As the year comes to an end, many Canadians who receive federal retirement benefits start watching for their December deposits. Seniors and retirees often rely on Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments as their main source of monthly income. December matters more than other months because of holiday spending and winter heating bills and the need to plan finances before the new year. In December 2025 both CPP and OAS payments will arrive earlier than normal. This early deposit helps people organize their budgets before the busy holiday period begins. This guide covers payment dates and who qualifies for benefits and how much people receive and income limits & recent payment increases & what to do if a payment is late or missing.
December 2025 CPP and OAS Payment Date Overview
Canadians receiving Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old Age Security (OAS) benefits can expect their December 2025 payment on Monday, December 22. The federal government usually releases December payments a little earlier than usual to prevent delays caused by statutory holidays and bank closures.
For many retirees, having advance notice of this payment date helps with planning rent or mortgage payments, purchasing holiday gifts, covering travel expenses, and managing increased winter costs such as heating and utilities.
Canada Pension Plan Payment Schedule for 2025
The Canada Pension Plan provides monthly retirement income to eligible Canadians who contributed during their working years. CPP payments are issued once per month and follow a consistent, predictable schedule.
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The full CPP payment schedule for 2025 is outlined below:
January 29
February 26
March 27
April 28
May 28
June 26
July 29
August 27
September 25
October 29
November 26
December 22
These dates are especially important for retirees who rely on CPP as a primary income source. Aligning bill payments or setting reminders around deposit dates can help reduce financial stress.
Who Is Eligible for CPP Retirement Benefits
To qualify for CPP retirement benefits, individuals must meet criteria set by the federal government. Eligibility is based on age and contribution history, not income level at retirement.
You may qualify for CPP if:
You are at least 60 years old
You have made at least one valid CPP contribution
Contributions were made through employment or self-employment in Canada
You qualify through credits from a former spouse or common-law partner after separation or divorce
CPP is not paid automatically. You must apply to start receiving payments, and the age at which you apply has a lasting impact on your monthly amount.
How CPP Payment Amounts Are Calculated
CPP retirement payments vary depending on your work and earnings history. Several factors influence how much you receive each month.
Age when you start CPP: Starting before age 65 permanently reduces payments, while delaying past 65 increases them up to age 70.
Total contributions: More years of higher contributions result in a larger pension.
Average lifetime earnings: CPP replaces a portion of your working income, up to the annual maximum.
As of January 2025:
– Maximum monthly CPP at age 65: $1,433
-Average monthly CPP at age 65: $844.53
Most Canadians receive less than the maximum because they did not contribute at the highest level for their entire career.
How to Estimate Your CPP Retirement Income
Canadians can view personalized CPP estimates by logging into their My Service Canada Account. This tool shows your contribution history and projected payments based on different retirement ages, making it especially useful for long-term planning.
Old Age Security Payments Explained
Old Age Security is a key senior benefit in Canada. Unlike CPP, OAS is not based on employment contributions. It is funded through general tax revenue and depends on age, residency, and income.
Who Qualifies for OAS Benefits
To qualify for OAS, you generally must:
Be 65 years or older
Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
Many seniors are automatically enrolled by Service Canada and receive a notification before turning 65. If you are not automatically enrolled, you must apply.
OAS Payment Amounts for October to December 2025
OAS payments are adjusted quarterly to reflect cost-of-living changes. For the final quarter of 2025, maximum monthly amounts increased.
Ages 65 to 74: up to $740.09 per month
Ages 75 and older: up to $814.10 per month
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In comparison, from July to September 2025:
Ages 65 to 74: up to $734.95
Ages 75 and older: up to $808.45
These increases help seniors manage rising living costs.
Income Limits and OAS Recovery Tax
OAS benefits are subject to income limits. If your income exceeds certain thresholds, part or all of your OAS may be reduced through the recovery tax, commonly known as the clawback.
For 2025, your 2024 net world income must be below:
$148,541 for ages 65 to 74
$154,196 for ages 75 and older
If your income is close to these limits, using the CRA’s OAS estimator can help you plan ahead.
What to Do If Your CPP or OAS Payment Is Late
While payment dates are reliable, occasional delays may happen due to banking or administrative issues.
If your payment does not arrive on December 22:
Wait at least 10 working days
Check your bank account and direct deposit details
Contact Service Canada or the CRA to report the issue
Reporting delays quickly helps resolve problems and prevents future disruptions.
Other Government Benefits Paid in December 2025
December is a busy month for benefit payments, with many programs issuing deposits early due to holidays.
Eligible Canadians may also receive:
Ontario Trillium Benefit
Canada Disability Benefit
Canada Child Benefit
Ontario Disability Support Program payments
Veterans Disability Pension
Knowing all your payment dates helps with budgeting and cash flow management.
Recent Increases to CPP and OAS Benefits
Both CPP and OAS increased in December 2025 following inflation adjustments. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, benefits rose by approximately 1.7 percent compared to the previous year.
OAS is reviewed quarterly in January, April, July, and October, and payments never decrease even if inflation falls. CPP is also indexed to inflation, helping protect retirees’ purchasing power.
Planning Ahead for Retirement and the Holiday Season
For Canadians approaching retirement or already receiving benefits, planning ahead is essential. Understanding expected income from CPP and OAS helps manage housing costs, medical expenses, and daily living needs.
CPP estimates are available through My Service Canada Account
OAS estimates can be calculated using CRA online tools
Final Thoughts on December 2025 CPP and OAS Payments
CPP and OAS payments for December 2025 are scheduled for Monday, December 22, providing early access to funds during the holiday season. By understanding payment dates, eligibility rules, benefit amounts, income limits, and inflation adjustments, Canadians can manage their retirement finances with greater confidence.
