Are you wondering whether you can receive CPP benefits even if you have never worked before? The answer to this question may surprise you. While the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is primarily designed for individuals who have contributed to the plan through their work, there are certain circumstances in which you may still be eligible to receive CPP benefits even if you have never worked.

According to the CPP regulations, in order to be eligible for CPP benefits, you must meet certain criteria. One of the key criteria is that you must have made contributions to the CPP throughout your working life. This means that if you have never worked and have never made contributions to the CPP, you would not typically be eligible to receive CPP benefits.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are the spouse or common-law partner of someone who has contributed to the CPP, you may be eligible to receive CPP benefits based on their contributions. Additionally, if you are a dependent child of a deceased CPP contributor, you may also be eligible to receive benefits.

It's important to note that the amount of CPP benefits you are eligible to receive will depend on a number of factors, including your age, the amount of contributions you have made, and the age at which you decide to start receiving benefits. The CPP benefits calculator can help you estimate how much you could receive in CPP benefits based on your individual circumstances.

In conclusion, while the general rule is that you must have made contributions to the CPP in order to be eligible for benefits, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have never worked, but meet certain criteria, you may still be eligible to receive CPP benefits. It's recommended to use the CPP benefits calculator to get a better understanding of your potential benefits.