How to Request CPP Reconsideration Within 90 Days

If you received a Canada Pension Plan decision letter and disagree with the decision, you can ask Service Canada to reconsider it. Start by keeping the letter nearby: it identifies the decision and helps you track the date you received it. The official process applies to decisions about CPP applications and is designed for a fresh review of the file.

Timing matters. The official CPP reconsideration page says that you must request reconsideration within 90 days of receiving your decision letter. Do not wait until you have a perfectly organized file before checking the official instructions. Make a practical plan to submit a complete request within the deadline and retain copies of what you send.

A reconsideration asks for a review by someone other than the person who made the original decision. It is useful to state which decision you disagree with, explain your reason in a clear and factual way, and identify any information that may affect the review. Keep your explanation focused on your own application and documents.

There are three official ways to make the request: online through My Service Canada Account, by completing the applicable paper form, or in writing. The online route may be convenient if you already use MSCA. A form or written request may suit you better if you need time to organize your explanation before submitting it.

Before choosing a route, read your decision letter and gather the details you will need. For a written request, the government says to include your name, address, telephone number, Social Insurance Number or Client Identification Number, a detailed explanation, new information that could affect the decision, and your signature and date. Protect your personal information and use official Service Canada channels.

Check the deadline before preparing your request

Use the day you received the decision letter as your starting point for the official 90-day period. If you are close to the deadline, focus first on completing the official request route you choose. Keep a record of the date, the method you used, and copies of the material you submitted. Those records can help you follow the progress of your request later.

Prepare a clear explanation and supporting information

Your request should help the reviewer understand what you believe needs to be reconsidered. Refer to the decision in the letter, explain why you disagree, and include new information that could affect the decision when it is relevant. Avoid sending unrelated material just to make the package larger. A short, organized explanation can make it easier to see the point you want reviewed.

Submit through MSCA, a form, or a written request

1. Review Read the decision letter and note the date you received it.
2. Choose Use My Service Canada Account, the applicable printable form, or a written request as described on the official page.
3. Explain State the decision you disagree with and give a detailed explanation of why.
4. Include For a written request, include the identifying and contact details listed in the official instructions, plus relevant new information.
5. Submit Send the request using the official method and keep a copy for your records.

If you use MSCA, the official page directs you to select “Request a review of a decision” from the Canada Pension Plan section and then choose “Ask Service Canada to reconsider” under Step 1. If you submit on paper, follow the official page and your decision letter for the mailing or in-person submission details. Read each instruction carefully before sending personal information.

Know what may happen after you submit

The official CPP page says reconsiderations can take several months to complete, depending on the case. Save the confirmation or copies of the request and any documents you supplied. If Service Canada asks for more information, respond through the official channel it identifies. A reconsideration outcome may also explain the next review option if you still disagree with the new decision.

If you disagree with the new decision after reconsideration, the official page says you have 90 days to file an appeal with the Social Security Tribunal of Canada. That is a separate step from the reconsideration request. Use the official government instructions for the current appeal process, forms, and deadlines rather than relying on general information online.

This guide is for general information and does not decide your CPP entitlement or replace legal advice. The official Canada.ca page is the source to use for the current process. Before submitting, check that your request identifies the right decision, includes the information required for your route, and is being sent through an official Service Canada channel.

Frequently asked questions