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FREE GUIDE · CANADA (SERVICE CANADA)

Turning 65: what to do about CPP, OAS, GIS and the Allowances

This page is the free guide. No sign-in. Read on.

What each program provides, whether you need to apply at all, and what the deferral rules actually say. No advice on when you should start: the published rates and rules, in the order they come up.

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    First: check for the OAS enrollment letter

    Open this section ↓

    If Service Canada has your eligibility information, you get an enrollment letter around your 64th birthday. This means you are enrolled automatically and do not need to apply.

    If you are at least 1 month past your 64th birthday and have not received a letter, contact Service Canada to find out if you need to apply.

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  2. 2

    Applying for CPP retirement pension

    Apply online through My Service Canada Account.Open this section ↓

    Apply online through My Service Canada Account. A paper application is required in certain cases, including living outside Canada or where a third party (power of attorney or trustee) manages the account.

    Two different 12/11-month rules, do not confuse them: you can apply up to 12 months before your chosen start date. That is separate from retroactivity: if you apply after your 65th birthday, retroactive payment goes back as early as 11 months before the month your application was received, but no earlier than the month after your 65th birthday. If you apply the month of your 65th birthday or earlier, there is no retroactivity.

    The paper application is Form ISP-1000, Application for a Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension.

    Aged 60 to 64 and already on a CPP retirement pension: the post-retirement disability benefit uses the same medical definition and contribution test as CPP Disability and is paid until age 65. The CPP Disability guide: the post-retirement disability benefit →

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  3. 3

    The deferral decision: what the rates provide

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    CPP

    Payments decrease by 0.6% each month (7.2% per year) if you start as early as 60, up to a maximum reduction of 36%. Payments increase by 0.7% each month (8.4% per year) if you start as late as 70, up to a maximum increase of 42%. There's no benefit to wait after age 70.

    OAS

    Payments increase by 0.6% each month (7.2% per year) the later you start, up to a maximum increase of 36% at age 70.

    There is no benefit to wait to receive OAS if you are: eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, or over the age of 70.

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  4. 4

    Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

    GIS is a monthly, tax-free payment you can get if you are 65 or older, receiving OAS, living in Canada, and your income is below the threshold for your situation.Open this section ↓

    GIS is a monthly, tax-free payment you can get if you are 65 or older, receiving OAS, living in Canada, and your income is below the threshold for your situation.

    Income thresholds are not stated here, they vary by situation and are indexed. Check the official eligibility and income table →

    You do not pay taxes on your GIS payments, but you must file your taxes by April 30 every year to avoid any disruption of payments.

    The combined OAS and GIS paper application is Form ISP-3550.

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  5. 5

    The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor

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    The Allowance

    For people 60 to 64, with low income, whose spouse or common-law partner is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

    The Allowance for the Survivor

    For people 60 to 64, with low income, whose spouse or common-law partner has died, and who have not remarried or become a common-law partner to another person since their death. See also: CPP survivor's pension (ISP-1300) →

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  6. 6

    Higher income: the OAS recovery tax

    If your net world income exceeds the threshold amount, you have to repay part or your entire OAS pension.Open this section ↓

    If your net world income exceeds the threshold amount, you have to repay part or your entire OAS pension. Official recovery-tax page →

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  7. 7

    Not sure where you fit in?

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    BUILD YOUR FREE CHECKLIST

    A few questions about your situation

    Answer these and the checklist below shows what CPP, OAS, GIS, and the Allowances provide for your situation. It does not say when you should start. Every answer stays in your browser.

    What is your age band?

    If you are approaching or over 65: did you receive an OAS enrollment letter around your 64th birthday?

    Only applies to the two older age bands above. Ignore this if you are under 60 or 60-64.

    Where do you live?

    Is your income below the GIS threshold for your situation?

    This is about your situation, not an amount: the checklist links the official threshold table rather than asking you to enter a figure.

    Does either of these apply, and are you 60 to 64?

    Are you considering deferring CPP or OAS past 65?

    Guidepost is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Your answers are used to produce your document and nothing else.
    How your answers are used
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  8. 8

    Official tools

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    Government of Canada Retirement Hub

    A retirement-ready quiz that gives you a personalized checklist to guide you through retirement.

    Government of Canada Retirement Hub →

    OAS payment amounts

    Old Age Security payment amounts are reviewed each year in January, April, July, and October. This page never states a figure; check the current amount directly.

    OAS: payment amounts →
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    Common Questions

    Do I need to apply for OAS?Open this section ↓

    Do I need to apply for OAS?

    If Service Canada has your eligibility information, you get an enrollment letter around your 64th birthday, and you are enrolled automatically without needing to apply. If you are at least 1 month past your 64th birthday and have not received a letter, contact Service Canada to find out if you need to apply.

    How much notice do I need to apply for CPP?

    You can apply up to 12 months before your chosen start date. That is a different rule from retroactivity: if you apply after your 65th birthday, retroactive payment goes back as early as 11 months before the month your application was received, but no earlier than the month after your 65th birthday.

    Is there a benefit to deferring CPP or OAS?

    CPP payments increase by 0.7% each month (8.4% per year) up to age 70, to a maximum of 42%. OAS payments increase by 0.6% each month (7.2% per year) up to age 70, to a maximum of 36%. There is no benefit to wait past 70 for either, and no benefit to wait on OAS at all if you are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

    Will I have to repay some of my OAS?

    If your net world income exceeds the threshold amount, you have to repay part or your entire OAS pension. This page does not state the threshold, since it is indexed and changes; check the official recovery-tax page for the current figure.

    Related guides

    All federal and provincial benefits →What to do when someone dies →ISP-1200: CPP death benefit →ISP-1300: CPP survivor's pension →Laid off, not retiring? Termination help →No dental insurance after you retire? The Canadian Dental Care Plan →Living with a long-term medical condition? The Disability Tax Credit →

    Official sources

    Facts checked October 2026

    Guidepost is not a law firm or a financial advisor. This is general information, not advice, and it does not tell you when to start any benefit. Verify current amounts and rules with Service Canada. Full disclaimer.

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