CPP and OAS Canada 2026 — Current CPP Limits and Retirement Planning

CPP figures for 2026

For 2026, the CPP year's maximum pensionable earnings (YMPE) is $74,600 and the additional maximum pensionable earnings (YAMPE) is $85,000. The maximum new CPP retirement pension starting at age 65 in January 2026 is $1,507.65 per month.

The old ~$1,364 monthly maximum previously shown in this guide is outdated. Most retirees receive less than the maximum because CPP depends on lifetime pensionable earnings, contribution history, drop-out provisions and the age at which the pension begins.

Starting CPP before or after 65

CPP can start as early as age 60 or be delayed as late as age 70. Starting before 65 permanently reduces the monthly pension, while delaying after 65 increases it. The decision should consider life expectancy, employment income, taxes, other retirement income and cash-flow needs rather than the maximum headline amount alone.

OAS is different from CPP

Old Age Security is residence-based rather than contribution-based. Maximum OAS payment amounts are adjusted quarterly, and the amount can also depend on age, years of Canadian residence and income. Because OAS amounts change during the year, this guide does not hard-code a single annual maximum as if it applied for all of 2026.

Higher-income recipients can also face the OAS recovery tax. Verify the current quarterly OAS amount and recovery threshold with the Government of Canada when making a retirement-income plan.

Use your personal CPP estimate

A generic calculator cannot reproduce your full CPP record. Use My Service Canada Account for your personalized CPP estimate, then combine that figure with OAS, workplace pensions, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, TFSA income and expected spending.