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Retirement is the period of life where people put less time into work, some opting out completely and others continuing on a casual basis. It’s the time to reap the rewards you earned during your main working years, whether that’s through savings or a government pension plan. Similar to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) helps retirees. When used together, along with personal savings, you can more easily live your ideal retirement. 

What Is QPP?

The Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is a program administered by Retraite Quebec. It’s similar to the national pension plan that operates through Revenue Canada. In the province of Quebec, income gets taxed by both agencies. This money is held in a massive pension fund which the government uses to pay current pensioners. Because of the fund’s size, it accrues substantial interest. The government also invests this money to help it grow to the necessary size to support the retirement of the current workforce. Once you retire, you can claim the value of your pension fund from Quebec, whether or not you still reside in the province. 

QPP Contributions

The QPP contribution rate is 12.8% in 2023 (This amount included both the basic plan (10.8%) and the additional plan (2%). The contributions are equally split between you and your employer.

QPP Contribution2023
Contribution Rate 12.8%
Maximum contribution as an employee$4,038.40
Maximum contribution (for each employee) as an employer$4,038.40

The Additional Plan 

In January 2019, the Government of Quebec made some changes to the QPP to help provide additional financial security for retirees. The change includes an “additional plan” where additional contributions will be made. 

With the additional plan, the retirement pension will increase based on the years contributed to the additional plan. Where the old QPP replaced 25% of your income, with the additional plan, retirees can expect an income replacement rate of 33.33%. Pensionable salary also increases through the additional plan, up to 114% of the MPE value. 

The contribution rate for this plan is 2% and is equally funded through individuals, and their employers, based in Quebec. The contribution rate will increase until 2025, according to current plans. The funds get collected by Revenu Quebec and are managed within the province.

Check out these tax considerations for seniors.

Type Of Financial Coverage QPP Offers

QPP is a pension plan that is available to people and families who made sufficient contributions to the plan. There are different types of benefits, including:

Retirement

A retirement pension is calculated based on the amount you earned through employment since 1966, the year of the plan’s founding. It varies based on the age you claim the pension, with the earliest being at the age of 60 and the standard age of retirement being 65. There is a retirement supplement for retirees who choose to work and earn the above exemption amount of $3,500 per year. It continues to grow annually, provided you continue to work during that time. 

Disability

Those who have not reached retirement age may be eligible for a disability pension if they have a permanent and severe disability. The medical professionals working for the government must sign off on the diagnosis. Additionally, you must have contributed a sufficient amount to the pension. The contribution amount depends on your contributory period (which is the time after your 18th birthday and the day you become disabled).   

Under this benefit, you can get also get additional support if you have a child under the age of 18. Whether or not your child is employed, you can receive extra support.

Death

The death benefit from the QPP can result in a maximum payment of $2,500 to an individual or charitable organization that paid for the funeral expenses. If the funeral costs were less than $2,500, the heirs of the estate can get the remaining funds. An application and proof of payment are required to receive the QPP death benefits. Please visit the Retrait Quebec website for more information and a list of accepted expenses. 

Survivors

Surviving spouses of individuals who significantly contributed to the Quebec Pension Plan are eligible to receive a basic income. As long as Retraite Quebec recognizes the living spouse as the surviving spouse of the deceased. The regulations account for both marriages and civil unions. There are special rules for those who are legally separated or when the death occurs within the first year of marriage.

Under this benefit, the surviving spouse can receive a monthly benefit if they are under the age of 45 and have no dependent children. If they are between the ages of 45 and 64, they may be entitled to more each month.

How Much Can You Get Under The QPP?

The specific amounts you can claim from the pension plan differ, with the maximum amounts as follows: 

Type of QPP BenefitMaximum Pensionable Earnings
Death benefit$2,500
Retirement at age 65$1306.57 monthly
Retirement at age 60$836.20 monthly
Retirement at age 70$1855.33 monthly
Disability pension$1537.13 monthly
Spousal survivor over age 65$746.65
For more info, visit RetraiteQuebec.

QPP Payment Dates 2023

While most pension benefits are issued monthly, the exact day differs each year. For 2023, the dates are as follows:

Benefit month in 2023Payment Dates
JanuaryJanuary 31
FebruaryFebruary 28
MarchMarch 31
AprilApril 28
May May 31
JuneJune 29
JulyJuly 31
AugustAugust 31
SeptemberSeptember 29
OctoberOctober 31
NovemberNovember 30
December December 28

Who Is Eligible For QPP Payments?

Eligibility for the QPP benefit is mainly age-based. Even if you continue to work after retirement, you can claim the value of the pension while you work and continue to contribute. Anyone earning less than $3,500 is exempt from contributions. 

Provided you paid into the QPP during your career, you can begin to receive benefits at the age of 60, though most choose age 65. At minimum, workers must have contributed to the pension plan for at least one year, to receive retirement benefits at the age of 60. 

How Do I Apply For QPP Payments? 

The application process for QPP payments is straightforward, requiring five steps as follows:

  1. Authentication: When you access the Retraite Quebec service online, it requires proof of identity. You can either create an account or use a secure code that can be sent to you via mail.
  2. Estimation: Complete an online application and the website will calculate the estimated amount of your pension. While it isn’t a fixed amount, it does provide a reasonable idea of what to expect. 
  3. Submission: Once you complete your application, and review its contents, submit it for review to the pension program officials.
  4. Confirmation: Not long after you submit your application, Revenu Quebec will send you a confirmation through regular mail. 
  5. Tracking: To keep tabs on the process of your application, navigate to your account online and review the status. 

QPP FAQs

Can you receive QPP if you’re still working?

Yes, you can receive QPP if you continue to work during your retirement. There are criteria for participation, however. You must be at least 60 years old and have made sufficient contributions to the plan throughout your career. The earlier you receive your pension, the lower the payment amounts. If you make more than $3,500 during the fiscal year, you will still pay into the QPP. 

What are retroactive retirement pensions? 

If a contributor to the pension plan has not applied for benefits and is either 65 or older, then they are entitled to retroactive payments. This means that the QPP will pay the pension amount for up to 12 months prior to the application filing date. While the pension cannot begin prior to the 60th birthday, it ensures that those who reach retirement age have full access to their funding. 

When can I apply for QPP payments?

The standard application period is one to three months prior to the date you wish to receive your first payment. While submitting an application early is prudent, the QPP does not accept applications submitted more than 12 months prior to the desired payment start date. 

Is QPP taxable income? 

Yes, the QPP benefits you receive are taxable income. The exact amount of tax you pay on the retirement pension varies based on your cumulative income for the tax year. Many reduce the QPP tax burden by sharing the income with a spouse (provided both parties are over 60 years of age). To do this, you must apply for this sharing option through Retraite Quebec. 

At what age can you apply for QPP?

You can apply for your QPP one month after your 60th birthday. Waiting until you are 65 (or older) will increase your pension entitlement. If you are 60 or older, you can begin to receive pension benefits, even if you are full- or part-time employed. 

Final Notes

The Quebec Pension Plan allows those who worked in the province, and made sufficient contributions, to reap the benefits during their golden years. Regardless of whether you choose to retire in Quebec or elsewhere, provided you contributed to the plan, you are eligible for the pension. 
When used in conjunction with the Canada Pension Plan, and any private savings held in an account like an RRSP, you can experience a comfortable retirement. If you’re beginning to plan for retirement, or are approaching the age of 65, it’s important to plan for how the pension income will impact your finances. Provided you account for any possible tax burden, the money can allow you to enjoy retirement however you choose.

Corrina Murdoch avatar on Loans Canada
Corrina Murdoch

Corrina Murdoch has been a dedicated freelance writer and editor for several years. With an academic background in the sciences and a penchant for mathematics, she seeks to provide readers with accurate, reliable information on important topics. Working as a print journalist for several years, Corrina expanded her reach into the digital sphere to help more people gain insight into the realm of finances. When she's not writing, you can find Corrina swimming and spending time with family.

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