05/01/2026
When to start taking CPP and OAS is a question I get asked in my practice quite regularly. In addition to the options talked about in the attached video, I often recommend taking CPP BEFORE age 65, and I rarely, but sometimes recommend delaying the start of taking OAS until after age 65. EVERY client situation is different - life expectancy varies, accumulated RRSP amounts vary, employer sponsored pension plan benefits may or may not be available, there may or may not be a spouse, and if there is does the spouse have RRSPS and/or an employer sponsored pension plan, does the individual and/or the spouse have an existing TFSA - if yes, is it maxed out, does the individual have any debt they are paying non tax deductible interest on (house mortgage, car loan, credit card etc), and lastly what are the retirement goals & objectives.
These are all things I ask about and take into consideration with my clients before making any CPP and OAS recommendations.