Apply for CPP retirement and Old Age Security
CPP retirement pension (you apply) and OAS (often automatic at 65), both through Service Canada.
Time: CPP: decision within 28 days online, 120 days on paper
What you need
- Social Insurance Number
- Direct deposit details (institution, transit and account number)
- Dates and insurance number of any work abroad
- OAS: places you have lived since 18 and your desired start date
Step by step
- Check that you qualify for CPP and OAS
- Apply for CPP up to 12 months before your chosen start date, online in MSCA
- Wait for your OAS enrolment letter around your 64th birthday
- If no letter arrives or you want to delay OAS, apply in MSCA or with form ISP-3550
- Receive the decision by mail
Where to apply
Apply for the CPP retirement pension · canada.ca
Apply for Old Age Security · canada.ca
Tips to get it right the first time
- Applying online is faster than the paper form ISP-1000.
- From outside Canada you must use the paper forms.
- Quebec workers get their pension from Retraite Québec instead of CPP.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: canada.ca. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.