Changes to your pay in January

January 12, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 1:15

In January 2026, you may notice changes to your pay, caused by a change in the new federal and provincial deduction rates and pension contribution amounts. These changes should be reflected on your January 14 pay cheque.

Each calendar year, the set levels for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or QuébecPension Plan (QPP) contributions, and Employment insurance (EI) and QuébecParental Insurance Plan (QPIP) premiums must be deducted from earnings until a maximum level is achieved.

Depending on your earnings, you may reach the maximum level required sometime during the year and notice one or more of these deductions are no longer being withheld, resulting in a slightly higher net pay. However, beginning in January, these deductions start again, so your net pay may be reduced by these contribution amounts.

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has posted the pension contribution rates that came into effect January 1, 2026. These rates apply to all public service and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) - Regular Force pension plan members.

For more information:

Visit the Public Service Pension Contribution Rates page.

Visit the Canadian Armed Forces pensions page.

Related links:

• How public service pay works

Contact:

• If you are a public service employee and have any questions regarding your pay, you may contact the Pay and Benefits Client Contact Centre.
• If you are a CAF member and have questions regarding your pay, you may contact your chain of command.