Free guide · Canada (Service Canada)

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

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.

First: check for the OAS enrollment letter

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.

Applying for CPP retirement pension

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.

The deferral decision: what the rates provide

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.

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.

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.

The Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor

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) →

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. Official recovery-tax page →

Not sure where you fit in?

Guidepost

Before we begin

Generating: retirement paperwork

Guidepost generates document templates and step-by-step process guides based on your answers. We are not a law firm, and nothing we provide is legal advice.

The documents you receive are templates designed to cover typical situations and meet standard provincial requirements, but every situation is different.

If your situation is complex, a dispute, unusual circumstances, or significant money is involved, consult a lawyer or notary in your province before completing the transaction.

By continuing you acknowledge that Guidepost provides informational document templates only, and that you are not receiving legal advice.

Official tools

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 →

Common Questions

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.

Official sources

Last updated: August 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.