CPP & OAS Calculator – Best Age to Start Benefits

Rates verified Nov 2026 · Sources: CRA, Service Canada

ExampleCPP $1,433/mo at 65 · OAS $762.50/mo at 65 · Life expectancy 87

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🌅CPP & OAS Timing

Monthly CPP + OAS · CPP age 65 · OAS age 65

$2,196/mo combined · $26,352/yr · lifetime $617,952 by age 87
CPP $1,433/mo (0.0%)·OAS $763/mo (0.0%)

CPP at start age

$1,433

0.0% · age 65

OAS at start age

$763

0.0% · age 65

Annual total

$26,352

CPP + OAS combined

Breakeven (65 vs 70)

Age 81

if you deferred CPP to 70 instead

📋Benefits at age 65
$
$
⏱️Your timing choice
yrs
yrs
yrs
CPP adjustment0.0% → $1,433/mo
OAS adjustment0.0% → $763/mo
Lifetime total$617,952
📈Cumulative lifetime payout

Total CPP + OAS received over your lifetime for three start-age scenarios

🔄Scenario comparison
ScenarioMonthlyAnnualTotal by age 87
Early (60/65)$1,680$20,160$530,556
Standard (65/65)$2,196$26,352$617,952
Deferred (70/70)$3,072$36,864$679,776
💡Breakeven logic
▸Breakeven = the age at which delaying CPP/OAS produces more total lifetime income than starting earlier.
▸CPP 60 vs 65 breakeven: ~age 74. If you live past 74, age-65 start wins.
▸CPP 65 vs 70 breakeven: ~age 82–84. If you live past that, age-70 wins.
▸Canadian life expectancy: ~84 for men, ~87 for women. Most Canadians benefit from deferring CPP to at least 65.
Compare any two start ages in detail →
📋CPP adjustment rules
▸Early (before 65): −0.6%/month. Age 60 = −36% permanently.
▸Standard (65): your full estimated pension based on contributions.
▸Deferred (after 65): +0.7%/month. Age 70 = +42% permanently.
2026 CRA - CPP at 65
Maximum (Jan 2026)$1,507.65/mo
Average (Apr–Jun 2026)$925.35/mo
CRA – CPP pension overview ↗
▸No early option. OAS can only start at 65 or be deferred.
▸Deferral bonus: +0.6%/month past 65. Age 70 = +36% permanently.
▸Age 75 boost: automatic 10% increase when you turn 75.
▸Clawback: 15% recovery tax if net income exceeds $93,454 (2025 threshold).
2026 CRA - OAS amounts
Max at 65 (Oct–Dec 2026)$762.50/mo
Max at 75 (Oct–Dec 2026)$838.75/mo
CRA – OAS pension overview ↗

What's Next?

OAS Clawback CalculatorCheck if your income will trigger the 15% OAS recovery taxRRIF Minimum WithdrawalsPlan mandatory RRIF drawdowns - they count as income for OAS clawbackTFSA vs RRSPRRSP vs TFSA drawdown strategy for retirement incomeSalary & TaxSee how CPP/OAS pension income is taxed in retirement

CPP max $1,507.65/mo (Jan 2026) · OAS max $762.50/mo at 65, $838.75/mo at 75 (Oct–Dec 2026) · Source: canada.ca. Check My Service Canada Account for your personal CPP estimate. OAS subject to 15% recovery tax above $93,454 (2025 income). Not financial advice.

Keep your numbers moving

Jump into related tools with your next best calculation.

CPP break-even calculatorExact age when delaying CPP pays offOAS clawback calculatorAvoid OAS recovery tax with income planningRRIF withdrawal calculatorMinimum withdrawals and tax-efficient drawdown

About this calculator

Updated April 2026

Deciding whether to take CPP at 60, 65, or 70 is one of the most valuable retirement choices you'll make - the difference can be $100,000+ over your lifetime. This calculator compares your cumulative payout at each starting age using your actual projected CPP amount (not the maximum) and shows the breakeven age so you can decide based on your health and longevity expectations.

What you can do with it

  • Compare cumulative CPP payouts at ages 60, 65, and 70 over a 25-year retirement.
  • Find your personal breakeven age (typically 74 vs 65 / 83 vs 70).
  • Model OAS deferral from 65 to 70 for a 36% bigger benefit.
  • Combine CPP + OAS timing into one retirement-income decision.

How the math works

CPP is reduced 0.6% per month (7.2%/year) for each month taken before 65, and increased 0.7% per month (8.4%/year) for each month deferred after 65, up to age 70. OAS is increased 0.6% per month (7.2%/year) for deferral to age 70. The calculator projects annual payments with 2% inflation indexing and finds the age where cumulative deferred payments exceed cumulative early payments.

Canadian context - 2026

2026 maximum CPP at 65: $1,507.65/month ($18,091.80/year) for someone who contributed at the maximum for 39+ years - most retirees get less. Maximum OAS at 65: $762.50/month (Oct-Dec 2026). If you expect to live well past your mid-70s and don't need the money at 65, deferring both is usually the right call.

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

Should I take CPP at 60, 65, or 70?

CPP is reduced 0.6% per month (7.2%/year) for each month before 65, and increased 0.7% per month (8.4%/year) for each month after 65, up to age 70. Taking CPP at 70 pays 42% more than at 65. The breakeven versus age-65 is roughly age 74 for age-60 vs 65, and age 83 for age-65 vs 70. Those in good health with a long family history often benefit from deferring.

When does OAS start and can I defer it?

OAS begins automatically at age 65 but can be deferred up to age 70 for a 7.2% boost per year (36% more at 70). The clawback threshold is based on net income for the prior tax year: $93,454 for 2025 income (affecting Jul 2026-Jun 2027 payments) and an estimated $95,323 for 2026 income. OAS is clawed back 15 cents per dollar above that threshold. High earners may benefit from deferring OAS while drawing down RRSP/RRIF first.

What is the maximum CPP payment in 2026?

The maximum CPP retirement pension at age 65 for someone who contributed at the maximum for 39+ years is $1,507.65/month in 2026. The average CPP for new retirees is closer to $750-$850/month, since most people don't have a full maximum contribution history. CPP2 contributions since 2024 will add a small supplemental benefit over time.

Go deeper - related guides

Long-form explainers that pair with this calculator.