Canadian Government Retirement Resources
Official links to Service Canada, CRA, and government websites for CPP, OAS, RRSP, TFSA, tax treaties, and every other Canadian retirement program — all in one place.
Published by CanIRetireCanada.ca
Educational information. Sources and correction policy.
Before contacting the government: Our calculators give you personalized estimates instantly — much faster than calling Service Canada. Use the links below for official figures and to apply for benefits.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
CPP is a contributory pension plan. How much you get depends on your contributions during your working years. Check your personal estimate at My Service Canada Account.
CPP — Overview and How to Apply
Main Service Canada page for CPP. Apply online, check eligibility, understand amounts.
My Service Canada Account
Log in to see your personal CPP contribution history and estimated benefit amount.
CPP Payment Amounts (2024)
Official maximum and average CPP payment amounts for 2024.
CPP — Taking a Reduced Pension Early (as early as 60)
Rules for taking CPP before age 65.
CPP — Deferring to After 65 (up to age 70)
How delaying CPP increases your monthly amount.
CPP International — For Non-Residents
CPP payment rules for Canadians living outside Canada.
Old Age Security (OAS) and GIS
OAS is a monthly payment to Canadians 65+ based on years of residency in Canada (not contributions). GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) is an additional benefit for low-income OAS recipients.
OAS — Overview and Apply
Main Service Canada page. Apply online, check eligibility and 2024 rates.
OAS Payment Amounts (2024)
Current OAS monthly rates and clawback threshold for 2024.
GIS — Guaranteed Income Supplement
For low-income seniors. In 2024, GIS can add up to $1,065/month on top of OAS.
OAS Recovery Tax (Clawback)
How the OAS recovery tax (clawback) works if your income is above $90,997 (2024).
OAS — Living Outside Canada
OAS eligibility and rules for Canadians living abroad.
RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)
The RRSP is Canada's primary tax-deferred retirement savings account. Contributions are deductible; growth is tax-sheltered; withdrawals are fully taxable as income.
RRSP — CRA Overview
CRA's main RRSP page: contribution limits, rules, deadlines, and how to open an RRSP.
RRSP Contribution Room (My CRA Account)
Log in to My CRA Account to see your exact RRSP contribution room.
RRIF — Retirement Income Fund
Rules for converting RRSP to RRIF at 71. Minimum annual withdrawal percentages by age.
RRSP Contribution Limit (2024: $31,560)
Official table of annual RRSP limits going back to 1991.
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
Withdraw up to $35,000 from RRSP to buy a home without immediate tax. Must repay over 15 years.
RRSP Lifelong Learning Plan
Withdraw up to $10,000/year (max $20,000) to fund full-time education.
TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account)
The TFSA lets Canadians (18+) invest and grow money tax-free. Withdrawals are completely tax-free and don't count as income. The 2024 annual contribution limit is $7,000.
TFSA — CRA Overview
CRA's main TFSA page: contribution room, rules, eligible investments, and how it works.
TFSA Contribution Limits (All Years)
Official table of annual TFSA limits. Total room since 2009: $95,000 (as of 2024).
TFSA Contribution Room (My CRA Account)
Log in to check your exact available TFSA room.
TFSA FAQs
Common questions: over-contributions, withdrawals, re-contribution rules.
Retirement Tax and Income Planning
Understanding how your retirement income is taxed — including CPP, OAS, RRIF, and pension income splitting — is key to keeping more of your money.
Pension Income Tax Credit
Federal credit on up to $2,000 of eligible pension income. Reduces your tax.
Pension Income Splitting
Split up to 50% of eligible pension income with a spouse or common-law partner to reduce combined taxes.
RRIF Minimum Withdrawals Table
Official RRIF minimum withdrawal percentages by age, starting at 72.
Non-Resident Withholding Tax (Part XIII)
How Canada taxes pension income paid to non-residents. Rates, treaties, and forms.
CRA — Leaving Canada (Emigrants)
Departure tax, NR73, deemed disposition rules for Canadians moving abroad.
Form NR5 — Reduce Non-Resident Withholding
Apply to reduce CPP/OAS/RRIF withholding from 25% to 15% under a tax treaty.
Government Benefits and Programs
Beyond CPP and OAS, the federal and provincial governments offer several programs for retirees — especially lower-income seniors.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
For low-income OAS recipients. Can add $600–1,000+/month tax-free.
Allowance for Seniors (Spouse of OAS Recipient)
For 60–64 year old spouses or survivors of GIS recipients who meet income tests.
Provincial Senior Benefits Overview
Federal social programs administered by Service Canada.
Canada Caregiver Credit
Tax credit for supporting infirm relatives, including elderly parents.
Age Amount Credit (65+)
Federal non-refundable tax credit for Canadians 65 and older. Reduces taxes owing.
Medical Expense Tax Credit
Claim eligible medical expenses above 3% of net income or $2,635 (2024).
Canadian Tax Treaties (For Retiring Abroad)
If you move abroad, tax treaties determine your withholding rate on CPP, OAS, and RRIF. Most popular retirement destinations are covered.
Full List of Canadian Tax Treaties
Department of Finance list of all countries with tax treaties with Canada.
Canada–Portugal Tax Convention
Full text of the Canada–Portugal income tax treaty (1999).
Canada–Spain Tax Convention
Full text of the Canada–Spain tax convention.
Canada–Mexico Tax Convention
Full text of the Canada–Mexico income tax treaty (1992).
Social Security Agreements
Canada's social security agreements help Canadians qualify for foreign pensions (different from tax treaties).
Key Phone Numbers and Contacts
Service Canada — CPP and OAS
1-800-277-9914
Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm local time
Apply for CPP/OAS, check payment status, report change of address, report non-residency
CRA Individual Tax Enquiries
1-800-959-8281
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm local time
RRSP contribution room, TFSA room, filing questions, NR5 and NR73 forms
CRA Non-Resident Withholding
1-855-284-5946
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm local time
Non-resident tax questions, treaty rates, Part XIII withholding
My Service Canada Account (online)
canada.ca/my-service-canada
24/7 online
View CPP Statement of Contributions, apply for benefits, update banking info