CPP and OAS Timing Decisions
When to start CPP and OAS, and the clawback.
When you start the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security is one of the few retirement decisions you can't easily undo. Starting early means smaller payments for life; waiting means larger ones. This hub is for Canadians weighing that trade-off.
Start with the CPP timing guide, then the OAS clawback and GIS guide. The guides show how timing interacts with your RRSP and RRIF withdrawals and with income-tested benefits, using the adjustment rules and thresholds published on Canada.ca for the year named.
Applying for CPP, OAS and GIS step by step is covered in the Government Benefits hub for seniors.
What this hub helps you decide:
- When should I start CPP?
- Should I defer OAS?
- Will the OAS clawback affect me?
- How does timing change my withdrawals?
Updated November 2026 · 2 guides by Andrew
Start here
New to retirement? Read the overview first: How to Build a Canadian Retirement Plan in 7 Steps.
All CPP & OAS Timing guides
OAS Clawback and GIS in Canada
For every dollar above $90,997 in net income, the government takes back 15 cents of your OAS — on top of your regular income tax.
When to Take CPP in Canada
Taking CPP at 60 instead of 70 costs you $1,064 per month — forever.