1) OAS Clawback Threshold
OAS is reduced when individual income is too high.
2025–2026 estimate
- Clawback starts around:
$90,000 net income - OAS fully eliminated around:
$145,000–$150,000
Important:
- This is per person, not household.
- Includes:
- CPP
- RRIF withdrawals
- Pension income
- Employment income
- Investment income
2) GIS Income Limits (This is where couples matter)
GIS is based on household income (excluding OAS).
Single senior
Maximum GIS if income is about:
Under ~$21,000
GIS phases out completely around:
$22,000–$23,000
Married/Common-law — Both Receiving OAS
Maximum GIS if combined income is about:
Under ~$28,000
GIS phases out around:
$40,000–$42,000
Married — One on OAS, One Not Yet 65
Combined income must be under about:
$50,000–$52,000
3) Allowance (Age 60–64 spouse)
If one spouse is 60–64 and the other gets OAS + GIS:
Combined income must be under about:
$40,000–$42,000
4) Low-Tax Retirement Targets (Practical Planning Numbers)
For tax planning purposes:
Very low tax range:
$20,000 – $35,000
Low tax range:
$35,000 – $55,000
Moderate tax range:
$55,000 – $75,000
OAS risk zone:
Above $90,000 (per person)
5) CPP Limits
CPP has no income limits.
But remember:
- CPP is taxable
- CPP counts toward:
- GIS income test
- OAS clawback calculation
Simple Planning Summary
If retired and trying to keep benefits:
- Under $30K household → strong GIS
- $30K–$40K → partial GIS possible
- Above $40K+ → GIS likely gone
- Above $90K individual → OAS clawback starts