CPP Pension: Should You Take Your CPP at 60 Since the Market Crashed?

The Fortis stock could be an ideal investment to consider in light of the market crash to supplement your retirement income until you start collecting your CPP.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

We are in the midst of what could be the most significant market correction since the 2008 financial crisis. The coronavirus epidemic has catalyzed a market crash we have been expecting since the start of 2019. At writing, the S&P/TSX Composite Index is down by more than 19% from its February 2020 peak, and it might pull back further.

Canadian investors are fearful of the possible impact of this coronavirus-fueled sell-off may have on their financial situation. Retirees, in particular, might be concerned regarding their Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments. I’ve recommended deferring your CPP until you turn 70 so you can enjoy a 42% greater CPP payout from the government.

Are you wondering whether I’ve changed my views regarding deferring your CPP in light of the recent sell-off? Let’s take a look at the situation before I give you my opinion on the matter.

Collecting your CPP at 60 and 70

If you start receiving your CPP before the age of 65, you stand to earn a lower payout. For every month before 65, you earn 0.6% less. If you start collecting your CPP as early as the age of 60, you can receive 36% less than you would if you started at 65.

Your CPP payments increase by 0.7% for every month you defer after 65. If you consider delaying your payouts until you reach the age of 70, you can earn 42% higher CPP payments.

In the difference of 10 years between beginning your CPP payments, there is a significant gap in how much you can earn through your CPP in retirement. Deferring your CPP as long as possible can be highly beneficial for your overall retirement income.

Should you start CPP early due to the market crash?

To answer the question I posed earlier, I have not changed my mind about my recommendation to defer your CPP payments until you are 70. A market crash can have a significant impact on how much the CPP can pay you.

An investment portfolio funds the CPP. A decline in dividends and interest rates can theoretically cause the CPP to suffer from a drastic shortfall. The government will likely respond to the shortfall by raising premiums, so the CPP payments do not decline. Still, it is theoretically possible for your CPP payments to be lower if the market crash is severe.

I would recommend deferring your CPP so the investment fund can recover as the market and economy becomes healthier.

What to do until then

If you are concerned about being able to defer your CPP during the market crash, you need a recession-resistant asset to supplement your retirement income until the economy recovers. It would not hurt if you created a secondary passive income stream by investing in shares of recession-proof companies.

I would recommend investing in a utility sector stock like Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS). People need their electricity and gas running whether the sell-off is due to a debt crisis, or a global health crisis. Fortis is a generous dividend-paying stock that has consistently increased its payouts for more than 45 years.

Its dividend streak has endured several challenging periods in the economy, including the market meltdown of 2008. While the recession was wreaking havoc on the broader markets, the stock increased its earnings. The utility service has an indispensable business structure. People cannot cut out their subscription to the company’s services from their budgets.

Foolish takeaway

I would recommend that you start building an investment portfolio of recession-proof assets. A portfolio with enough recession-proof dividend-paying stocks can help you earn substantial passive income so you can defer your CPP payments until the markets recover.

Fortis has a fantastic dividend streak, it offers an indispensable service, and it is historically a reliable stock through challenging economic times. I think Fortis could be a viable option to consider when you start building your secondary retirement income portfolio.

Should you invest $1,000 in Empire Company right now?

Before you buy stock in Empire Company, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Empire Company wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,345.77!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 24 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 4/21/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

clock time
Dividend Stocks

Canada Revenue Agency: Hurry! The Tax-Filing Deadline Is Almost Here!

You need to report income from Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) stock on your tax return.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: 2 Dividend Stocks to Buy on a Pullback

These TSX giants pay good dividends and now trade at discounted prices.

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in These 2 Dividend Kings for $424 in Annual Income

These two time-tested TSX giants not only deliver steady dividends but also offer resilience for long-term investors seeking stability.

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Invest in Canadian Value Stocks for Passive-Income Potential

These stocks both have growth potential, pay solid dividends and trade cheaply, making them two of the best Canadian value…

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Dividend Stocks

Fortis Stock: Buy, Hold, or Sell Now?

Fortis is up 25% in the past year. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Canadian flag
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Invest $10,000 in Top Canadian Stocks for Long-Term Wealth Building

Sometimes, investors need to focus on long-term growth rather than a quick buck.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Dividend Stocks

Canadian Tire vs. CT REIT: How I’d Divide $10,000 Between Related Dividend Payers

Which is the better buy among these two dividend stocks?

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

This 6.18% Dividend Stock Pays Investors Every Month

First National Financial (TSX:FN) is a high yield dividend stock that pays investors every month.

Read more »