The Old Age Security (OAS) program is one of the most important retirement benefits for Canadians. It provides monthly payments to seniors aged 65 and older who meet residency requirements, regardless of their employment or contribution history.
As living costs continue to rise, OAS payments are reviewed quarterly and adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to protect seniors from inflation. For the October to December 2025 quarter, OAS payments will rise by 0.7%, bringing the new maximum monthly rate to $814.09 for seniors aged 75 and older.
Confirmed Triple Pension Payments in September 2025: CPP, OAS, and GIS Amounts and Eligibility
CRA Confirms $680 One-Time Payment for September 2025: Full Details
OAS Payment Date for October 2025
The next OAS deposit is scheduled for:
- Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Payments are issued through direct deposit for most seniors, which is the fastest and most secure method. Cheque recipients may see delays of several business days.
New OAS Rates from October to December 2025
Following the 0.7% CPI adjustment, the maximum OAS payments for the last quarter of 2025 are confirmed as:
- Ages 65–74: $740.08 per month
- Ages 75 and older: $814.09 per month
This increase reflects the federal government’s quarterly commitment to index OAS benefits to inflation, ensuring seniors’ purchasing power is not eroded by rising food, housing, and healthcare costs.
Eligibility Rules for OAS in 2025
To qualify for OAS payments, seniors must meet the following conditions:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time of approval
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 (40 years of residency is required to receive the full OAS pension)
For those living abroad, at least 20 years of Canadian residency after age 18 is required to continue receiving payments.
OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax)
Higher-income seniors should note that OAS is subject to a recovery tax, often called the “clawback.” For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year:
- OAS begins to be reduced once net annual income exceeds $93,454
- Payments are fully clawed back at $151,775 for seniors aged 65–74
- Seniors aged 75 and older face a slightly higher clawback ceiling due to the higher maximum benefit
Why the 0.7% OAS Increase Matters
Although the October increase may seem small, it represents an important safeguard for seniors living on fixed incomes. Rising grocery bills, energy costs, and medical expenses continue to strain household budgets, especially for retirees.
The adjustment ensures that millions of Canadians will see their monthly OAS payment rise automatically without needing to reapply. For many, this modest increase provides much-needed breathing room to manage essential expenses.
Key Takeaways for Seniors
- The next OAS payment will be deposited on October 29, 2025
- Payments increase by 0.7% from October to December 2025
- Maximum monthly amounts are $740.08 (ages 65–74) and $814.09 (ages 75+)
- Eligibility rules remain tied to age, residency, and citizenship
- High-income seniors should be aware of clawback thresholds