Across Canada, headlines are spreading the idea that the government is “ending retirement at 65” and that a major change is coming in December 2025. While these headlines sound alarming, the truth is more detailed.
Canada is not officially raising the retirement age above 65. Instead, the government is updating several benefit amounts, improving flexible retirement options, and strengthening rules around age-based discrimination at workplaces.
Together, these changes make retirement at a fixed age of 65 less rigid, but they do not eliminate the option to retire at 65.
The official eligibility age for Old Age Security (OAS) remains 65, and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) can still be claimed anytime between 60 and 70, depending on personal preference.
What Will Stay The Same In December 2025
Despite the online rumours, these rules are not changing:
1. OAS Eligibility Age Remains 65
Canadians can still begin receiving Old Age Security at 65, provided they meet citizenship and residency requirements.
2. CPP Can Still Start Between 60 and 70
- Standard age: 65
- Early claiming: At 60, with a reduction of 0.6% per month (7.2% yearly).
- Delayed claiming: Up to age 70, with an increase of 0.7% per month (8.4% yearly).
This system remains the same through December 2025.
3. No Forced Retirement at 65
Canada does not have a law requiring retirement at 65. Most workplaces follow policies that protect employees from mandatory retirement, except for a few safety-critical roles.
What Is Changing in Late 2025
While the retirement age is not rising, benefit amounts are being updated from October to December 2025.
Updated CPP Payment Amounts in 2025
- Maximum CPP at age 65: $1,433.00 per month
- Average CPP for new retirees: Around $848.00 per month
Updated OAS Amounts for December 2025
Based on the October–December 2025 increase:
- Ages 65–74: Up to $740.09 per month
- Ages 75 and above: Up to $814.10 per month
These increases reflect cost-of-living adjustments applied for the final quarter of 2025.
GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) Updates
For low-income seniors:
- Single seniors: Up to $1,105.43 per month if income remains below the qualifying threshold.
This means eligible seniors receiving full OAS + full GIS may receive over $1,845 per month in December 2025.
Key Canada Retirement Facts (December 2025)
| Category | Details for December 2025 | Figures for 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| OAS Eligibility Age | Still 65 | Up to $740.09/month (65–74) |
| CPP Standard Age | 65, flexible from 60 to 70 | Max $1,433/month, Avg $848/month |
| OAS (75+) | Higher rate after age 75 | Up to $814.10/month |
| GIS (Single Seniors) | For low-income seniors | Up to $1,105.43/month |
| Mandatory Retirement | Not allowed in most workplaces | Retirement remains a personal choice |
| Real Rule Change? | No age increase; payment adjustments and flexibility | Retirement at 65 still available |
Why People Think Retirement at 65 Is Ending
The confusion comes from:
- Online articles using sensational headlines
- Announcements about pension enhancements and income-tested increases
- Discussions about long-term sustainability of retirement programs
These discussions are ongoing, but no official decision has been made to raise the OAS or CPP retirement age for 2025.
Canada is not eliminating retirement at 65 or forcing workers to delay retirement beyond that age. However, December 2025 does bring important updates:
- Higher OAS payments
- Updated CPP maximums
- GIS increases for low-income seniors
- More flexible retirement planning options
The retirement landscape in Canada is becoming more flexible, allowing seniors to tailor their financial plans based on personal needs.
While headlines may claim Canada is “ending retirement at 65,” the reality is that 65 remains a valid and available retirement age, with better support and improved benefits arriving by the end of 2025.
FAQs
Is Canada officially raising the retirement age above 65 in 2025?
No. The retirement age remains 65, and there is no confirmed plan to change OAS or CPP eligibility ages in December 2025.
What new payments will seniors receive in December 2025?
Seniors may receive higher OAS, CPP, and GIS amounts due to updated cost-of-living adjustments for late 2025.
Can I still collect CPP early at age 60?
Yes. CPP early retirement at 60 is still allowed, but your monthly amount will be permanently reduced by 0.6% for every month you start early.