How to Maximize CPP Benefits at Age 70

CPP users who can wait to collect benefits have ways to retire with ample retirement income at age 70.

| More on:

When to claim the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits is a long-standing concern for future Canadian retirees. While the pension payment is for life, you might more to cover all financial needs in retirement. Furthermore, only those who have made the max CPP contribution each year for at least 39 years can receive the maximum benefit.

For CPP users age 65 and claiming the benefit today, the average monthly retirement pension is $831.92 (as of January 2024). The earliest age a prospective retiree can claim the CPP is 60. However, early claimants will take a big hit as the amount decreases by 7.2% per year (0.6% per month) before 65 or a permanent 36% reduction.

Delay incentive

The CPP has a delay option, which allows for a significantly higher payout. The incentive is for those without urgent financial need who can wait five years longer and collect the benefits at 70. A retiree’s financial reward is an 8.4% increase per year past 65 or a 42% permanent boost. Hence, instead of the average $831.92, you’ll receive $1,181.33 monthly.

Post-retirement benefit

The CPP Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) is available to those aged 65 to 70 who will continue to work and receive the retirement benefits. You must contribute to the fund to see an increase, and the corresponding increase due to successive contributions is the PRB for life.

Augment with investment income.

The CPP Investment Board (CPPIB), the CPP fund manager, reminds future retirees that the pension is a foundation in retirement, whether you claim at 60, 65, or 70. It replaces only 25% (33% soon with the enhancements) of the average pre-retirement income.

The solution or remedy is to fill the income gap with investment income. Most who follow this route invest in dividend stocks, reinvest the dividends to compound returns and build a substantial nest egg over time. Canadians can use the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) for a tax shelter and the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) for tax-free income.

Eligible investments

The RRSP and TFSA are the best retirement accounts in Canada. Dividend stocks are eligible investments in both. Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU), an energy stock but not an oil producer, is a profitable investment option. Besides the generous 7.61% dividend yield, the payout is monthly.

The current share price is $14.19 (+5.64% year to date). This $2.14 billion energy royalty company has vast land holdings in Canada (6.2 gross million acres) and a sizeable land base (1.1 million gross drilling acres) in the United States. In 2023, net income declined 36.9% year over year to $132 million due to lower commodity prices.

Nonetheless, Freehold had a record leasing year, with 122 agreements, representing a 33% increase from a year ago. The $162.7 million total dividend payment in 2023 was also a record. According to its president and chief executive officer, David Spyker, Freehold expects to maintain considerable financial flexibility throughout 2024 and provide consistent shareholder returns.     

Added boost

Consider delaying the Old Age Security (OAS), too, and realize a 36% increase. The payment bumps from $713.34 (max 2024) to $970.14 monthly. With the permanent increases in the CPP and OAS plus investment income, Canadians can live comfortably in retirement at age 70. 

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 Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Freehold Royalties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

These smartest dividend stocks can consistently pay and increase their dividends in the coming years, irrespective of the macro uncertainty.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

3 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

These utility stocks benefit from regulated businesses and generate predictable cash flows that support higher dividend payouts.

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for $600 in Passive Income

Do you want to generate passive income? Forget the rental unit! This option will save you the mortgage yet still…

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

1 Reliable Dividend Stock for the Ultimate Retirement Income Stream

TD Bank (TSX:TD) shares are way too cheap with way too swollen a yield for retirees to pass up right…

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners a Buy for its 4.75% Yield?

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) has a 4.75% dividend yield. Is it worth it?

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »