How do I get my retirement benefits (QPP retirement pension)?

General information, not financial advice. You must apply for your Québec Pension Plan (QPP) retirement pension: it is not paid automatically. According to Retraite Québec, you can apply in Mon dossier up to 12 months before the time you want to receive your first payment, and you cannot receive it before age 60. The normal age to receive it is 65, and the lifetime amount depends on the age at which you apply. Retraite Québec commits to responding no later than five days after an online application and 50 days after a form sent by mail or through Transmettre vos documents.

Key facts

When to apply

Up to 12 months before the time you want to receive your first payment. You cannot receive your pension before age 60.

Age and amount

At 65, you can get 100% of your pension. Between 60 and 65, the pension is lower for life; after 65, it is higher for life, up to a maximum at 72.

Retraite Québec response time

Online application in Mon dossier: no later than five days after receipt. Form sent through Transmettre vos documents or by mail: no later than 50 days after receipt.

Simplified application

Cap sur votre retraite: payments start only in the month following the month of the application. It is generally accessible in Mon dossier from age 64 and 6 months, if it is offered to you.

Annual amounts for people who applied in 2026

At 60: average pension of $5,876 and maximum of $11,579. At 65: $8,770 and $18,092. At 70: $12,453 and $25,690. The average pension assumes, throughout the career, work income equal to half of the maximum pensionable earnings; the maximum pension applies to people entitled to it. These amounts change from year to year.

Payment

The last working day of the month.

Steps

1. Check whether you can receive a pension: Retraite Québec states that you must have contributed enough to the QPP for at least one year. You can receive it even if you keep working.
2. Take the age rules into account: the normal age is 65 (100% of the pension). An application between 60 and 65 gives a lower pension for life, and after 65 a higher pension for life. The amount stops increasing at 72. You cannot receive it before age 60.
3. Check your participation statement in Mon dossier: it contains an estimate of your retirement pension. To decide, Retraite Québec suggests asking yourself certain questions and, if needed, consulting a financial planning specialist.
4. Gather the information requested: your children's dates of birth, if applicable, and your banking information to register for direct deposit.
5. Log in to Mon dossier with your account from the government authentication service (Service d'authentification gouvernementale). Choose "Régime de rentes du Québec – Demande de rente de retraite" (you choose a payment start date within the next 12 months) or, if it is offered to you, the "Demande simplifiée Cap sur votre retraite" (simplified application).
6. Fill out your application: an estimate of your pension amount is displayed. Submit your application and keep the acknowledgement of receipt.
7. Another way: fill out the retirement pension application form and send it over the Internet (Transmettre vos documents service) or by mail.
8. Follow your application in Mon dossier and consult the decision notice. The pension is paid on the last working day of the month.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.