The Old Age Security (OAS) program remains one of the most important federal benefits for seniors in Canada. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which is based on individual contributions, OAS is funded through general tax revenues, ensuring that eligible seniors receive monthly payments regardless of their work history.
In 2025, the federal government has raised OAS rates to help seniors cope with rising living costs. Alongside these increases, new clawback thresholds and payment schedules have also been confirmed.
$937 Canada Workers Benefit Payment October 2025: Payment Dates & Eligibility
$1,433 CPP and $808.44 OAS Payments Approved for September 2025: Eligibility, Dates, and Key Details
OAS Payment Dates for 2025
OAS is paid monthly, typically on the same day as CPP. For the remainder of 2025, payments will arrive on:
- September 25, 2025
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable method, while cheques may take additional time to arrive.
New OAS Payment Rates (July – September 2025)
OAS benefits vary by age group and are adjusted every three months based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). As of the July–September 2025 quarter, the maximum monthly amounts are:
- Ages 65–74: $734.95
- Ages 75 and older: $808.44
These quarterly increases ensure OAS keeps pace with inflation, providing seniors with more financial stability during a period of rising food, housing, and healthcare costs.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Low-income seniors may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which provides additional monthly payments on top of OAS. GIS is income-tested and, like OAS, increases quarterly in line with inflation.
This combination of OAS and GIS helps ensure that Canada’s most vulnerable seniors receive the support they need.
Eligibility Updates in 2025
To qualify for OAS, seniors must:
- Be 65 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time of approval
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (40 years of residency is required for the full pension)
For those living outside Canada, at least 20 years of residency in Canada after age 18 is required to continue receiving OAS.
OAS Clawback: Recovery Tax Thresholds
High-income seniors should be aware of the OAS recovery tax (clawback). For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year:
- OAS begins to be reduced when net income exceeds $93,454
- Payments are fully clawed back at $151,775 for those aged 65–74
- Seniors 75 and older have a slightly higher clawback ceiling due to their higher OAS entitlement
Why the OAS Increase Matters
These increases come at a crucial time. With inflation driving up the cost of groceries, rent, utilities, and healthcare, even modest quarterly adjustments make a difference for seniors living on fixed incomes.
When combined with CPP and GIS, OAS remains a financial lifeline for millions of Canadians, helping them cover essential expenses and maintain stability in retirement.
Key Takeaways for Seniors
- OAS payments rose in July 2025 and will be reviewed again in October 2025
- Seniors aged 75+ receive a higher benefit than those 65–74
- The next payment dates are September 25, October 29, November 26, and December 22, 2025
- Eligibility rules remain tied to age, residency, and income
- Seniors earning above $93,454 should prepare for clawback reductions