Short answer
For 2026, the headline Canadian retirement numbers are: CPP maximum at 65 is $1,507.65/month, OAS is $743.05/month for ages 65 to 74 in April to June, OAS recovery tax starts at $93,454 for the July 2026 to June 2027 period, the RRSP limit is $33,810, and the TFSA limit is $7,000.
Key 2026 Canadian retirement planning numbers
Use this page as a reference before reading a strategy guide or running a calculator. The figures below come from Canada.ca and CRA pages that publish benefit amounts, contribution limits, and registered-plan factors. Exact personal results can differ because CPP depends on your contribution record, OAS depends on residence history and income, and RRSP room depends on your own Notice of Assessment.
| Number | 2026 amount | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| CPP maximum retirement pension at 65 | $1,507.65/month | 2026 maximum monthly amount for a new retirement pension starting at age 65. |
| Average new CPP retirement pension at 65 | $925.35/month | Canada.ca lists this as an average amount, so your own CPP can be higher or lower. |
| OAS maximum, age 65 to 74 | $743.05/month | Maximum Old Age Security pension for April to June 2026 before the July quarterly indexation. |
| OAS maximum, age 75+ | $817.36/month | Maximum Old Age Security pension for April to June 2026, including the 10% age-75 increase. |
| OAS recovery tax start, July 2026 to June 2027 | $93,454 | Based on 2025 net world income. OAS is reduced by 15 cents per dollar above this threshold. |
| Estimated OAS recovery tax start, July 2027 to June 2028 | $95,323 | Canada.ca labels the 2026-income threshold as estimated until final indexation is available. |
| 2026 RRSP annual dollar limit | $33,810 | Your personal room is still based on 18% of earned income, pension adjustments, and unused carry-forward room. |
| 2026 TFSA dollar limit | $7,000 | TFSA withdrawals do not count as taxable income and do not trigger OAS recovery tax. |
| 2026 CPP YMPE | $74,600 | The first earnings ceiling for CPP contributions. |
| 2026 base CPP employee maximum | $4,230.45 | The maximum employee contribution on pensionable earnings up to the YMPE. |
How these numbers change a real retirement plan
A useful retirement plan does not look at one number in isolation. CPP, OAS, RRIF withdrawals, pension income, taxable investments, and TFSA withdrawals all land in the same annual cash-flow picture. The main planning risk is not just running out of money. It is pulling the wrong dollar from the wrong account in the wrong year.
CPP timing
Delaying CPP increases the monthly benefit, but the breakeven depends on health, tax rate, survivor planning, and other guaranteed income.
OAS recovery tax
RRIF income, CPP, pension income, taxable interest, rental income, and capital gains can all push line 23600 above the OAS recovery threshold.
TFSA flexibility
TFSA withdrawals do not count as taxable income, so they can cover irregular spending without adding OAS recovery-tax pressure.
Worked example: one year of income smoothing
Suppose Maria is 67, single, and has $52,000 of pension and CPP income before deciding how much to draw from her RRIF. If she takes a $45,000 RRIF withdrawal, her net income before other deductions is about $97,000. That would put her above the $93,454 OAS recovery-tax start point for the July 2026 to June 2027 period.
If Maria only needs $30,000 from the RRIF and can use $15,000 from a TFSA for a one-time home repair, her taxable income stays closer to $82,000. That does not mean the TFSA is always the right source, but it shows why account order matters: the same spending can create very different tax and OAS outcomes.
RRIF minimum withdrawal reference
CRA calculates the annual RRIF minimum by multiplying the fair market value of the RRIF at the start of the year by the prescribed factor for your age, or the age of your younger spouse if that election was made when the RRIF was opened. If you convert an RRSP to a RRIF in the year you turn 71, the first required minimum normally begins the following year.
| Age | RRIF minimum factor | Minimum on $500,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | 5.28% | $26,400 |
| 72 | 5.40% | $27,000 |
| 75 | 5.82% | $29,100 |
| 80 | 6.82% | $34,100 |
| 85 | 8.51% | $42,550 |
| 90 | 11.92% | $59,600 |
| 95+ | 20.00% | $100,000 |
Official source links
Retirement rules change, and benefit pages can update quarterly or annually. Before making a major tax or benefit decision, confirm the current number from the official source and review your own CRA or Service Canada record.
What to read next
CPP & OAS Guide
Use the current benefit numbers to compare start dates and clawback exposure.
Read nextRRSP & RRIF Guide
Connect contribution room, RRIF conversion, and withdrawal order.
Read nextRRIF Minimum Table
Check the mandatory withdrawal factors before planning taxable income.
Read nextSimRetire Editorial Team
Canadian Retirement Experts
This guide has been rigorously reviewed by our editorial team to ensure 100% compliance with 2026 Canadian tax laws and CRA guidelines. Our mission is to provide accurate, independent, and accessible financial education for all Canadians.