reg: canada pension

[kerry]

I would like to know how many years we need to live in Canada or work in Canada in order to receive full benefit, such as old age security. or others.
if we have interruption for the period of time to live in Canada, can we added up all of years. what is the normal age to receive those benefit. Also, I know that if we wants to move back to Canada, the health insurance won't be immediately eligible for us, how long we need to buy the insurance before we can get the health care coverage. thank you

[nelsona]

For full OAS, you need to live 40 years between the age of 18 and 65 in canada. CPP is based solely on what you contribute. OAS starts at 65, and CPP starts when you wish after 60.

Except for NB,ON, BC an YK, you get immediate coverage under prov health care as a returning citizen.

[nelsona]

OAS is prorated if you spend less than 40 years: 38 years gets you 38/40ths of the monthly rate.

[kerry]

Thank you :

[NECdn]

Several years ago I recall reading about a reciprocity treaty between the US and Canada regarding either OAS or Pensions. Which one does it cover and how does it work in practice? I seem to recall time worked in the US could be credited toward the CPP(?) in Canada. Does this also help with OAS?

[nelsona]

Its called the toatlization agreement (you can lok it up on the SSA website).

It can be used to qualify for SS or OAS if otherwise unqualified, if one has also spent sufficient time in canada, or paid into CCP, or SS.

Specifically for OAS, the only way totalization helps is if you have spent less than 20 year in Canada (X), but also paid into SS for Y years. If X + Y is more than 20, you would qualify for X/40 OAS.


SS won't help you get more OAS, but it will help you qualify for OAS when otherwiase ineligible.

[nelsona]

SS does not help for CCP, since paying into CCP for 1 year qualifies you for CCP.

CPP helps qualify for SS, since there isa 10 year minimum for SS.