Headlines claiming Canada has “ended retirement at 65” in November 2025 have caused confusion. The truth is that the Old Age Security (OAS) pension continues to use age 65 as the eligibility age, while the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) allows Canadians to start anytime between 60 and 70.
You can choose to delay your OAS or CPP to receive higher monthly payments later, or take them earlier if you prefer immediate income. While there is ongoing public debate about raising the national retirement age in future years, no federal law has changed the eligibility age in 2025.
What Should Canadian Seniors Do in 2025
- Stay Informed: Follow official announcements on Canada.ca for any confirmed updates to OAS or CPP.
- Review Retirement Timing: Adjust plans based on health, income needs, and family considerations.
- Update Documents: Ensure banking and Service Canada information is current.
- Diversify Income: Combine pensions with RRSP, TFSA, or other investments for flexibility.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Consult licensed advisors for tax-efficient retirement planning.
Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Current OAS Eligibility Age |
65, with option to defer up to age 70 for a higher amount |
Current CPP Start Window |
Any time from age 60 to 70 (standard start is 65) |
Effect of Delaying CPP |
Increases about 0.7 percent per month after 65 up to 42 percent at 70 |
Effect of Delaying OAS |
Increases about 0.6 percent per month after 65 up to 36 percent at 70 |
Bottom Line for Nov 2025 |
No law has changed the national retirement age to 67. OAS eligibility is still 65 and CPP remains flexible 60 to 70 |
Official Site |
What Has Not Changed in 2025
Old Age Security (OAS)
- Eligibility Age: 65 years old.
- Deferral Option: You can delay receiving OAS up to age 70, increasing the monthly amount by about 36 percent.
- Auto Enrollment: Some individuals are automatically enrolled and receive notification around age 64; others must apply manually.
- Inflation Protection: OAS is adjusted quarterly to reflect cost-of-living changes.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Standard Start Age: 65.
- Flexible Start Window: Claim as early as 60 or delay up to 70.
- Increase for Deferral: Each month you delay after 65 boosts your CPP by roughly 0.7 percent, up to 42 percent more at age 70.
- Permanent Reduction for Early Start: Starting early permanently lowers your monthly benefit.
Rumours vs. Official Policy
Many Canadians believe that the federal government has raised the retirement age to 67. In reality, this is not true as of November 2025. What has changed is greater flexibility in how you manage your OAS and CPP timelines.
There are active discussions about sustainability of public pensions due to an aging population, but as of now, Canadians can still access OAS at 65 and CPP between 60 and 70.
How Delaying Benefits Changes Monthly Income
CPP Timing Example
- Start at 60: Permanent reduction in monthly payments.
- Start at 65: Standard payment amount.
- Start at 70: About 42 percent higher monthly benefit compared to starting at 65.
OAS Timing Example
- Start at 65: Standard benefit.
- Start at 70: About 36 percent higher monthly payment compared to starting at 65.
These increases are permanent and apply for life. Delaying benefits can be worthwhile for those expecting a longer retirement horizon or higher longevity.
Financial and Demographic Context
Canada’s retirement system is under constant review due to an aging population and rising life expectancy. The government faces the challenge of maintaining benefit levels while ensuring fiscal stability.
- OAS is funded through general tax revenues.
- CPP is financed by contributions from workers and employers.
- As more Canadians reach retirement age, both systems require careful planning and adjustment to stay sustainable for future generations.
Comparison Table: Retirement Benefits in Canada (2025)
Benefit |
Standard Starting Age |
Early Claim Option |
Delayed Benefit Option |
Maximum Monthly Payment (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Old Age Security (OAS) |
65 |
No |
+36% at age 70 |
$735 (65–74), $800+ (75+) |
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) |
65 |
Yes, from 60 |
+42% at age 70 |
$1,433 |
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) |
65 |
No |
Not applicable |
Varies by income |
Key Takeaways for Future Retirees
- Plan Early: Know how starting early or delaying affects your total lifetime income.
- Consider Health and Longevity: If you expect a long retirement, delaying can yield higher lifetime returns.
- Monitor Inflation: OAS and CPP are indexed, ensuring payments keep up with living costs.
- Use Government Calculators: Estimate how age, income, and contributions affect benefits.
- Seek Advice: A financial planner can help tailor decisions to your income, taxes, and goals.
Pros and Cons of Moving Away from Age 65
Advantages
- Encourages longer participation in the workforce.
- Allows individuals to grow savings before retiring.
- Increases monthly benefit amounts for those who delay.
Disadvantages
- Could strain low-income or health-challenged seniors who rely on benefits earlier.
- Uncertainty about future rule changes may make planning more stressful.
- Some sectors may not support working beyond 65 due to physical demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has Canada officially raised the retirement age to 67 in 2025?
No. The federal government has not changed the retirement age. OAS remains at 65, and CPP can still be claimed anytime between 60 and 70.
2. What is the standard eligibility age for OAS and CPP?
OAS eligibility is 65. CPP can be taken as early as 60 or delayed up to 70 for higher payments.
3. How much can retirees receive from CPP in 2025?
The maximum monthly CPP payment at age 65 is approximately $1,433, with possible increases for delayed claims.
4. What happens if I delay my OAS or CPP?
Delaying OAS increases payments by up to 36 percent at 70, while delaying CPP increases them by up to 42 percent.
5. What should I do to prepare for possible changes?
Monitor official updates, plan conservatively, and maintain a flexible financial strategy to adapt to any future reforms.
Conclusion
As of November 2025, Canada’s retirement age remains at 65, with no law increasing it to 67. The existing OAS and CPP frameworks continue to provide flexibility, allowing Canadians to choose when to start benefits based on their needs.
Those who delay can secure higher lifetime payouts, while those who start earlier can access funds sooner. For today’s retirees, success depends not on new rules but on strategic timing, informed decisions, and proactive planning.
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