which is a 36% reduction that lasts for life.
How much more is CPP if I wait until 70?
CPP increases by 0.7% for each month you delay past 65. Waiting until 70 is 60 months, which is a 42% increase. There is no further increase after 70.
Run your own numbers
- CPP and OAS breakeven calculatorCompare starting CPP at any age from 60 to 70 and see when waiting pays off.
- Retirement income calculatorSee how CPP fits with your savings and other income.
Related reading
Sources
- Service Canada: CPP pensions and benefits monthly amountsRetrieved
- CRA: CPP contribution rates, maximums and exemptionsRetrieved
- CRA: Second additional CPP (CPP2) contribution rates and maximumsRetrieved
- Service Canada: When to start your CPP retirement pensionRetrieved
Loonie Nest provides financial education, not financial, tax, or legal advice. The official source governs if a figure here differs from it.