As fall begins, Canadian seniors have some welcome financial news: Old Age Security (OAS) payments for September 2025 are on their way, and eligible recipients could receive up to $1,900 this month when all available benefits are combined. Here’s a detailed look at how the program works, who qualifies, and what you can expect when the money arrives.
$808 OAS and $1,097 GIS Payments for September 2025: Eligibility & Payment Dates
New $533 CRA One-Time Payment for September 2025: Eligibility & Payment Dates
What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?
Old Age Security (OAS) is one of Canada’s primary public pension programs, designed to provide monthly income to residents 65 years of age and older. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), OAS eligibility is not based on employment history or contributions. Instead, it depends on age, income, and years of residence in Canada.
Service Canada manages OAS and will typically enroll you automatically. Most Canadians approaching age 65 will receive a letter before their first payment confirming eligibility and providing start-date details.
Along with the basic OAS pension, lower-income seniors may qualify for extra financial assistance through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance programs.
September 2025 Brings Higher OAS Rates
The federal government reviews OAS rates every quarter (January, April, July, and October) to keep up with inflation. The July 2025 increase remains in effect for September, which means seniors continue to benefit from the most recent cost-of-living adjustment.
Here’s what you could receive at maximum levels this month:
- OAS Pension: Up to $734.95 per month if you’re 65 to 74.
- From age 75 onward, the amount rises to $808.45 thanks to an automatic 10% increase that begins the month after your 75th birthday.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS):
- Up to $1,097.75 for single seniors or those whose spouse/partner does not receive OAS or the Allowance.
- Up to $660.78 if your spouse/partner also receives OAS or the Allowance.
- Allowance: Up to $1,395.73 monthly.
- Allowance for the Survivor: Up to $1,663.81 monthly.
When combined, a senior who qualifies for OAS and the maximum GIS or Allowance could receive close to $1,900 in September 2025.
Who Is Eligible for OAS in Canada?
OAS eligibility is based on residency and income rather than employment history. To qualify for the base OAS pension:
- You must be 65 or older.
- Your 2024 net world income must be below:
- $148,541 if you’re between 65 and 74.
- $154,196 if you’re 75 or older.
- You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved.
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18.
Living Outside Canada
You may still be eligible if you:
- Were a Canadian citizen or legal resident when you left, and
- Have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowance Programs
If your income is low, OAS can be supplemented by other government benefits:
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
For OAS recipients living in Canada, GIS provides additional monthly income based on annual income and marital status. Current income thresholds for GIS eligibility are:
- Single, widowed, or divorced: Under $22,272.
- With a spouse/partner who receives full OAS: Combined income under $29,424.
- With a spouse/partner who receives the Allowance: Combined income under $41,184.
- With a spouse/partner who does not receive OAS or the Allowance: Combined income under $53,376.
Allowance
For people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives the GIS. Your household income must be below $41,184, and you must meet the same residency requirements as OAS.
Allowance for the Survivor
Available to individuals aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has died. Income must be under $29,976, and you must not be remarried or in a new common-law relationship.
How to Apply for OAS and Related Benefits
Automatic Enrollment
Most Canadians do not need to apply. Service Canada typically sends a letter around age 64 confirming eligibility and asking when you would like payments to begin.
Applying Manually
You must apply if:
- You do not receive an automatic enrollment letter.
- You are applying for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor.
Ways to apply:
- Online: Use your My Service Canada Account. You must complete the application in one session.
- By mail or in person: Download the appropriate application, attach certified copies of required documents, and submit to a Service Canada office or by mail.
You can start OAS the month after your 65th birthday or delay it up to age 70 for a higher monthly amount.
OAS and Taxes
OAS is taxable income. You must include it on your annual tax return.
- Tax withholding is optional. Service Canada does not automatically deduct federal tax unless you request it.
- You can ask for tax to be withheld via your My Service Canada Account or by submitting the paper request form.
- If you don’t have tax withheld and your income is high, the CRA may require you to make quarterly instalment payments.
At tax time, you will receive a T4A(OAS) slip if you live in Canada or an NR4 slip if you live abroad. These forms show the total amount you received and any tax withheld.
September 2025 OAS Payment Date
The next OAS deposit is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025. After that, the remaining OAS payment dates for the year are:
- Wednesday, October 29
- Wednesday, November 26
- Monday, December 22
Payments usually arrive by direct deposit. If you receive a cheque by mail, allow extra time for delivery.
Key Takeaway
With the September 2025 Old Age Security payment arriving soon, eligible seniors could see up to $1,900 deposited this month if they qualify for OAS plus GIS or the Allowance. Check your My Service Canada Account or contact Service Canada to confirm your eligibility and ensure you receive every benefit you qualify for.