Applying for benefits in Québec when you worked in a country that signed a social security agreement

You worked in Québec and you also worked in one or several countries that have signed social security agreement. When you retire, you live in Québec or in one of those countries.

Are you entitled to a benefit under the Québec Pension Plan (QPP?)

Yes, you only need to have contributed to the QPP for one year to be eligible for a retirement pension under the Plan.

In addition, you could receive disability benefits and your family could receive survivors' benefits

How to apply for a benefit under the QPP?

If you live in Québec:

• file your application for benefits under the QPP with Retraite Québec, like any other beneficiary. In that case, be sure to indicate the country in which you worked on the application form. The provisions of the agreement in question will therefore be taken into account.

If you live in a country that has signed an agreement, you can either:

• contact the competent body regarding the country. According to the provisions of the agreement in question, the agency will send your application to Retraite Québec's Bureau des ententes de sécurité sociale and provide all the necessary information; or
• file your application for benefits under the QPP with Retraite Québec, like any other beneficiary. In that case, be sure to indicate the country in which you worked on the application form. The provisions of the agreement in question will therefore be taken into account.

Remember:

• The contribution periods for a plan in foreign countries do not impact the calculation of the amount of benefits paid by Québec, such as the Québec Pension Plan.
• The contribution periods for a plan in a country with which Québec has a social security agreement could help you to become entitled to disability benefits, and your family to a surviving spouse's pension under the QPP.
• Each country is responsible for paying the benefits it administers. You could therefore receive benefits from Québec and from a foreign country.