3. Complete the application for CPP retirement benefits

You can apply for your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement benefits online or using a paper application.

Applying online

You can apply online for your CPP retirement benefits through your My Service Canada Account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll have to register for one.

Setting up a My Service Canada Account

The first step is to ask for a Personal Access Code. You need this to use any of the online services like applying for CPP retirement benefits. You can get the code by providing the following information:

• your Social Insurance Number
• your first and last name
• your date of birth
• the last name of one of your parents when they were born
• your postal code if you’re a Canadian resident

You’ll get the code in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. With the code, you can go to your My Service Canada Account and start filling out your CPP application. You’ll need your:

• Personal Access Code
• Social Insurance Number
• date of birth

Using a paper application

You have to use a paper application if any of the following apply to you:

• you’re getting a CPP benefit, such as CPP disability benefits, survivor’s pension, or CPP children’s benefits
• you’ve received or applied for and been denied a CPP benefit in the past
• you live outside Canada
• you have someone officially taking care of your finances, including your CPP account, such as a power of attorney.

The government has an information sheet that can help you fill out your application.

You can get an application form online or by calling Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914. You can also get one from a Service Canada office.

Once you’ve completed the application, you can drop if off at a Service Canada office or mail it to them. Use the address that’s on your application form.