OAS Payment Dates 2025 – Know When Your Old Age Security Payment Will Arrive

The Old Age Security (OAS) program in Canada is a vital lifeline for millions of seniors, providing monthly payments to help them manage their expenses in retirement. If you’re 65 or older and seeking financial support, this Federal program offers straightforward eligibility requirements and an easy application process, including online enrollment. In this guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know about OAS payments for 2025, from payment dates to eligibility and maximizing your benefits.

OAS Program

The OAS program is managed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is designed to support senior citizens who are 65 years or older. Unlike other retirement programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), the OAS program does not require prior contributions to qualify. This makes it an excellent option for seniors who may have low income or did not contribute to retirement plans during their working years.

Amount

The CRA provides monthly benefits under the OAS program based on two age groups:

• Ages 65 to 74: Eligible seniors can receive up to $727.67 per month. However, this maximum amount is only available to individuals earning less than $148,451 annually (2024 threshold). Payments decrease for those who exceed this income limit.
• Ages 75 and older: Seniors in this category receive an additional 10% increase, raising the maximum monthly benefit to $800.44. However, the income limit for this group is $154,196 annually (2024 threshold).

If your income exceeds the set limits, your OAS payments will be adjusted accordingly.

Payment Schedule

OAS payments are typically released in the last week of each month, but exact dates may vary. Below is the official schedule for 2025:

Mark these dates on your calendar to plan your finances effectively.

Higher Benefits

If you don’t need OAS payments immediately upon turning 65, you can delay receiving benefits for up to five years, until age 70. By delaying, your payments will increase by 0.6% per month or 7.2% annually. This means you could receive significantly higher monthly payments if you start claiming OAS benefits later.

For example:

• Delaying payments until age 70 could result in over 30% more than you would receive at 65.

This option is ideal for seniors with sufficient income who want to maximize their future OAS benefits.

Boosting OAS

While the OAS program provides up to $800.44, many low-income seniors qualify for additional financial assistance through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

• GIS offers a maximum monthly benefit of $1,086.88 in 2025.
• When combined with OAS, eligible seniors can receive up to $1,887.32 per month.

GIS is designed for seniors with very low incomes who cannot meet their financial needs due to limited resources or other factors.

How to Apply

Many seniors are automatically enrolled in the OAS program through Service Canada’s database. If you are eligible, you will receive a notification. However, if you’re not automatically enrolled, you can apply manually.

Manual Application

If you need to apply, follow these steps:

1. Visit Service Canada Online: Log in or create an account on the Service Canada website.
2. Complete the OAS Application: Provide necessary personal details and documents.
3. Submit Required Documents: Include proof of age, residency, and income if applicable.
4. Await Confirmation: You’ll receive a letter or email confirming your application status.

You can also apply in person at your local Service Canada office.

FAQs