If you’re a senior living in Canada or planning your retirement soon, there’s good news—through the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), you may receive up to $1,700 per month in 2025. In some cases, that amount could go even higher, depending on your age, income, and years of contributions. Knowing how these programs work can help you make smarter decisions and maximize your retirement income.
Let’s look into everything you need to know to get the most out of your benefits.
Overview
CPP and OAS are the foundation of Canada’s retirement income system. While CPP is based on your work and contribution history, OAS is based on your age and residency. Combined, they provide steady monthly payments to help cover living expenses as you age.
Here’s a breakdown of the key figures for 2025:
Benefit Type | Monthly Amount (Max) | Notes |
---|---|---|
CPP (Age 65) | $1,433.00 | Higher if delayed past age 65 |
CPP (Average) | $899.67 | Actual average for new retirees |
OAS (65–74) | $727.67 | Subject to quarterly adjustments |
OAS (75+) | $800.44 | Enhanced benefit for older seniors |
Combined Total | $2,233.44 | Maximum for eligible recipients |
CPP
The Canada Pension Plan is a monthly pension for people who contributed to it during their working years. It’s not automatic—you need to apply.
CPP Eligibility
You qualify if:
- You’re at least 60 years old
- You’ve made at least one valid contribution to CPP
Your contributions are typically deducted from your pay, or made through self-employment tax filings.
CPP Payments
What you receive depends on:
- How much and how long you contributed
- Your average earnings
- The age you start collecting
The earlier you take CPP, the lower the monthly payment. If you delay it past 65, your payments increase by about 8.4% each year.
CPP Payment Dates for 2025
CPP is paid monthly. Here are the dates to mark in your calendar:
- January 29
- February 26
- March 27
- April 28
- May 28
- June 26
- July 29
- August 27
- September 25
- October 29
- November 26
- December 22
OAS
Old Age Security is different from CPP because you don’t need to have worked or contributed to get it. It’s based on age and residency.
OAS Eligibility
To receive OAS, you must:
- Be at least 65 years old
- Be a legal Canadian resident or citizen
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
Even if you lived or worked abroad, you may still qualify under international agreements.
OAS Payments
As of mid-2025, the maximum payments are:
- $727.67/month for ages 65 to 74
- $800.44/month for ages 75 and older
Note: If your annual income exceeds $90,997, some or all of your OAS may be clawed back.
OAS Payment Dates for 2025
These match the CPP dates and are paid monthly:
- January 29
- February 26
- March 27
- April 28
- May 28
- June 26
- July 29
- August 27
- September 25
- October 29
- November 26
- December 22
Applying
CPP isn’t automatic. You need to apply:
- Online: Log in to My Service Canada Account
- By Mail: Fill out the CPP application and mail it
- Apply at least 6 months before your planned retirement date
How to Apply for OAS
Some Canadians are enrolled automatically. If not:
- Check My Service Canada Account for your status
- Apply online or by paper if necessary
- Do it around 6 months before your 65th birthday
Taxes and Extras
CPP and OAS are both taxable. You’ll get annual tax slips (T4A(P) for CPP and T4A(OAS) for OAS) to include in your return.
You may also qualify for:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): If your income is low
- Allowance: For spouses of seniors or survivors aged 60–64
Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Review your CPP contributions through My Service Canada
- Delay CPP or OAS to boost monthly payments
- Make sure your banking info is current to avoid delays
- Beware of scams—Service Canada will never text you for your bank info
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure a financially secure retirement. Whether you’re already collecting or getting close to applying, knowing how CPP and OAS work can make a big difference.
FAQs
How much CPP can I get at 65?
Up to $1,433.00/month if fully eligible.
Do I need to apply for CPP?
Yes, CPP requires an application.
When do OAS payments start?
At age 65 if you’re eligible.
Can I get CPP and OAS together?
Yes, you can receive both at the same time.
Is OAS income-tested?
Yes, benefits are clawed back if income is high.