CPP credit splitting can provide significant financial benefits for lower-income spouses after separation or divorce

CPP credit splitting (also known as credit sharing) allows couples who are separated or divorced to equally divide the Canada Pension Plan credits they accumulated during their relationship. This process can be particularly advantageous for partners who earned less or took time away from work for family responsibilities.

The benefits of CPP splitting include:

  • Increased pension benefits for the lower-income spouse
  • Fair distribution of retirement savings accumulated during the relationship
  • Potential qualification for benefits that might otherwise be unavailable
  • No cost to apply for credit splitting

While the higher-earning spouse may see a reduction in their CPP benefits, the splitting process ensures a more equitable distribution of pension credits earned during the marriage or common-law relationship. The decision is typically most beneficial when there was a significant income disparity between partners.