The Old Age Security (OAS) program in Canada has remained the providing source of a basic pension to older adults aged 65 years and above. Government has announced the revised payment rates and certain modifications in the eligibility and indexation procedures with an aim of keeping abreast with the inflation. OAS is a vital provision to the retirees, providing a minimum level of income to millions of Canadians.
Latest OAS Payment Rates
Review and alteration of the OAS is done quarterly to suit the cost of living. In the latest update dated OctoberDecember 2025, the highest monthly OAS pension is around 713.34 to seniors between the ages of 65 to 74 and 784.67 to seniors of 75 years or above. These figures can be marginally different depending on the time at which the recipient reached the age of 75 and provincial/territorial supplements. OAS keeps pace with the increasing consumer prices and cost of living with the annual indexation.
In 2025, the eligibility requirements will differ slightly
Eligibility Requirements in 2025 The eligibility requirements will not be much different in 2025.
The requirements to be eligible to join OAS in 2025 include age (65 years or older), being a legal resident of Canada and that he or she has lived in Canada at least 10 years since the age of 18. Full OAS is normally offered to individuals who have 40 years of Canadian residency, yet partial pensions will be provided in case of less than 40 years of Canadian residents or when an applicant lived or worked elsewhere without a social security agreement. Basic OAS has no income tests, although seniors with higher income can get a smaller amount as a result of the OAS Recovery Tax (clawback).
Application and Deferral Rules: there are changes to the rules concerning application and deferral. Service Canada is still undertaking its simplified system of automatic enrolment of the majority of new OAS in 2025 to cut on paperwork on seniors already receiving CPP or registered with the government. Recipients may also delay their OAS start date until age 70 and then receive more monthly payment- a 0.6 percent monthly increase in benefit, to a maximum of 36 percent age 70.
Additional Benefits and Supplements
The OAS recipients in the low-income range might be eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which is given in addition to the OAS pension on a monthly basis. GIS values are based on all sources of marital status and income. The lowest income seniors are also able to receive provincial top-ups and special support measures, especially the ones who are living alone or living with a disability.
The OAS Maximum monthly payments (October to December 2025) are shown in the data table below:
| Age Group | OAS Payment | GIS (Single, Max) |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 yrs | $713.34 | $1,072.55 |
| 75+ yrs | $784.67 | $1,072.55 |
FAQs
Q1: What do I need to know in order to know whether I qualify in OAS in 2025?
You have to be at least 65 years of age, must be a citizen of Canada and must have lived in Canada at least 10 years since the age of 18.
Q2: What will be the case in case my income is high?
The Recovery Tax cuts OAS amongst the high-income seniors, and can be partially or wholly recovered.
Question 3: Is OAS payable on a higher defferral?
Yes you can wait OAS to age 70 to get a higher monthly payment.