Old Age Security (OAS) in Canada: What You Need to Know
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a key retirement benefit for Canadians aged 65 and older. Many retirees depend on OAS payments to supplement their income, making it essential to stay updated on payment dates and increases in benefits due to inflation adjustments.
If you’re wondering “What are the OAS payment dates for 2025?” or “How much will the OAS cheque increase in 2025?”, this article will give you all the details you need.
OAS Payment Dates for 2025
The Government of Canada issues OAS payments on a monthly basis. Here are the official OAS payment dates for 2025:
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- March 27, 2025
- April 28, 2025
- May 28, 2025
- June 26, 2025
- July 29, 2025
- August 27, 2025
- September 25, 2025
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
These dates apply to both direct deposit and mailed cheques. If you receive your OAS payment via direct deposit, you should see the funds in your bank account by the dates listed above. If you receive a paper cheque, delivery times may vary.
How Much Will the OAS Cheque Increase in 2025?
Each year, the OAS pension is adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect inflation. The adjustments typically occur every January, April, July, and October to ensure that seniors keep up with the rising cost of living.
OAS Payment Amounts (January – March 2025)
As of January 2025, here’s what you can expect for your OAS monthly payments:
| Age | Maximum Monthly Payment | Income Threshold (2023 Net World Income) |
| 65 to 74 | $727.67 | Less than $142,609 |
| 75 and over | $800.44 | Less than $148,179 |
These amounts may be subject to further increases in April, July, and October 2025, depending on inflation rates.
OAS Increases Due to Inflation
- OAS payments are adjusted quarterly (every 3 months) based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- If inflation is higher than expected, the OAS cheque amount could rise throughout the year.
- Seniors aged 75 and older receive a higher OAS payment compared to those aged 65 to 74.
If inflation remains consistent, we can expect small increases in April, July, and October 2025. The next official announcement on OAS payment increases will likely come from Service Canada in early 2025.
Who Qualifies for OAS in 2025?
Your employment history does not affect your eligibility for OAS. You can receive OAS payments even if you have never worked or are still working.
Eligibility Criteria for OAS
✅ If you live in Canada, you must:
- Be 65 years old or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident when applying
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
✅ If you live outside Canada, you must:
- Be 65 years old or older
- Have been a Canadian citizen or legal resident before leaving Canada
- Have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18
If you worked abroad for a Canadian employer (e.g., military, banking, or government work), some of that time may count towards your residency requirement.
Additional OAS Benefits in 2025
Besides the basic OAS pension, seniors may qualify for additional income-tested benefits:
1. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Available to low-income seniors receiving OAS payments
- Your income must be below the annual GIS threshold
- GIS is a non-taxable benefit
2. Allowance (for spouses 60-64 years old)
- If your spouse or common-law partner receives GIS, you may qualify
- You must be 60-64 years old
- Your combined income must be below the GIS threshold
3. Allowance for the Survivor
- Available for seniors aged 60-64 whose spouse or partner has passed away
- You must meet income and residency requirements
Can You Receive OAS Payments Outside Canada?
Yes! You can still receive OAS payments while living abroad, but only if:
- You have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18, or
- You worked in a country that has a social security agreement with Canada
If you don’t meet these conditions, your OAS payments will stop if you leave Canada for more than 6 months.
⚠️ Important: The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) stops if you leave Canada for more than 6 months.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect in 2025
✅ OAS payment dates for 2025 are already set, ensuring seniors can plan their budgets accordingly.
✅ OAS payments will increase in 2025, with adjustments based on inflation (CPI).
✅ If inflation continues to rise, expect small OAS payment increases in April, July, and October 2025.
✅ Additional benefits like GIS, Allowance, and Survivor benefits are available for low-income seniors.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to maximize your OAS payments? Consider deferring your OAS pension up to age 70 to receive higher monthly payments.
For the latest updates, visit Service Canada’s official website or consult a financial advisor to optimize your retirement income strategy.
How Much More Can You Get by Delaying OAS?
If you choose to delay your OAS payments beyond age 65, you can receive a higher monthly benefit. For every month you defer OAS, your payments increase by 0.6%, or 7.2% per year. If you delay until the maximum age of 70, your total OAS payment increases by 36% compared to taking it at 65. For example, if the standard OAS payment at 65 is $727.67 per month, delaying until 70 could increase your monthly payment to approximately $990 per month. This strategy can significantly boost your retirement income, especially if you anticipate a long retirement and have other income sources in the early years. However, delaying OAS means forgoing payments in the short term, so it’s essential to evaluate your financial situation before deciding.
Get Expert Retirement Planning Advice!
Understanding OAS and other retirement income sources can be overwhelming. That’s why working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) can help you:
✅ Optimize your OAS and CPP benefits
✅ Minimize taxes on your retirement income
✅ Build a reliable financial plan for the future
📅 Book a free consultation today to discuss your retirement strategy with a financial expert!
📖 Want to dive deeper into retirement planning? Check out “The Art of Retirement“, a must-read guide to creating the retirement lifestyle you want.
👉 Click here to purchase “The Art of Retirement” today!
