CPP payments arrive on the 27th of each month, or the last business day before if the 27th falls on a weekend or holiday
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) uses a fixed payment schedule. Service Canada deposits your benefit on the same date every month — the 27th — unless that date is a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. When the 27th falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment moves to the last business day before it.
This means your payment could arrive on the 25th, 26th, or 27th depending on the calendar. You will not receive a CPP payment on a different date in the month, and Service Canada does not offer options to change when you receive it. The schedule applies whether you receive Old Age Security (OAS), the may provide Income Supplement (GIS), or CPP retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.
Your bank may take an additional day to post the deposit to your account after Service Canada sends it, so money could appear in your account on the 28th even though Service Canada released it on the 27th. This depends on your bank's processing speed, not on Service Canada's schedule.
Key Takeaways
- CPP payments arrive on the 27th of each month, or the last business day before if the 27th is a weekend or holiday.
- Service Canada does not offer options to change your payment date or receive payments on a different schedule.
- Your bank may take one business day to post the deposit after Service Canada sends it, so the money might appear on the 28th.
- If you do not see a payment by the 28th of the month, contact Service Canada to report a missing deposit.
- Payment dates do not change based on your age, benefit type, or how much you receive.
How to find out when your next payment arrives
Log into your My Service Canada Account online or through the Service Canada mobile app to see your payment schedule for the next 12 months. The account shows the exact date each payment will deposit, accounting for weekends and holidays. You do not need to call or visit an office to see this information.
If you do not have a My Service Canada Account, you can create one using your Social Insurance Number, date of birth, and a valid email address. You will also need to verify your identity through online banking, a digital ID, or by visiting a Service Canada office in person.
You can also call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (toll-free in Canada) to ask about your next payment date. Wait times are usually shorter early in the month and on weekday mornings.
What happens when the 27th falls on a weekend or holiday
When the 27th is a Saturday or Sunday, Service Canada deposits your payment on the Friday before. For example, if the 27th is a Saturday, your payment arrives on Friday the 26th. If the 27th is a Sunday, your payment arrives on Friday the 25th.
When the 27th is a federal holiday (such as Christmas Day or New Year's Day), your payment arrives on the last business day before the holiday. If the 27th is a Monday that is a federal holiday, your payment arrives on Friday the 24th. If the 27th is a Tuesday that is a federal holiday, your payment arrives on Monday the 26th.
Service Canada publishes the full payment schedule for the year on its website and in your My Service Canada Account. You can reference this schedule to know exactly when to expect each month's payment without having to calculate it yourself.
Why your payment might be delayed beyond the scheduled date
If you do not see your CPP payment by the 28th of the month, the delay is usually caused by one of a few things: a change in your personal information (address, marital status, or banking details) that Service Canada is processing; a problem with your bank account or routing information; or a system issue on Service Canada's end.
Changes to your address, phone number, or direct deposit information can trigger a hold on your payment while Service Canada verifies the change. This verification usually takes a few business days. If you recently updated any of this information, contact Service Canada to confirm the change was recorded correctly.
If your bank account was closed or the routing information on file is incorrect, Service Canada will attempt to deposit the payment and it will be returned. Service Canada will then mail you a cheque instead, which takes an additional 5 to 10 business days. Update your banking information in My Service Canada Account or by calling Service Canada to prevent this.
In rare cases, Service Canada experiences system outages or processing delays that affect all payments. These are usually resolved within one or two business days. If you have not received your payment by the 29th of the month, call Service Canada to report it.
Direct deposit is the only way to receive CPP payments
Service Canada requires all CPP recipients to receive payments by direct deposit to a Canadian bank account. You cannot receive CPP as a cheque, money order, or any other method. If you do not have a bank account, you must open one before you can start receiving CPP.
You can use a chequing account, savings account, or TFSA at any Canadian bank, credit union, or trust company. You do not need to use a specific bank — Service Canada works with all major financial institutions in Canada.
To set up or change your direct deposit information, log into My Service Canada Account, call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342, or visit a Service Canada office in person. Changes to your banking information usually take effect within one to two pay periods.
What to do if you miss a payment or it arrives late
Contact Service Canada when ready if you do not see your CPP payment by the 28th of the month. Call 1-833-537-4342 (toll-free) or log into My Service Canada Account to report the missing payment. Have your Social Insurance Number and banking information ready when you call.
Service Canada will investigate the delay and tell you whether the payment was sent, whether it was returned by your bank, or whether there is a hold on your account. If the payment was sent but not received, Service Canada can reissue it. If it was returned by your bank, you will need to update your banking information and the payment will be resent.
If Service Canada confirms the payment was sent and your bank confirms it was not received, Service Canada will issue a replacement payment within a few business days. Keep a record of the date you reported the missing payment and the name of the Service Canada representative you spoke with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose to receive my CPP payment on a different date each month?
No. Service Canada uses a fixed schedule — the 27th of each month, or the last business day before if the 27th is a weekend or holiday. You cannot request a different date or a different schedule. All CPP recipients receive payments on the same dates.
Why does my payment sometimes arrive on the 26th instead of the 27th?
If the 27th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Service Canada deposits your payment on the Friday before. Check your My Service Canada Account to see the exact date for each month, which accounts for weekends and holidays automatically.
What if my bank takes longer than one day to post the deposit?
Most banks post CPP deposits within one business day, but some may take longer depending on when the deposit arrives and how the bank processes overnight transfers. If the money does not appear within two business days, contact your bank to confirm the deposit was received. If your bank has not received it, contact Service Canada.
Do I need to do anything to receive my CPP payment each month?
No. Once you have set up direct deposit and your CPP has been approved, payments arrive automatically on the scheduled date each month. You do not need to request payment or take any action. If your personal information or banking details change, update them in My Service Canada Account to avoid delays.
What happens if I move to another country — does my payment date change?
Your payment date does not change if you move outside Canada, but you must notify Service Canada of your new address. CPP payments continue to be deposited on the 27th (or the last business day before) to a Canadian bank account. If you no longer have a Canadian account, contact Service Canada to discuss your options.