In CPP and OAS splitting, who must apply to receive their portion when spouses are together and married?

In CPP and OAS splitting, who must apply to receive their portion when spouses are together and married?

• A. Both spouses must apply.
• B. Only one spouse must apply when married.
• C. The government automatically splits without an application.
• D. Each individual applies separately regardless of marital status.

Answer: (A)

CPP retirement pension sharing and OAS pension splitting are mutual actions that require a joint election. Because the split changes how benefits are paid between the two spouses, both partners must consent and sign off on the arrangement. The government does not initiate the split automatically; it only applies once both spouses apply together. If only one spouse applies, there is no agreed-upon split, so the portion cannot be reallocated. That’s why the correct approach is that both spouses must apply to receive their portion when they are together and married.

CPP retirement pension sharing and OAS pension splitting are mutual actions that require a joint election. Because the split changes how benefits are paid between the two spouses, both partners must consent and sign off on the arrangement. The government does not initiate the split automatically; it only applies once both spouses apply together. If only one spouse applies, there is no agreed-upon split, so the portion cannot be reallocated. That’s why the correct approach is that both spouses must apply to receive their portion when they are together and married.