Canadian seniors have something to look forward to this October — a new round of Old Age Security (OAS) payments featuring a 0.7% increase for the final quarter of 2025. This latest adjustment helps millions of retirees keep pace with rising living costs, ensuring that financial support remains steady and reliable through the end of the year.
Administered by Service Canada, OAS payments are a cornerstone of the country’s retirement system, designed to provide a monthly income to seniors aged 65 and older. Deposits are typically made during the final week of each month, and the October 2025 payments will follow that familiar schedule.
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What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?
Old Age Security is the largest federal pension program in Canada. It provides a monthly payment to seniors who meet age and residency requirements, regardless of their employment history or retirement savings.
Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), OAS does not require contributions during your working years. Instead, eligibility is based on how long you’ve lived in Canada after age 18.
OAS also includes additional benefits for low-income seniors, such as:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – for lower-income OAS recipients
- Allowance – for spouses or partners aged 60–64 of GIS recipients
- Allowance for the Survivor – for widowed individuals aged 60–64
Many Canadians are automatically enrolled when they turn 64, receiving a notification from Service Canada before their first payment begins.
Who Qualifies for Old Age Security in Canada?
To receive OAS benefits in October 2025, you must meet several key requirements related to age, citizenship, and residency.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
You must:
- Be 65 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
- Have a 2024 net world income below:
- $148,451 (ages 65–74)
- $154,196 (ages 75 and older)
If you live outside Canada, you can still receive OAS payments provided you:
- Were a Canadian citizen or legal resident when you left
- Accumulated at least 20 years of Canadian residence as an adult
Who Is Eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Allowances?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides an extra monthly benefit for OAS recipients with low incomes. There are also two related programs:
- The Allowance – for individuals aged 60–64 whose spouse or partner receives GIS
- The Allowance for the Survivor – for widowed individuals aged 60–64 who haven’t remarried
All three programs are designed to help bridge financial gaps before or during retirement.
Updated GIS Income Thresholds for October 2025
- Single, widowed, or divorced: under $22,440
- Couple (both receiving OAS): combined income under $29,616
- Couple (one receiving Allowance): combined income under $41,472
- Couple (partner not receiving OAS or Allowance): combined income under $53,808
Allowance and Survivor Allowance Income Limits
- Allowance: Income below $41,472
- Allowance for the Survivor: Income below $30,216
All applicants must be Canadian citizens or legal residents with at least 10 years of residence after age 18.
New $808.45 OAS Payment for October 2025: CRA Confirms Schedule
How to Apply for Old Age Security
Many Canadians are automatically enrolled in OAS and GIS when they reach age 64. If you receive an eligibility letter from Service Canada, you only need to confirm your details.
If you do need to apply manually, you can do so:
Online
Through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) — the fastest way to apply. Make sure you have all supporting documents ready before starting, as progress cannot be saved mid-application.
By Mail or In Person
You can also print and complete an application form, then submit it with certified copies of your documents at a Service Canada office or by mail.
OAS payments can begin the month after your 65th birthday, but you can defer payments up to age 70 to receive a larger monthly benefit — an increase of 0.6% per month deferred (up to 7.2% per year).
OAS Payment Hike Coming in October 2025: Updated Amount Eligibility and Full Payment Schedule
How Much Will You Receive? Updated OAS and GIS Rates for October 2025
OAS rates are reviewed every January, April, July, and October to ensure they keep pace with inflation. The October 2025 quarter includes a 0.7% increase, reflecting continued cost-of-living growth.
Maximum Monthly Payment Amounts (as of October 2025)
- OAS Pension (Age 65–74): up to $740.09
- OAS Pension (Age 75+): up to $814.10
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS):
- Single senior: up to $1,105.43
- Partner also receiving OAS or Allowance: up to $665.41
- Allowance: up to $1,405.50
- Allowance for the Survivor: up to $1,675.45
Your exact payment depends on your income, marital status, and years of Canadian residency. For a full amount, you need 40 years of Canadian residence after age 18.
Are OAS Payments Taxable?
Yes. Old Age Security payments count as taxable income. You must report them on your annual tax return.
By default, Service Canada does not withhold taxes from your OAS payments. However, you can request tax deductions through your My Service Canada Account or a paper form to avoid large tax bills at year-end.
The OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax)
If your net annual income exceeds $90,997 in 2025, you may have to repay part of your OAS through the OAS recovery tax. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may also require quarterly tax payments for high-income seniors.
OAS Payment Dates for 2025
The next Old Age Security payment is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2025.
Payments are made by direct deposit for most recipients, appearing in bank accounts automatically. Those receiving paper cheques can expect them to arrive around the same time, often post-dated.
Remaining OAS Payment Dates for 2025
- Wednesday, November 26, 2025
- Monday, December 22, 2025
Service Canada maintains this end-of-month schedule to ensure consistent financial planning for retirees across Canada.
Final Thoughts
The October 2025 Old Age Security increase is modest but meaningful, reflecting the government’s continued effort to align retirement benefits with inflation. Whether you’re already receiving OAS or nearing eligibility, it’s important to stay informed about payment dates, tax implications, and available supplements such as GIS or the Allowance.