QPP (Quebec Pension Plan)

What Is the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)?

The Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is a public insurance plan that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible workers in Quebec. It’s managed by Retraite Québec and is separate from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which covers workers in the rest of Canada.

QPP and CPP are similar in structure, but QPP is tailored to Quebec’s workforce and policies.

‍

Who Contributes to QPP?

If you work in Quebec and are 18 or older, you contribute to QPP:

• Employees: Contributions are split between you and your employer
  
  
• Self-employed: You pay both shares
  
  

As of 2025, the contribution rate is 12.8% of pensionable earnings, split evenly between employees and employers (6.4% each). This is applied to annual earnings above a basic exemption.

‍

What Benefits Does QPP Provide?

1. Retirement Pension

• Monthly payments starting as early as age 60
  
  
• Full pension at 65, or delayed up to 70 for higher payments
  
  
• Based on your earnings and contributions
  
  

2. Disability Benefits

• For contributors under 65 who can’t work due to a disability
  
  
• May include a supplement for dependent children
  
  

3. Survivor Benefits

• Paid to a spouse, children, or estate if a contributor dies
  
  
• Includes a death benefit, survivor’s pension, and orphan’s pension

‍

How Much Will You Receive?

The QPP benefit amount depends on:

• How much you earned during your working years
  
  
• How long you contributed to the plan
  
  
• When you start receiving payments
  
  

The maximum monthly retirement benefit at age 65 (in 2025) is around $1,400, but most people receive less — the average is around $800–$900/month.

‍

Applying for QPP

You must apply to receive QPP benefits — they are not automatic. You can apply:

• Online through Retraite Québec’s website
  
  
• Or by mailing in a paper application
  
  

Apply at least 3 to 6 months before you want to start receiving payments.

‍

Key Takeaways

• QPP is a mandatory public pension plan for Quebec workers
  
  
• It provides retirement, disability, and death benefits
  
  
• Contributions and benefits are similar to CPP, but managed separately
  
  
• You must apply to begin receiving payments

‍

Common Questions

Q: Can I transfer QPP to CPP if I move?
A: Your contributions to QPP and CPP are combined under a reciprocal agreement, so your benefits are calculated based on your total contributions across both plans.

Q: Are QPP payments taxable?
A: Yes, QPP benefits are considered taxable income.

Q: Can I collect QPP and CPP?
A: No — you can’t collect both separately. If you’ve worked in both Quebec and other provinces, your benefits are coordinated between the two plans.

‍