If you are approaching retirement or already receiving a pension and need to manage your monthly budget, it helps to know when Old Age Security (OAS) payments are issued and how the program works. The federal government publishes payment dates and detailed information about OAS, but questions often remain. This guide explains eligibility, payment amounts, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), possible clawbacks, and choices about when to start OAS so you can plan your retirement finances with confidence.
What is OAS?
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly pension paid by the Government of Canada to eligible residents aged 65 and older. Alongside the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and personal savings, OAS is a core source of retirement income for many Canadians. Service Canada generally enrolls eligible people automatically and will notify you by mail when you qualify.
OAS vs. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional, non-taxable benefit connected to the OAS program for low-income seniors. If you qualify, GIS is paid on the same schedule as your OAS payment. Eligibility for GIS depends on your residency status and income; you must file your tax return and meet income thresholds based on your tax filing status. If you think you qualify for OAS or GIS but have not been contacted, you can apply for both benefits at the same time.
OAS payment dates for 2026
The government publishes the annual payment calendar for OAS. For 2026, scheduled payment dates are:
- January 28, 2026
- February 25, 2026
- March 27, 2026
- April 28, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- June 26, 2026
- July 29, 2026
- August 27, 2026
- September 25, 2026
- October 28, 2026
- November 26, 2026
- December 22, 2026
How much are OAS payments?
The amount you receive depends on your age, citizenship or legal residency, and how many years you have lived in Canada after age 18. OAS is indexed to inflation, so payments typically rise each year to reflect the cost of living. The benefit will not decrease if prices fall.
These are the maximum monthly amounts you could receive under OAS for 2026, and the related annual net world income thresholds:
| Age | Max. monthly payment | Annual net world income threshold (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 65 to 74 | $742.31 | Less than $148,541 |
| 75 and over | $816.54 | Less than $154,196 |
These maximums apply if you have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18. If you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years but fewer than 40 years, you may be eligible for a partial payment. If you apply from outside Canada, you generally need at least 20 years of residence after turning 18 to receive a partial benefit.
People aged 75 and older receive an automatic 10% increase to their OAS pension compared with those aged 65–74.
The Government of Canada provides an online OAS benefits estimator that can help you determine when you can start receiving benefits and estimate your payment amount based on your personal circumstances.
OAS eligibility requirements
To qualify for OAS, you must:
- Be at least 65 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
Residency requirements also apply: if you live in Canada when you apply, you must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18. If you live outside Canada when you apply, you generally need at least 20 years of Canadian residence after age 18 to receive partial benefits. Employment history is not a requirement — you can receive OAS whether you are still working or never worked.
Should you delay your OAS?
You can delay taking OAS beyond age 65. For each month you defer OAS up to age 70, your monthly payment increases by 0.6%, which amounts to a 36% increase if you wait until 70. Whether deferring is the right choice depends on your health, retirement timeline, other income sources, and whether you plan to keep working.
| Age | Increase (%) vs. 65 | Approx. monthly OAS (Jan.–Mar. 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | N/A | $742.31 |
| 66 | 7.2% | $795.76 |
| 67 | 14.4% | $849.20 |
| 68 | 21.6% | $902.64 |
| 69 | 28.8% | $956.10 |
| 70 | 36% | $1,009.54 |
If you are still working and not relying on OAS for essential income, deferring can increase your benefit. Consult a financial advisor before deciding when to start OAS to ensure it fits your broader retirement and tax strategy.
OAS clawbacks (pension recovery tax)
If your net world income exceeds certain thresholds, a portion or all of your OAS may be recovered under the pension recovery tax (commonly called the OAS clawback). The amount you must repay depends on your net world income for the tax year and the recovery thresholds set for that period. Each year the government also sets a maximum recovery threshold at which the full OAS payment is recovered.
| Recovery tax period | Income year | Min. income recovery threshold | Max. income recovery threshold (Ages 65–74) | Max. income recovery threshold (Ages 75+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 to June 2026 | 2024 | $90,997 | $148,451 | $154,196 |
| July 2026 to June 2027 | 2025 | $93,454 | $152,062 | $157,923 |
| July 2027 to June 2028 | 2026 | $95,323 | $154,708 | $160,647 |
Ways to reduce the risk of a clawback include using tax-free savings accounts during earning years, income-splitting with a lower-income spouse, planning registered retirement income fund (RRIF) withdrawals with tax timing in mind, maximizing deductions to lower taxable income, and consulting a tax professional about filing forms such as T1213 to request reduced source deductions. In some cases, deferring OAS or timing capital gains can also affect whether your income exceeds recovery thresholds.
FAQs
How much do you get on OAS in Canada?
The amount depends on your age, years of residence in Canada, and your income. Use the government’s OAS benefits estimator to get a personalized estimate based on your circumstances.
How much money can I earn while on OAS?
If you are age 65 to 74, your net world income must remain below the annual threshold for you to receive full OAS. Thresholds are adjusted periodically, so check the current limits for the applicable tax year.
Will OAS payments increase in 2026?
OAS payments are indexed to inflation and may increase when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rises. Any adjustment for a given quarter reflects recent CPI movements.
More about retirement
- Planning for retirement with limited savings
- What to do if you’re 40 with no pension
- How single people can plan for retirement in Canada
- Managing investments if you can no longer do so yourself
- Helping adult children financially without compromising retirement
- Timing RRIF withdrawals and other retirement income choices