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First Nations Workers and the Canada Pension Plan
- Contributions in 2002
- How can I find out how much I have paid into the CPP?
- If I contribute to the CPP, what benefits are available to me?
- Is the Old Age Security program different from the CPP?
- How do I get more information?
| Your Income | Situation | Percentage of Your Income | |
|---|---|---|---|
| That You Pay | That Your Employer Pays | ||
| Annual income below $3,500 | No contributions are made if your annual income is less than $3,500 | 0% | 0% |
| Annual income greater than $3,500 and less than $39,100 (in 2002) | Your employer participates in the CPP | 4.7% | 4.7% |
| Your employer does not participate in the CPP and you choose to participate | 9.4% | 0% | |
| You are self-employed and you choose to participate in the CPP | 9.4% | 0% | |
| Portion of annual income above $39,100 (in 2002) | Contributions are not made on the portion of your income above $39,100 (in 2002) | 0% | 0% |
How can I find out how much I have paid into the CPP?
All contributors to the Plan can request, by phone, mail or internet, a statement of contributions showing how much they have contributed to the CPP over the years. Your statement of contributions will also tell you roughly how much you could receive in benefits when you retire.
If I contribute to the CPP, what benefits are available to me?
Retirement pension - If you have contributed to the CPP, are at least 60 years of age and have stopped working or earn less than a certain amount, you can apply for a monthly CPP retirement pension. The amount you receive depends on how much and for how long you have contributed. Spouses and common-law partners can share a CPP retirement pension, provided both partners are at least 60 years old. (As of July 2000, same-sex couples are included under the definition of common-law relationships.)
Disability benefit - If you have a severe disability that prevents you from working regularly at any job, and have contributed to the CPP during four of the past six years, you may be eligible to receive a monthly disability benefit. If you qualify for this benefit, your dependent children can also receive monthly benefits.
Survivor benefits - If you have been contributing to the CPP and you die, your survivor (spouse or common-law partner) and dependent children can receive monthly benefits.
Death benefit - If you are eligible, the CPP will pay up to $2,500 towards your funeral costs. Remember: you must apply for each CPP benefit separately. They are not provided automatically.
Is the Old Age Security program different from the CPP?
The Old Age Security (OAS) program is Canada's largest public pension program. It provides monthly benefits to most people 65 and over. Like the CPP, it is administered by Human Resources Development Canada and you must apply for benefits. Unlike the CPP, Old Age Security is not based on earnings or contributions. Receiving a CPP pension will not stop you from getting the OAS pension.
Beyond the basic retirement pension, the OAS program also provides a Guaranteed Income Supplement to seniors with low- or modest income, as well as allowances for their spouses or common-law partners and survivors between 60 and 64.
How do I get more information?
For more information about the Canada Pension Plan and/or the Old Age Security program, call Human Resources Development Canada free of charge:
English: 1 800 277-9914
French: 1 800 277-9915
If you use a TDD/TTY device, call:
1 800 255-4786
Or you can visit our Web site.
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