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The Old Age Security (OAS) program is a monthly benefit provided by the Canadian government to seniors aged 65 and older. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which is based on employment history, OAS eligibility is determined by age and residency.
To qualify for the full OAS pension, individuals must have resided in Canada for at least 40 years after turning 18. Partial pensions are available for those with a minimum of 10 years of residency.
August 2025 OAS Payment Date
For August 2025, the OAS payment is scheduled for August 27, 2025. Payments are typically issued on the third-to-last business day of each month.
OAS Payment Amounts for August 2025
OAS payment amounts are reviewed quarterly and adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect changes in the cost of living.
For the July to September 2025 quarter, OAS benefits will increase by 1.0%, resulting in a 2.3% increase over the past year.
The maximum monthly OAS payments for August 2025 are as follows:
| Age Group | Maximum Monthly Payment | Income Threshold for Full OAS |
|---|---|---|
| 65 to 74 | $727.67 | Less than $142,609 |
| 75 and over | $800.44 | Less than $148,179 |
Additional Benefits: GIS and Allowances
Seniors with low income may be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which provides additional monthly payments. For the April to June 2025 quarter, the maximum monthly GIS payments are:
| Situation | Maximum Monthly GIS Payment |
|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $1,086.88 |
| Married/common-law partner receives OAS | $654.23 |
| Married/common-law partner does not receive OAS | $1,086.88 |
Additionally, the Allowance is available for low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives OAS and GIS.
The Allowance for the Survivor is available for low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 who are widowed. For the April to June 2025 quarter, the maximum monthly payments are:
| Benefit Type | Maximum Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Allowance | $1,381.90 |
| Allowance for the Survivor | $1,647.34 |
Eligibility Criteria for OAS
To qualify for OAS payments, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be 65 years or older.
- Residency: Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- Residency Duration: Must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
For those who have lived in Canada for less than 40 years after age 18, a partial OAS pension is available, calculated based on the number of years resided in Canada divided by 40.
How to Apply for OAS
Many individuals are automatically enrolled in OAS. However, if you have not received a notification from Service Canada by the time you turn 64, you should apply for OAS six months before your 65th birthday.
Applications can be submitted online through My Service Canada Account, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada office.
Receiving OAS Payments
OAS payments can be received via direct deposit or cheque. Direct deposit is the preferred method, as it ensures timely and secure delivery of funds.
To set up or update direct deposit information, individuals can use their My Service Canada Account or contact Service Canada directly.
Tax Implications
OAS payments are considered taxable income. If your annual net income exceeds a certain threshold, you may be required to repay part or all of your OAS pension through the OAS Recovery Tax. For the July 2024 to June 2025 period, the income threshold is $90,997.
The OAS payment for August 2025 is scheduled for August 27, 2025, with maximum monthly amounts of $727.67 for individuals aged 65 to 74 and $800.44 for those aged 75 and over.
Understanding the payment schedule, eligibility criteria, and additional benefits like GIS and Allowances can help Canadian seniors effectively plan their finances and ensure they receive the support they are entitled to.
FAQs
Can I receive OAS payments while living outside Canada?
Yes, if you have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18, you may continue to receive OAS payments while residing abroad.
How can I increase my OAS payments?
You can defer receiving your OAS pension for up to 60 months (5 years) after you are eligible. For each month you delay, your OAS pension increases by 0.6%, up to a maximum of 36%.
What should I do if I don’t receive my OAS payment on the scheduled date?
If you don’t receive your OAS payment on the scheduled date, wait for a few days to account for any delays. If the payment still hasn’t arrived, check your My Service Canada Account or contact Service Canada for assistance.