Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Payments for December 2025
On December 22, 2025, the Government of Canada will distribute the final Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments of the year. This marks the last opportunity for millions of Canadians to receive these payments before the new indexed benefit increases come into effect on January 1, 2026.
CPP and OAS play a crucial role in Canada’s public retirement income system, providing support to retirees, individuals with disabilities, surviving spouses, and long-term contributors. Understanding how these programs work is essential for anyone planning their financial future in Canada.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan is a national social insurance program that offers monthly income during retirement, as well as financial assistance in the event of disability or death. Most employed and self-employed individuals in Canada are required to contribute to CPP, with contributions automatically deducted from their income. CPP offers various benefits, including retirement pensions, disability benefits, survivor pensions, children’s benefits, and death benefits.
Old Age Security (OAS)
Old Age Security is a federal benefit funded through general tax revenues, unlike CPP, which is funded through payroll contributions. OAS eligibility is based on age and residency, not employment history. Individuals may qualify for full or partial OAS based on their length of residence in Canada after turning 18. OAS payments are taxable and may be subject to the OAS clawback for higher-income seniors.
Both CPP and OAS payments for December 2025 will be issued on December 22. Recipients can expect their payments to be deposited directly into their bank accounts by Service Canada. If receiving cheques, delivery times may vary depending on postal service schedules.
CPP Payment Schedule for 2026
- January 28, 2026
- February 25, 2026
- March 27, 2026
- April 28, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- June 26, 2026
- July 29, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- September 25, 2026
- October 28, 2026
- November 26, 2026
- December 22, 2026
CPP Eligibility and Payment Amounts
To qualify for CPP retirement benefits, individuals must be at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid CPP contribution. CPP payment amounts vary based on contribution history and retirement age, with the maximum monthly retirement benefit at age 65 in 2025 being $1,433.00. However, the average monthly CPP retirement payment is around $899.67. CPP benefits are indexed annually to inflation, with adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index data from the previous year.
Overall, the CPP and OAS payments for December 2025 mark an important milestone for Canadians as they prepare for the upcoming changes in benefit amounts and payment schedules in 2026.
