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Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)

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The Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is a taxable monthly pension for people who worked in Quebec, run by Retraite Québec. You can start it from age 60 to 72. In 2026, the maximum is $1,507.65 a month at 65, $964.90 at 60 and $2,394.15 at 72. You apply through My Account on the Retraite Québec website or with form B-001A.

Check if you qualify

Key facts

Maximum monthly QPP at 65
$1,507.65 (2026)
Maximum monthly QPP at 60
$964.90 (2026)
Maximum monthly QPP at 72
$2,394.15 (2026)
Starting after 65
0.7% more for each month, up to 58.8% more at 72
Starting before 65
0.5% to 0.6% less for each month
Paper application form
B-001A

What is the Quebec Pension Plan?

The Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is a public pension for people who work or have worked in Quebec. Retraite Québec runs it. For work done in Quebec, it takes the place of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

The QPP retirement pension is paid for life on the last working day of each month. It rises each January with the cost of living; the increase on January 1, 2026 was 2.00%. The pension is taxable. Tax is not taken off automatically, but you can ask Retraite Québec for tax deductions at source.

The QPP is separate from Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Quebec residents get those federal benefits through Service Canada.

Who can get a QPP retirement pension?

You may qualify if you have made enough contributions to the QPP for at least one year. You can start a reduced pension from age 60, a full pension at 65, or a higher pension after 65. Retraite Québec decides whether you qualify and how much you receive.

How much is the QPP in 2026?

In 2026, the maximum QPP retirement pension is $1,507.65 a month at 65. The maximum is $964.90 a month if you start at 60 and $2,394.15 a month if you start at 72. Most people get less than the maximum.

Your amount depends on your earnings from age 18 until you start your pension or turn 72. At 65, the pension is a little over 25% of your average work earnings over your career. Your Statement of Participation in My Account on the Retraite Québec website shows your own record.

If your spouse dies, other QPP benefits may apply. In 2026, the surviving spouse's pension for someone 65 or older is up to $881.48 a month, and the death benefit is $2,500.

When should I start my QPP: 60, 65, 70 or 72?

If you start before 65, your pension goes down by 0.5% to 0.6% for each month before your 65th birthday. The rate depends on the size of your pension; people with a larger pension have a rate closer to 0.6%.

If you start after 65, your pension goes up by 0.7% for each month you wait, until age 72. Starting at 72 gives a pension 58.8% higher than at 65. There is no further increase after 72. Whatever you choose, the adjustment is permanent.

If you are over 65 and have not applied, you can ask for back payments instead of the monthly increase. Your pension will then be lower for life, and back payments cannot start before age 65.

How to apply for the QPP retirement pension

The QPP does not start on its own. Retraite Québec suggests applying about 3 months before the month you want your first payment. You cannot apply more than 12 months ahead.

  1. Decide when you want your pension to start.
  2. Online: sign in to My Account on the Retraite Québec website and apply there. This is the faster option.
  3. On paper: fill out form B-001A, Application for a Retirement Pension Under the Québec Pension Plan. Send it through the Retraite Québec online document service, or mail it to Retraite Québec, case postale 5200, Québec (Québec) G1K 7S9.
  4. Wait for your decision letter from Retraite Québec.

I worked in Quebec and in other provinces. Where do I apply?

You receive one pension that counts your contributions to both plans. Where you apply depends on where you live when you apply. If you live in Quebec, apply to Retraite Québec. If you live elsewhere in Canada, apply under the Canada Pension Plan through Service Canada. If you live outside Canada, apply to the plan for the last province where you lived; if that was Quebec, apply to Retraite Québec.

If you move out of Quebec after your pension starts, it continues.

Working while you get the QPP

You can keep working and keep your pension. If you keep contributing, you earn a retirement pension supplement on top of your pension.

Once you are 65 or older and receiving a QPP or CPP retirement pension, you can choose to stop contributing. Employees give the election form to their employer and to Revenu Québec. Self-employed people make the choice on their tax return. Contributions stop automatically on January 1 after your 72nd birthday.

What if I disagree with a Retraite Québec decision?

If you have questions about a decision, call Retraite Québec first.

  1. To contest the decision, send an Application for Review form, or a letter explaining your reasons, within 90 days of the date the decision was sent.
  2. Use the online document service, or mail it to Direction de la révision, Retraite Québec, case postale 5200, Québec (Québec) G1K 7S9.
  3. If you disagree with the review decision, you can appeal to the Tribunal administratif du Québec within 60 days of the date it was sent.

QPP appeals go to the Tribunal administratif du Québec, not the federal Social Security Tribunal. Appeals about OAS and GIS still go to the Social Security Tribunal, even for Quebec residents.

QPP money people miss

Waiting past 72 gains nothing, so make sure your pension has started by then.

Couples can share their QPP retirement pensions, which may lower their taxes. After a death, check whether you can get the surviving spouse's pension and the death benefit.

Review your Statement of Participation for missing years of work, and make sure you are enrolled with Service Canada for OAS and, if your income is low, the GIS.

Who to contact

Common questions

What is the maximum QPP pension in 2026?

$1,507.65 a month at 65 in 2026. The maximum at 60 is $964.90 and at 72 it is $2,394.15.

Can I delay my QPP past 70?

Yes. Under the QPP you can wait until 72. Your pension goes up 0.7% for each month after 65, to 58.8% more at 72.

How much do I lose if I take QPP at 60?

Your pension goes down by 0.5% to 0.6% for each month before 65, for life.

How far ahead should I apply for my QPP pension?

Retraite Québec suggests applying 3 months before you want payments to start. You cannot apply more than 12 months ahead.

I worked in Ontario and Quebec. Do I get two pensions?

No. You get one pension that counts both QPP and CPP contributions. If you live in Quebec, apply to Retraite Québec. If you live elsewhere in Canada, apply to the CPP.

Is the QPP taxable?

Yes. Your QPP pension is taxable income. You can ask Retraite Québec to deduct tax at source.

Can I work and get my QPP pension?

Yes. If you keep contributing, you earn a retirement pension supplement. From 65, while getting a pension, you can choose to stop contributing.

How do I contest a QPP decision?

Ask Retraite Québec for a review within 90 days of the date the decision was sent. After that, you have 60 days to appeal to the Tribunal administratif du Québec.

Sources

  1. Québec Pension Plan figures (Retraite Québec)
  2. Can you receive a retirement pension? (Retraite Québec)
  3. Calculation of your retirement pension (Retraite Québec)
  4. How to apply for your retirement pension? (Retraite Québec)
  5. Application for a Retirement Pension Under the Québec Pension Plan (B-001A) (Retraite Québec)
  6. You worked elsewhere in Canada (Retraite Québec)
  7. Québec Pension Plan after you retire (Retraite Québec)
  8. Choosing to stop contributing to the Québec Pension Plan (Retraite Québec)
  9. To question or contest a decision (Retraite Québec)
  10. How to reach us by telephone (Retraite Québec)
  11. Québec Pension Plan (Gouvernement du Québec)

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