If you’re turning 65 in 2025, you are about to become eligible for Canada’s three major retirement income programs: the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and potentially the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
These programs form the backbone of Canada’s public pension system. Your actual monthly benefits will depend on your work history, contributions, residency status, and whether you choose to take your benefits immediately at 65 or defer them for higher payouts later.
This guide provides a comprehensive and accurate breakdown of what Canadians turning 65 can expect in 2025, using official rates from Canada.ca.
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Canada Pension Plan (CPP) at Age 65 – What You’ll Receive
The CPP retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit for Canadians who contributed to the plan during their working years. You can apply as early as 60 or delay up to age 70 to increase monthly payments.
CPP Maximum Amounts at Age 65 (2025):
- Maximum monthly CPP payment: $1,433.00
- Average monthly CPP: $844.53
- Annual maximum CPP: $17,196
Factors That Affect CPP Amounts:
- Number of years you contributed
- Average annual earnings during working years
- Periods of leave (e.g., child-rearing)
- Chosen start date (earlier reduces payments, later increases them)
Important: CPP is not automatic. Apply online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by mailing a paper application.
Old Age Security (OAS) at 65 – How Much You’ll Get
The OAS pension is a monthly, taxable benefit funded by general government revenues, available to seniors 65 and older.
OAS Maximum Monthly Payment (July–September 2025):
- Ages 65 to 74: $734.94/month
- Ages 75 and older: $808.44/month
You can defer OAS up to 5 years to increase monthly payments by 0.6% per month delayed (7.2% per year).
Eligibility for Full OAS:
- Must be 65 years old
- Must have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18
- Partial pension if you have fewer than 40 years of residence
Tip: Apply for OAS 6 months before your 65th birthday unless you receive automatic enrollment notification from Service Canada.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Extra Help for Low-Income Seniors
The GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit added to OAS for seniors with low income.
GIS Maximum Monthly Payments (July–September 2025):
- Single senior: $1,097.47/month
- Spouse/common-law partner also receiving full OAS: $660.78/month
- Spouse/common-law partner not receiving OAS: $1,097/month
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must receive OAS
- Annual individual income below ~$21,624 (singles)
- Must file taxes every year
- Income-tested and adjusted every July based on the previous year’s tax return
No separate GIS application is needed if you file taxes on time and receive OAS.
Summary – What You Could Receive at 65 in 2025
| Benefit | Maximum Monthly (2025) |
|---|---|
| CPP | $1,433 |
| OAS | $734.94 |
| GIS (if eligible) | $1,097 |
| Total Potential | $3,264.94 |
Note: Most seniors receive less than the maximum CPP, as it requires 39+ years of maximum contributions. The average CPP payment is closer to $899.67/month.
What You Need to Do Before Turning 65
- Apply for CPP via My Service Canada Account or paper form
- Apply or confirm OAS enrollment 6 months before your birthday
- File 2024 tax return to qualify for GIS and other income-tested benefits
- Consider deferring CPP or OAS for higher future payments
Other Programs to Explore at 65
- Provincial and Territorial Supplements (e.g., Ontario GAINS)
- Federal Non-Taxable Benefits (e.g., GST/HST credit)
- Veterans’ benefits, if applicable
- Provincial drug and dental plans for seniors
Turning 65 in 2025 opens the door to significant monthly retirement income from CPP, OAS, and GIS. While the maximum combined payout could exceed $3,200 per month, your actual benefit will depend on work history, residency, income, and timing of application.
Plan ahead: file taxes on time, track your benefits through My Service Canada Account, and explore additional federal and provincial programs to maximize your retirement income.