Before age 65
An eligible pension may include a lifetime pension and a temporary bridge benefit. Taking CPP retirement benefits early does not itself end the bridge; entitlement to CPP or QPP disability benefits does.
Federal Public Service Retirement · Ottawa
A pension is the starting point. Plan the life around it.
Connect your federal pension with personal savings, taxes and family needs. Compare retirement dates using official benefit estimates and a realistic household budget.
Understand the income changes
Compare retirement before and after age 65.
From age 65
The bridge ends the month after your 65th birthday, even if you defer CPP retirement benefits. Compare the income that remains with your spending, and consider CPP and OAS start dates separately.
Know which pension options apply to you
An immediate annuity, reduced annual allowance, deferred annuity, transfer value or return of contributions may apply depending on your circumstances. Joining before 2013 or from 2013 changes key eligibility thresholds. Ask the Pension Centre to confirm your options, deadlines and any service-buyback costs.
Build the household plan
Test a retirement date against more than the pension estimate.
Allow for debt, travel, home repairs and unexpected costs alongside everyday spending. A sustainable date depends on the household’s full income and commitments.
Coordinate savings and taxes
Compare withdrawals from registered, tax-free and taxable accounts with pension income. Review withholding, possible instalments, income-tested benefits and pension income splitting where permitted with a qualified tax professional.
Prepare for changes in family income
Use official survivor estimates to assess your partner’s future income. Align beneficiaries, insurance, wills and powers of attorney with the plan, and revisit it after family or employment changes.
Questions before you decide
Look closely at the details.
When can a federal public servant receive an unreduced pension?
Eligibility depends on when you joined the pension plan, your age and your years of pensionable service. Confirm your specific eligibility through the Government of Canada Pension Centre or My GC Pension.
Should I take a transfer value or keep the pension?
This can be a complex and sometimes time-sensitive decision. It may involve investment risk, longevity risk, transfer limits, locked-in funds, taxes, survivor benefits and the loss of plan guarantees. Obtain official figures and qualified advice before making an irrevocable decision.
Can I work after retiring?
You may work after retirement, but re-employment in the federal public service and participation in the pension plan may affect pension payments or future benefits. Confirm the consequences with the Pension Centre before accepting federal re-employment.
Will my spouse receive my full pension after I die?
Not necessarily. An eligible survivor may receive a survivor benefit based on the plan’s rules rather than the full amount you received. Confirm eligibility and benefit estimates with the Pension Centre.
Review with Centerpointe
Bring the official figures. We’ll help build the wider plan.
Bring your pension estimates, proposed retirement dates, savings, debts and household spending. We’ll help compare income scenarios and identify questions for the Pension Centre, accountant or lawyer. Centerpointe is independent of the Government of Canada.
Retirement Planning for Federal Public Servants Areas We Serve
Retirement Planning for Federal Public Servants guidance in Ottawa and neighbouring Eastern Ontario communities.
This page provides general educational information and does not constitute pension, investment, insurance, legal, accounting or tax advice.
Centerpointe Financials is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of the Government of Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Public Services and Procurement Canada or the Government of Canada Pension Centre.
Pension eligibility, estimates and benefits must be confirmed through official Government of Canada sources. Pension, CPP, OAS and tax rules may change.
Investment values can rise or fall. Insurance is subject to eligibility, underwriting, exclusions and approval by the issuing insurer. Obtain qualified legal and tax advice for decisions affecting your estate, beneficiaries or taxation.