Add $2,700 to Your CPP Pension Boost in 2025 When it comes to retirement planning in Canada the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is the foundation of financial security for millions of Canadians. While the basic CPP amount provides some stability many retirees wonder how they can maximize their benefits to live comfortably. The good news? By taking strategic steps you can add $2,700 to your CPP in 2025 . Let’s get started.
What is the CPP and Why Should You Care?
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a government-run program that provides income to eligible Canadians in retirement. In 2025 the maximum monthly CPP at 65 will be approximately $1,306.57 , but the average retiree gets $1,000 per month .
For many that’s not enough to cover expenses or maintain their desired lifestyle. That’s where adding to your CPP comes in. With planning you can increase your annual CPP payments and have a more secure retirement.
CPP Contributions 101
Before we get into strategies you need to understand how CPP works:
- Contributions : Your CPP benefits are based on how much you’ve contributed over your working years.
- Years Worked : Contributions are calculated on your best 40 years of earnings.
- Age of Retirement : Starting your pension early (age 60) reduces your monthly payments, while delaying it (up to age 70) increases them.
To maximize your CPP pension contribute at the maximum rate for as many years as possible. That means earning at least the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) — $81,200 in 2025 .
Add $2,700 to Your CPP in 2025
Here are the top strategies to increase your CPP and add $2,700 per year :
1. Contribute the Maximum
The simplest way to add to your CPP is to contribute the maximum.
Earn at least the YMPE ($81,200 in 2025) so you’re contributing the maximum.
If you’re below the threshold, increase your income or find more work.* Contribute at the maximum for 40 years and you could add up to $2,700 .
2. Delay Your CPP
Delaying your CPP is one of the best ways to increase your monthly payments.* For every month you delay beyond 65 your pension increases by 0.7% , up to a 42% increase if you wait until 70.$420 per month or $5,040 per year.
3. Work Beyond 65
You don’t have to stop working when you start receiving CPP. Working and contributing to CPP can increase your payments through the Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) .
- Keep contributing to CPP through employment earnings.
- Each year you work and contribute adds to your monthly CPP payments.
4. Review Your Contribution History
Errors in your CPP contribution history can cost you money. Check your records using the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) .
- Check your earnings and contributions to ensure accuracy.
- Report any discrepancies to Service Canada immediately.
- Accurate records ensure your final pension reflects your best 40 years of earnings.
5. Contribute to Other Retirement Savings
While CPP is important, supplementing it with other savings ensures a better retirement plan.
- RRSPs : Tax deferred growth means you pay taxes only when you withdraw funds.
- TFSAs : Tax free growth means withdrawals are tax free and non taxable as income.
- Combining these with CPP maximizes your total retirement income.
6. Understand the CPP Enhancement
The CPP enhancement introduced in 2019 increases the contribution rate gradually, replaces a higher percentage of pre-retirement income.
- If you’ve been contributing at the maximum rate, you’ll get more under the enhanced CPP.
- This will give you an extra $2,700 per year if you qualify.
7. Take Advantage of Spousal and Survivor Benefits
If you’re married or in a common law relationship, spousal and survivor benefits can add to your income.
- Surviving spouses can get a portion of their partner’s CPP pension.
- This doesn’t directly increase your pension but enhances household financial security.
FAQs About Boosting Your CPP Pension
1. What’s the maximum CPP I can get in 2025?
The maximum monthly CPP in 2025 at 65 is approximately $1,306.57 . But this depends on your contributions and when you start receiving benefits.
2. Is it worth waiting until 70 to get my CPP?
Yes! Waiting until 70 can increase your monthly payments by up to 42% . That’s a big long term boost.
3. Can I contribute to CPP if I’m already receiving benefits?
Yes! If you work after 65, your CPP contributions will increase your payments through the Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) .
4. How do I check my contribution history?
Use the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to check your earnings and contributions. Report any errors immediately to ensure accurate pension calculations.
**5. What’s the CPP enhancement and how does it affect me?
The CPP enhancement increases the contribution rate to replace a higher percentage of pre-retirement income. If you’ve been contributing at the maximum rate, you’ll get more in retirement.