Quick Read
- CPP and OAS payment dates for 2026 are confirmed, landing at month-end.
- Eligibility for CPP starts at age 60 with at least one contribution; OAS begins at 65.
- Average CPP payment at age 65 is $848.37/month; maximum is $1,433/month (2025 figures).
- CPP contributions stop at age 70, regardless of employment.
- Residents warned about online scams promising false relief payments.
Key CPP Payment Dates for 2026: Mark Your Calendar
For millions of Canadians, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is more than just a monthly deposit—it’s the backbone of retirement income. As 2025 draws to a close, retirees and those nearing retirement are already looking ahead, eager to know exactly when they can expect their CPP payments in 2026. With rising living costs and persistent affordability challenges, timely and predictable pension payments have never been more crucial.
According to the Economic Times, The Star, and DiscoverAirdrie, the federal government has confirmed the CPP and Old Age Security (OAS) payment schedule for 2026. Here’s the full list of dates to expect your CPP and OAS deposits:
- 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
Payments typically land near the end of each month, providing a rhythm that many retirees have come to rely on for budgeting their daily expenses.
Who Qualifies for CPP and How Are Benefits Calculated?
Eligibility for CPP is straightforward: Canadians aged 60 or older who have made at least one contribution to the Canada Pension Plan during their working years qualify. This benefit is taxable and paid out for life, providing some security in an unpredictable world. Most Canadian workers, except those in Quebec (which has a separate provincial plan), are automatically enrolled, with payroll deductions matched by employers.
There’s a minimum income threshold: contributions aren’t required on annual incomes below $3,500. For 2025, the contribution rate was set at 5.95% for earnings up to $71,300. If you earn above that, an additional 4% is required, up to a maximum of $81,200. Self-employed Canadians shoulder both the employee and employer portions, which can be a significant consideration for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Old Age Security (OAS), meanwhile, is open to all Canadians aged 65 or older. Service Canada automatically enrolls most people, but eligibility also hinges on residency. To qualify, you must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18. Even those who have never worked can be eligible, and Canadians living abroad may qualify if they’ve spent at least 20 years in the country since age 18.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive from CPP is based on your retirement age, total contributions, and average lifetime earnings. If you retire earlier, your monthly payments are lower; delaying retirement means a higher payout, but there’s no advantage to waiting past age 70. As of January 2025, the maximum CPP payment at age 65 was $1,433 monthly, with the average hovering at $848.37. For OAS, payments from October to December 2025 peaked at $740.09 for those aged 65-74 and $814.10 for those 75 and older.
One important policy protects seniors from having gaps in their employment history reduce their pension. The government allows up to eight years of your lowest earnings to be excluded from your contribution history—whether that’s time taken off for disability, raising children, or other reasons. This thoughtful feature ensures that unavoidable life events don’t penalize your retirement income.
What If You Keep Working Past 65?
Many Canadians aren’t ready to retire the day they turn 65. If you continue working while receiving CPP and are under 70, you can keep contributing to the plan. Each year you contribute after retirement increases your post-retirement benefit, automatically boosting your income the following year. Once you hit 70, contributions stop, no matter your employment status.
CPP credits also have flexibility for couples. If spouses or common-law partners separate or divorce, credits can be split equally, ensuring fairness and financial stability during life’s transitions.
Other Benefits and Scam Warnings
The payment schedule for other federal benefits—such as the Canada Disability Benefit, Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit, Canada Child Benefit, and provincial supports—has also been confirmed for 2026. For example, GST credits will be paid quarterly, while child benefits arrive monthly. Airdrie residents and all Canadians are being reminded to rely only on official government sources for payment information. False posts about one-time relief payments have circulated online; it’s crucial to verify information directly from the Government of Canada or provincial websites to avoid scams.
As the holiday season approaches and the new year begins, the confirmed payment schedule helps retirees and families plan ahead. Whether budgeting for gifts, groceries, or medical expenses, knowing exactly when your benefits will arrive is a small but vital comfort.
Looking forward, the stability of these payment dates and the clarity around eligibility rules make CPP and OAS a steady anchor for Canadians navigating retirement. With living costs still rising, every detail—every dollar—counts.
Analysis: The 2026 CPP payment schedule is more than a list of dates—it’s a lifeline for seniors, a reassurance amid economic uncertainty. By maintaining transparent eligibility rules and protecting retirees from gaps in their work history, Canada’s pension system demonstrates resilience and adaptability. Yet, with scams on the rise and affordability a constant challenge, the importance of official information and financial literacy cannot be overstated. For Canadian seniors, vigilance and planning remain as essential as the pension itself.