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If I marry, will that affect my CPP and OAS benefits?

 Yes, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits, and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits can potentially get impacted by your intended marriage; among other things you may be able to qualify for additional benefits.

First, if you are married or common law and are in an ongoing relationship, you may voluntarily share your CPP retirement pensions.  Also, the CPP incorporates a Survivor’s Pension which is paid to the person who, at the time of the CPP contributor’s death, is the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased.  So this means that if you get married, both you and your spouse could qualify each other for this potential added benefit.

Similarly, there are certain benefits related to OAS that could become available to you if you get married.  For example, if you are already eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (because your income is below the stipulated thresholds), then if you get married your spouse or common-law partner may be able to receive an added Allowance, provided your combined annual income is below the maximum annual income threshold for that benefit.

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