CPP retirement pension
Taxable lifetime pension based on contributions and the age you start. Available from 60 to 70.
CPP, OAS, GIS and retirement benefits in Canada
CPP & OAS Calculator Canada: When Should You Start Your Benefits?
Estimate your monthly CPP and OAS, compare starting early versus delaying, check possible GIS and Ontario benefits, and learn how to apply without missing important deadlines.
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Quick answer: should you take CPP and OAS early or delay?
Starting earlier may suit someone who needs income now, has health concerns, has limited savings, or wants to reduce work. Delaying may suit someone in good health with other income who wants a larger inflation-indexed lifetime payment. OAS needs separate analysis because delaying can temporarily eliminate GIS and the Allowance.
The calculators below compare the numbers, but your best decision should also consider taxes, spouse benefits, retirement accounts, debt, estate goals and expected longevity.
Government retirement income overview
Which Canadian benefits should you check?
CPP and OAS are only part of the picture. Low-income, disabled, widowed and working retirees may qualify for additional benefits.
Old Age Security
Taxable pension from age 65 based mainly on residence, legal status and income.
Guaranteed Income Supplement
Non-taxable income-tested benefit for eligible OAS recipients living in Canada.
Allowance benefits
Income-tested support for some spouses and survivors age 60 to 64.
Post-Retirement Benefit
Additional lifetime CPP earned when you work and contribute while receiving CPP before 70.
CPP survivor benefits
Monthly survivor pension, children’s benefits and possible death benefit after an eligible contributor dies.
CPP disability
Monthly benefit for eligible contributors under 65 who cannot work regularly because of a severe and prolonged disability.
Ontario GAINS
Additional non-taxable monthly support of up to $92 for eligible low-income Ontario seniors.
| Benefit | Who may qualify | Current maximum or key figure | Tax treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPP retirement | Age 60+ with at least one valid CPP contribution | $1,507.65/month at age 65 maximum; average new benefit $877.01 | Taxable |
| OAS age 65–74 | Eligible age, legal status and residence history | Up to $751.97/month | Taxable; recovery tax may apply |
| OAS age 75+ | Eligible OAS recipient age 75+ | Up to $827.17/month | Taxable; recovery tax may apply |
| GIS — single | Eligible low-income OAS recipient living in Canada | Up to $1,123.17/month; income under $22,800 | Non-taxable |
| GIS — spouse receives full OAS | Eligible low-income couple | Up to $676.09/month; combined income under $30,096 | Non-taxable |
| Allowance | Eligible spouse/common-law partner age 60–64 | Up to $1,428.06/month; combined income under $42,144 | Non-taxable |
| Allowance for Survivor | Eligible widowed person age 60–64 | Up to $1,702.34/month; income under $30,696 | Non-taxable |
| CPP disability | Eligible contributor under 65 with severe and prolonged disability | Up to $1,741.20/month | Taxable |
| Ontario GAINS | Eligible low-income Ontario senior receiving OAS and GIS | Up to $92/month | Non-taxable |
Amounts are maximums, not guarantees. CPP depends on your contribution record. OAS can be partial. GIS, Allowance and GAINS depend on income and other eligibility rules.
Benefits people often miss
Other federal and Ontario benefits retirees should check
CPP, OAS and GIS are not the only programs that can improve retirement cash flow. Many credits depend on income, age, housing costs, health needs and annual tax filing.
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
This tax-free quarterly benefit replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026. For the July 2026–June 2027 benefit year, the maximum is up to $679 for a single person or $890 for a couple, plus amounts for eligible children. File a tax return every year to be assessed automatically.
Check the federal benefitCanadian Dental Care Plan
Canadian residents may qualify when they have no access to private dental insurance, file their tax returns and have adjusted family net income below $90,000. Co-payments may apply according to income.
Check dental-plan eligibilityOntario Trillium Benefit
Combines energy, property-tax and sales-tax credits. For the 2026 benefit year, an Ontario resident age 65 or older may receive up to $1,488 through the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, while the Ontario Sales Tax Credit can be up to $378 per eligible person.
Review Ontario Trillium BenefitSenior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant
Eligible low-to-moderate-income Ontario senior homeowners may receive up to $500 per year. Claim it through the ON-BEN form when filing the personal tax return.
Check the property-tax grantOntario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit
A refundable credit for eligible medical expenses that support aging at home. The credit can equal up to 25% of as much as $6,000 of eligible expenses, for a maximum of $1,500, subject to income limits.
Review the care-at-home creditOntario Seniors Dental Care Program
Free routine dental care may be available to Ontario residents age 65 or older with low income. From August 1, 2026, the published income limits are $25,480 for a single senior and $42,290 for a senior couple.
Check Ontario dental careOntario Drug Benefit and reduced co-payments
Most Ontario residents become eligible for the Ontario Drug Benefit at 65. Lower-income seniors can apply to have the annual deductible waived and prescription co-payments reduced to as little as $2, subject to program rules.
Review drug-benefit assistanceOESP, LEAP and other energy support
Ontario households with qualifying income may receive a monthly electricity-bill credit through OESP. Emergency utility assistance may also be available through LEAP. Eligibility depends on household size, income and energy circumstances.
See Ontario senior assistanceTax filing unlocks benefits: File a return every year—even with little or no taxable income—because CRA and provincial programs commonly use the return to assess eligibility, calculate payments and renew benefits.
Interactive planning tools
CPP, OAS and government benefit calculators
These tools use official age-adjustment rules and current public benefit figures. They are educational estimates and do not replace Service Canada calculations.
1. CPP start-age and break-even calculator
Enter the age-65 estimate from your My Service Canada Account statement. The calculator applies the official monthly reduction or increase for your selected start age.
Current average new age-65 pension is prefilled.
Official age adjustment: CPP decreases 0.6% per month before 65 and increases 0.7% per month after 65, up to age 70.
Your CPP estimate
Age adjustment0.0%
Estimated monthly CPP$877.01
Estimated annual CPP$10,524.12
Difference from starting at 65$0.00/month
Lifetime total to planning age$263,103
Approximate break-even ageNot applicable
Break-even ignores tax, inflation indexing, investment returns, future contributions and survivor effects.
CPP comparison by start age
| Start age | Adjustment | Estimated monthly | Estimated annual | Lifetime to planning age |
|---|
Selected ageStart 60Start 65Start 70
2. OAS delay, residence and lifetime calculator
Estimate a full or partial OAS pension and see how delaying from 65 to 70 changes the monthly amount and approximate lifetime total.
Based on 40 years of residence, the calculator uses 100% of the full OAS amount.
Your OAS estimate
Residence fraction40/40
Delay increase0.0%
Estimated monthly at start$751.97
Estimated monthly after 75$827.17
Lifetime total to planning age$236,870
Break-even versus age 65Not applicable
This estimate assumes the current benefit level remains constant except for the automatic 10% increase after age 75. Actual OAS is indexed quarterly and may be reduced by the recovery tax.
3. Combined CPP, OAS and retirement-income calculator
Estimate your monthly income once both selected benefits have begun, including a simplified OAS recovery-tax and income-tax illustration.
Estimated monthly retirement income
CPP$877.01
OAS before recovery tax$751.97
Other monthly income$1,500.00
Gross monthly income$3,128.98
Estimated monthly OAS recovery$0.00
After estimated tax and recovery$2,503.18
This is a simplified cash-flow illustration. Actual tax depends on deductions, credits, province, pension splitting, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals and other income.
4. Government retirement-benefit eligibility screener
Answer a few questions to see which benefits deserve a closer official review. This screener does not approve eligibility or calculate an exact GIS payment.
Benefits to review
Complete the fields and select Check possible benefits.
Confirm results through Service Canada, CRA, Ontario and the official Benefits Finder.
Decision guide
When should you start CPP and OAS?
Use the following framework before choosing a date. CPP and OAS can have different optimal starting ages for the same person.
Start with cash flow
List essential monthly expenses, debt payments, workplace pension, RRSP/RRIF income, TFSA withdrawals and employment income. Starting early may be reasonable when the cash-flow need is immediate.
Consider health and longevity
Delaying increases guaranteed lifetime income and can be valuable for a healthy person expecting a long retirement. Starting earlier may deserve consideration when health or life expectancy is materially reduced.
Check GIS before delaying OAS
Someone eligible for GIS should normally avoid delaying OAS without a careful review because GIS is unavailable during the OAS deferral period.
Review taxes and clawback
Working income, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, pensions and investment income can increase tax or OAS recovery. A coordinated withdrawal plan may matter more than the benefit start date alone.
Coordinate spouses
Couples can stagger CPP or OAS start dates, review CPP pension sharing and plan taxable withdrawals around both spouses’ ages and income levels.
Protect against late-life risk
A larger delayed CPP or OAS payment can help cover rising essential expenses later in life and reduce dependence on investment withdrawals.
- You need income to reduce work or cover necessities.
- Health or longevity expectations are below average.
- You have high-interest debt and limited other cash.
- You prefer receiving payments sooner and accept a permanently smaller monthly amount.
- You are healthy and expect a long retirement.
- You have sufficient income from work, pension or savings.
- You want more guaranteed, indexed lifetime income later.
- Your current income may trigger OAS recovery tax, but future income may be lower.
Important: The age-based CPP increase and OAS increase are permanent, but the best decision is not determined by percentage alone. GIS loss, taxes, investment risk and cash-flow needs can reverse an apparently obvious choice.
Application checklist
How and when to claim CPP, OAS, GIS and other benefits
Do not wait until the desired month to begin gathering information. Missing documents or residence details can delay processing.
Check your records
Sign in to My Service Canada Account to review your CPP Statement of Contributions, estimated pension and any OAS automatic-enrolment notice.
Choose a start date
Run at least three scenarios—early, age 65 and delayed—and compare monthly income, taxes, GIS eligibility and lifetime totals.
Apply in advance
CPP applications can be submitted up to 12 months before the chosen start date. OAS applicants should follow the Service Canada letter or submit an application when not automatically enrolled.
Prepare documents
Keep your SIN, banking information, marriage or common-law details, residence history after age 18 and international residence or work records available.
File tax returns every year
GIS and many income-tested benefits depend on tax-return information. Late filing can delay or stop payments.
Report changes
Tell Service Canada about marital-status changes, extended travel, a spouse’s death, banking changes or other facts that can affect eligibility and prevent overpayments.
| Benefit | When to apply | Where to apply | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPP retirement | Up to 12 months before chosen start date | My Service Canada Account or paper form | Apply rather than assuming automatic enrolment |
| OAS | Follow automatic-enrolment notice or apply when required | My Service Canada Account or paper form | Review residence history carefully |
| GIS | With OAS or separately if OAS already started | Service Canada | File tax returns annually and report income changes |
| Allowance / Survivor Allowance | As soon as eligibility appears likely | Service Canada | Age, residence, income, marital status and sponsorship rules apply |
| CPP survivor / death benefits | As soon as possible after death | Service Canada | Applications are not always automatic |
| Ontario GAINS | Usually assessed through tax and OAS/GIS information | Ontario / CRA administration | Keep tax returns current |
Frequently asked questions
CPP, OAS, GIS and government benefit FAQs
All answers remain visible on the page so users, search engines, voice assistants and AI systems can read the complete content.
What is the Canada Pension Plan retirement pension?
The Canada Pension Plan retirement pension is a taxable monthly benefit based mainly on your CPP contributions, pensionable earnings and the age when you begin. You may start as early as age 60 or as late as age 70.
When can I start receiving CPP?
You can start CPP from age 60 through age 70. Age 65 is the standard starting age. There is no further age-based increase for waiting beyond age 70.
How much is CPP reduced if I start at age 60?
CPP is reduced by 0.6% for each month before age 65. Starting exactly at age 60 creates the maximum age-based reduction of 36% compared with the age-65 amount.
How much does CPP increase if I delay to age 70?
CPP increases by 0.7% for each month after age 65. Starting exactly at age 70 creates the maximum age-based increase of 42% compared with the age-65 amount.
What is the best age to start CPP?
There is no single best age for everyone. The decision depends on health, expected longevity, cash-flow needs, work plans, debt, other retirement income, taxes and how much guaranteed lifetime income you want later.
What is the CPP break-even age?
The break-even age is the approximate age when the larger payments from a later start catch up with the payments you gave up while waiting. It is only one decision factor because taxes, investment returns, inflation, health and survivor planning can change the result.
Can I receive CPP while I am still working?
Yes. Working does not reduce your CPP retirement pension. If you work and continue contributing before age 70, you may earn Post-Retirement Benefits that increase your lifetime CPP income.
Do I have to contribute to CPP after starting it?
Working CPP recipients under 65 generally must continue contributing. From age 65 to 69, eligible workers can elect to stop contributing. CPP contributions stop at age 70.
Can CPP be paid retroactively?
If you apply after age 65, CPP may be paid retroactively for up to 12 months, including the month of application, but not earlier than the month after your 65th birthday. CPP started before 65 is not paid retroactively.
Is CPP taxable?
Yes. CPP retirement income is taxable. You can ask Service Canada to deduct income tax from your monthly payments, or plan for the tax when filing your return.
Can spouses share CPP?
Eligible spouses or common-law partners may apply for CPP pension sharing. The combined CPP amount does not increase, but sharing may change each spouse's taxable income and may create tax savings in some situations.
What is Old Age Security?
Old Age Security is a taxable federal pension for eligible people age 65 or older. It is based mainly on age, legal status, Canadian residence history and income, rather than employment contributions.
How much OAS can I receive in 2026?
For July to September 2026, the maximum monthly OAS pension is $751.97 for ages 65 to 74 and $827.17 for age 75 and older. Actual payments can be lower because of residence history or the OAS recovery tax.
How is a partial OAS pension calculated?
A partial OAS pension is generally based on complete years lived in Canada after age 18 divided by 40. For example, 20 eligible years generally produces 20/40, or 50%, of the full pension before any delay increase or recovery tax.
Can I delay OAS?
Yes. OAS can be delayed from age 65 to age 70. It increases by 0.6% for each month of delay, up to 36% at age 70. There is no further increase for waiting beyond age 70.
Should I delay OAS if I qualify for GIS?
Usually this needs special caution. You cannot receive GIS while your OAS is deferred, and a spouse or common-law partner may lose access to the Allowance during the deferral period. Government guidance says there is no benefit to waiting when you are eligible for GIS.
What is the OAS recovery tax or clawback?
The OAS recovery tax requires higher-income recipients to repay part or all of OAS when net world income exceeds the applicable annual threshold. The repayment is generally calculated at 15% of income above the threshold, up to the OAS received.
What is the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit for eligible low-income OAS recipients living in Canada. The amount depends on income and marital status and is recalculated regularly.
What income affects GIS?
Most taxable income can affect GIS, although specific exclusions and rules apply. Employment and self-employment income receive an earnings exemption. Because the calculation is detailed, use the official OAS Benefits Estimator for a personalized estimate.
What is the Allowance?
The Allowance is a non-taxable benefit for certain people age 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives OAS and is eligible for GIS. Residence, income and sponsorship rules apply.
What is the Allowance for the Survivor?
The Allowance for the Survivor is a non-taxable benefit for certain low-income widowed people age 60 to 64 who have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship. Residence and sponsorship rules apply.
What is Ontario GAINS?
The Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System provides an additional non-taxable monthly payment to eligible low-income Ontario seniors. It is paid on top of OAS and GIS, with payments of up to $92 per month under current Ontario information.
What happens to OAS at age 75?
Eligible OAS recipients receive an automatic 10% increase beginning the month after their 75th birthday. This age-75 increase does not reduce the GIS amount.
Are CPP and OAS automatic?
Some people are automatically enrolled, but not everyone. Watch for letters from Service Canada and check My Service Canada Account. Apply when required rather than assuming payments will start automatically.
How early should I apply for CPP?
You can apply for CPP up to 12 months before your chosen start date. Applying early can help avoid a delay in the first payment.
How do I apply for CPP, OAS or GIS?
The fastest option for many applicants is My Service Canada Account. Paper applications are also available. Keep your Social Insurance Number, banking details, residence history and supporting documents ready.
Can I receive CPP or OAS outside Canada?
CPP can generally be paid outside Canada if you qualify. OAS residence requirements are different when living outside Canada, and GIS normally requires Canadian residence. International social security agreements may help some applicants qualify.
What government benefits may be available after a spouse dies?
Depending on age, income and the deceased person's CPP record, benefits may include the CPP survivor's pension, CPP death benefit, children's benefits and the Allowance for the Survivor. Combined CPP benefit limits may apply.
What if I become disabled before age 65?
You may qualify for CPP disability benefits if you meet the age, contribution and disability requirements. Apply promptly because medical and contribution evidence is required and processing can take time.
Will delaying CPP or OAS always produce more lifetime money?
No. Delaying produces a larger monthly payment, but you give up payments while waiting. Lifetime totals depend on how long you live, taxes, indexing, investment returns, GIS eligibility and personal cash-flow needs.
What other government benefits should Canadian seniors check?
Depending on income, province, housing and health needs, review the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, Canadian Dental Care Plan, provincial drug coverage, energy assistance, property-tax credits, home-care tax credits and disability-related benefits. The federal Benefits Finder can identify additional programs.
Do I need to file a tax return to receive senior benefits?
File a tax return every year even when you have little or no taxable income. CRA and provincial programs use tax-return information to calculate or renew GIS, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, Ontario Trillium Benefit, GAINS and other income-tested credits. Some pensions still require a separate Service Canada application.
Reviewed by
Pankaj Bhatia, PFA, CHS
Professional Financial Advisor with Insure In Canada Inc. Pankaj helps Canadian families coordinate retirement income, insurance, investments and estate-planning decisions.
This page provides general educational information and calculator estimates. Government programs, tax rules and benefit amounts can change. Confirm eligibility and exact payments with Service Canada, CRA, your province and qualified tax or legal professionals where appropriate.
Not sure whether to start CPP or OAS now?
Bring your CPP estimate, expected retirement income, residence history and target retirement date for a coordinated review.
Official sources and update policy
Benefit amounts and income thresholds can change quarterly or annually. The page should be reviewed every January, April, July and October.
- Government of Canada — CPP retirement pension
- Government of Canada — When to start CPP
- Government of Canada — CPP payment amounts
- Government of Canada — OAS, GIS and Allowance payment amounts
- Government of Canada — When to start OAS
- Government of Canada — Official OAS Benefits Estimator
- Government of Canada — Benefits Finder
- Ontario — Guaranteed Annual Income System
- Canada Revenue Agency — Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
- Government of Canada — Canadian Dental Care Plan eligibility
- Ontario — Ontario Trillium Benefit
- Ontario — Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant
- Ontario — Dental care for seniors