Returning to Work After You Have Retired

There are a number of reasons why you might want to return to work after you have retired. Before looking for a job, think about your needs and the working conditions you would like to have. You could have a flexible work schedule or work part time in order to balance your work and your personal life. The questionnaire Bien se connaître (French only) is made available to support you in this process. Then, various types of jobs are available to you.

Taking a job after you have retired will

• give you a sense of achievement 
• put your expertise forward 
• give you a rewarding social contact 
• give you additional income

Calculation tool

The calculator of Work income kept on retirement in 2024 is used to estimate the share of work income that you have left after taking into account taxation, such as taxes and contributions paid.

Calculate your work income

To support you in your reflection, you can consult a financial advisor who will help you evaluate the financial impact of returning to work.

Retirement pension amount

If you are aged 65 or older and you are receiving a retirement pension under the Québec Pension Plan (QPP), you can choose to stop contributing to QPP.

Conversely, if you decide to contribute to the Plan, your contributions could entitle you to a  retirement pension supplement, which will be paid as of January 1 of the year following the one during which you made contributions.

If you return to work, you will continue receiving the retirement pension from your employer’s retirement plan. The amount will not be decreased. For more details, see the You are returning to work page.

The effects on Old Age Security benefits

Your decision to re-enter the labour market could have consequences on your Guaranteed Income Supplement or your Old Age Security pension, when your income is high.

For more details, see the Old Age Security pension recovery tax and Guaranteed Income Supplement: Overview pages.

Tax credit for career extension

You could be entitled to the Tax Credit for Career Extension. This non-refundable tax credit is meant to encourage experienced workers 65 or over to continue working or rejoin the workforce. For more information, see the Tax Credit for Career Extension page.

Before re-entering the labour market, some preparatory steps are required. You must update your résumé (CV) and prepare a cover letter tailored to the targeted job. You should also have your desired working conditions in mind in order to discuss them with the employer at the interview.

Remain in the same company

You can go back and work for your former employer and ask to have a part-time work schedule with flexible hours. Depending on the company, you could also become a mentor for a new employee. If you want to hold a different position within the same company, consider discussing this possibility with the employer.

Become a self-employed worker

You can share your expertise with companies and work as a self-employed worker. Assistance is also available to help you start an enterprise.

Find a seasonal job

If you want to work only certain times of the year, seasonal jobs may be of interest to you.

Once you have a clear picture of what you want, you can view available job offers. You can also participate in job and career fairs that are held throughout the year in different regions. This is a good opportunity to connect with employers who are recruiting and to learn about the hiring process.

In order for your application to be competitive and interesting to employers, be sure to upgrade your skills. You can remain a competitive candidate, which will increase your chances to be noticed by an employer and be selected for an interview.  

You can also get on-the-job training related to your field.

Different employment assistance programs are available to help you find and start a job after you have retired.

Employability organizations

Employability service organizations are available throughout Québec to help you look for a job and prepare for interviews. They can also inform you about the trades that are most in demand in a given region.

For more details, see the Find an Employment Agency page.

Wage subsidy

The Wage Subsidy measure help you better settle into a new workplace that has good possibilities of retention.

To submit an application, you can use the following online form:

Apply online

You can also submit your application by filling out and printing the PDF form: Application for services (3003-01) (PDF 818 Kb).

Visit a Services Québec office with the completed form, and be sure to have a photo ID issued by a public agency with you. Otherwise, you can also send your form to a Services Québec office by mail.

Extending your working life on the labour market

Help for people aged 50 and over is available to support your return to the labour market after you have retired.