The OAS Clawback Trap Most Canadians Walk Right Into 2026

Описание: Every year I have conversations with Canadians who built solid retirement plans — real savings, real discipline — and they still end up losing thousands of dollars in OAS they didn't know they were going to lose.

Not because they did anything wrong. Because nobody sat down with them and explained where the line was.

That line is called the OAS clawback. And in 2026, it kicks in at $95,323 of net income. Cross it, and the CRA starts quietly taking back 15 cents for every dollar over that threshold — directly from your monthly OAS cheque. No warning. Just a smaller number showing up every month.

I made this video because I kept having the same conversation over and over with people who were blindsided by this. A rental property sale. A big RRIF withdrawal. Even eligible dividends — which most people don't realize get grossed up by 38% on your tax return, pushing your income higher than your actual cash flow.

In this video I walk through exactly how the clawback works, what income sources trigger it that most people miss, and five strategies that can protect your OAS — including RRSP melting, TFSA maximization, pension income splitting, capital gains timing, and OAS deferral.

Some of these strategies are simple. Some take a bit of planning. But all of them are available to you right now.

If you're within 10 years of retirement, or already in it, this is worth your time.


WHAT'S COVERED:
0:00 - Why this happens to people who did everything right
0:45 - What OAS actually is and what it pays in 2026
1:45 - How the clawback calculation works — with real numbers
3:30 - The income sources that catch people off guard
5:15 - 5 strategies to protect your OAS
7:30 - Where to go from here


The 2026 OAS clawback threshold is $95,323. Full clawback at $154,708. Recovery rate is 15 cents per dollar.

If any of that applies to your situation — or you're not sure — feel free to drop a question in the comments. I read everything.

New videos every week on The Laurentian. Retirement wealth strategy for Canadians who've built something worth protecting.


This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please speak with a qualified financial advisor regarding your specific situation.

Ron Halabi, CFP
The Laurentian