How to Maximize Your CPP and OAS Pensions 2026

Overview:

This is a completely updated version of the 2023 course, specifically redesigned for 2026 to address the evolving landscape of Canadian retirement benefits. As of 2025, the CPP enhancement program is now fully implemented, bringing significant changes to contribution rates and benefit calculations that every financial professional and retiree must understand.

In this course, we cover everything you need to know about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) to maximize your total benefits. We dive deep into the new "second earnings ceiling" (YAMPE) and how it affects premiums and tax treatment—especially for self-employed individuals and high-income earners. We also explore critical policy changes effective January 2025 regarding pension sharing, survivor benefits, and credit splitting for divorced or separated couples.

You will see a detailed demonstration of the updated My Service Canada Account (MSCA) dashboard and learn how to use specialized tools to determine the optimal age to start your pension. 

To ensure you leave with actionable resources, you will receive three free spreadsheets: the CPP Retirement Pension Calculator, the CPP Elect Age Calculator, and the CPP Return Calculator, along with a comprehensive package of all the government forms discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completing this course, you should be able to:

• Calculate your specific CPP retirement pension using provided spreadsheets
  
• Understand the fully implemented CPP enhancement and the new second earnings ceiling (YAMPE)
  
• Navigate the 2024/2025 updates to the My Service Canada Account dashboard
  
• Apply January 2025 policy updates for survivor pensions and pension sharing
  
• Determine the optimal timing strategies for starting CPP and OAS based on inflation, wage growth, and tax-efficiency
  
• Advise clients on the tax-deductibility of first and second additional CPP contributions
  

Who Will Benefit: 

• CPAs and financial professionals who advise clients on retirement and tax planning
  
• Business owners navigating complex self-employed CPP contribution requirements
  
• Individuals planning for retirement who want to ensure they don't "leave money on the table"
  
• Younger workers who stand to benefit most from the long-term 50% increase in maximum benefits