Old Age Security (OAS) pension

FederalSeniorsChecked October 2, 2026

OAS is a monthly payment for people 65 and older who have lived in Canada long enough. You do not need to have worked to get it.

How much

October to December 2026: up to $762.50/month at ages 65-74 and up to $838.75/month at 75+. Amounts are reviewed every quarter for inflation. Higher earners repay part through the OAS recovery tax: 15% of net income above $93,454 (2025 income year threshold).

When it's paid

Paid monthly by direct deposit or cheque, near the end of each month. Taxable income.

Who qualifies

Age 65 or older
Canadian citizen or legal resident when the pension is approved (or when you last lived in Canada)
Lived in Canada at least 10 years after age 18 if living in Canada (20 years if living abroad)
40 years of residence after 18 usually gives the full pension; fewer years give a partial amount

How to apply

Watch for a letter from Service Canada the month after you turn 64 - you may be enrolled automatically
If you get no letter, apply online through My Service Canada Account or with the paper application
Apply up to 11 months before you want payments to start
Choose whether to delay OAS (up to age 70) for a higher monthly amount
Set up direct deposit

What to have ready

Social Insurance Number
Dates you lived in Canada and abroad
Proof of status if not born in Canada
Banking details for direct deposit

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming you are always enrolled automatically
Not knowing that high income triggers the recovery tax
Forgetting to also check eligibility for GIS

Still being confirmed: The recovery tax threshold for the 2026 income year was not published on the page checked; only the 2025 threshold ($93,454) is given. The payments page lists income cut-offs where OAS stops entirely (under $152,062 for 65-74, under $157,923 for 75+). Auto-enrolment and deferral details were not re-read on 2026-10-02. Check the official page for the latest details.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)GIS is an extra monthly payment for low-income seniors who get OAS. The less income you have, the more you can get.
Canada Pension Plan retirement pensionThe CPP retirement pension is a monthly payment for people who paid into CPP while working. You can start it any time…
Allowance and Allowance for the SurvivorThese are monthly payments for low-income people aged 60 to 64. The Allowance is for spouses of GIS recipients, and the…
Turning 65Life-event checklist
After a deathLife-event checklist

Which of these could you get?

Answer a few anonymous questions and our AI checks federal, provincial and local programs for your household — with estimated amounts and how to apply. No name, SIN or address needed.

Start my free preview

BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.