The numbers
| Start at 65 | Start both at 70 | |
|---|---|---|
| CPP (maximum) | $1,507.65 | $2,140.86 |
| OAS (age 65–74) | $762.50 | $1,037.00 |
| Total per month | $2,270.15 | $3,177.86 |
| Per year | $27,242 | $38,134 |
CPP maximum for pensions starting in 2026; OAS for October–December 2026. At 75 OAS rises by 10%.
Who gets the maximum CPP?
To get $1,507.65 you need to have earned at or above the maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE, $74,600 in 2026) for about 39 of the years between 18 and 65, because the lowest 17% of years are dropped. Since 2019 the CPP “enhancement” has been adding a second layer, so the maximum grows each year for new retirees.
In practice very few people get it. The average new CPP pension at 65 is $858.34 (July 2026): career breaks, part-time years, years of study or of lower pay all pull it down. That is normal — and the child-rearing and disability drop-outs can help.
Who gets full OAS?
Anyone 65+ who lived in Canada for 40 years after age 18 (citizens and legal residents). It does not depend on your work history. With fewer years you get a fraction (see our partial OAS guide).
Things that can add to it
- Post-retirement benefit: if you keep working and contributing after starting CPP, each year adds a little more (up to $54.69 a month per year in 2026).
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: on low incomes, up to $1,138.90 a month for a single person on top of OAS.
- Survivor benefit combined with your own CPP (combined maximum $1,531.56).
Quick reference: CPP and OAS in 2026
| CPP | OAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Your contributions from work | Years lived in Canada after 18 |
| Earliest start | 60 (−0.6% a month before 65) | 65 |
| Latest useful start | 70 (+0.7% a month after 65) | 70 (+0.6% a month after 65) |
| Indexed | Every January | Every quarter |
| Taxable | Yes | Yes, plus clawback above $95,323 |
Before you decide
- Check your statement. My Service Canada Account shows your CPP estimate and your contribution history; fix any missing years early.
- Think as a couple. CPP can be shared between spouses to lower tax, and the survivor benefit depends on both pensions.
- Remember the GIS. On a low income, the Guaranteed Income Supplement can add more than OAS itself — and it is not taxable.
- Apply ahead. Apply for CPP up to 12 months before you want it to start; Service Canada enrols many people in OAS automatically and writes to you the month after you turn 64.
All amounts are the official ESDC figures checked on 5 November 2026 (CPP 2026, OAS October–December 2026). This page gives estimates in today’s dollars, before income tax.
FAQ
What is the maximum CPP and OAS combined in 2026?
$2,270.15 a month at 65: $1,507.65 CPP plus $762.50 OAS.
What is the maximum if I start both at 70?
About $3,177.86 a month: CPP +42% and OAS +36%.
What is the average CPP at 65?
$858.34 a month for new pensions starting at 65 (July 2026).
Sources (checked 5 November 2026): Employment and Social Development Canada, “Maximum benefit amounts and related figures – CPP (2026) and OAS (October to December 2026)” (CPP max at 65 $1,507.65; OAS $762.50 / $838.75; recovery threshold $95,323; deferral 0.6% a month); canada.ca “CPP: pensions and benefits monthly amounts” (average new pension at 65 $858.34, July 2026); canada.ca “CPP retirement pension – how much you could receive” (−0.6%/month before 65, +0.7%/month after 65).