If you’re 65 or older—or soon to be—it’s time to check in on your Old Age Security (OAS) benefits. This monthly pension is one of Canada’s most important retirement programs, and it helps millions of seniors manage essential expenses like housing, food, and medical care. With inflation and cost-of-living concerns on the rise, knowing your OAS payment for August 2025 is more important than ever.
In this guide, we’ll break down the updated payment amounts, who qualifies, how to apply, what to expect if you earn more, and whether you could also get the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Date | August 28, 2025 |
| Monthly (Age 65–74) | Up to $727.67 CAD |
| Monthly (Age 75+) | Up to $800.44 CAD |
| Eligibility Age | 65 or older |
| GIS Available? | Yes, for low-income seniors |
| Clawback Threshold | Starts at $86,912 CAD |
| Full OAS Cutoff | $142,609 (65–74), $148,179 (75+) |
| Official Website | Canada.ca – OAS Info |
What Is OAS
OAS is a federal pension paid monthly to eligible seniors. Unlike CPP, which is based on how much you contributed while working, OAS is based on residency. That means even if you didn’t earn a full income during your working years, you may still qualify for monthly support in retirement.
It’s one of three main pillars of Canada’s retirement system:
- OAS – Based on residency
- CPP/QPP – Based on work contributions
- Personal savings – RRSPs, TFSAs, or employer pensions
OAS plays a vital role in ensuring all Canadians have a safety net as they age.
Who Is Eligible?
To receive OAS, you must meet these basic criteria:
- Be 65 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18
If you’re living outside Canada, you’ll need to have lived here for at least 20 years after age 18 before moving abroad to keep receiving payments.
What If You Delay OAS?
Delaying your OAS past 65 boosts your monthly amount by 0.6% for every month deferred, up to a 36% increase if you wait until age 70.
OAS Payment Amounts
OAS amounts are reviewed quarterly based on inflation. For August 2025, here’s what’s on the table:
| Age Range | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 65 to 74 | Up to $727.67 CAD |
| 75 and older | Up to $800.44 CAD |
The higher amount for seniors aged 75+ was introduced to help cover rising health and living costs for older Canadians.
Note: If you’ve lived in Canada fewer than 40 years after age 18, your payment may be prorated.
Is OAS Taxable?
Yes, OAS counts as taxable income. You’ll receive a T4A(OAS) slip annually and must report it on your tax return.
If your income is high, you might face the OAS recovery tax, also called the clawback.
2025 Clawback Thresholds
- Starts at $86,912 CAD
- Ends at:
- $142,609 CAD for seniors aged 65–74
- $148,179 CAD for those 75+
Once your income hits those upper limits, your OAS is fully clawed back.
What About the GIS?
If you have low income, you may also qualify for GIS, a non-taxable monthly payment added on top of OAS.
GIS Eligibility (2025 estimates):
| Household Type | Income Must Be Under |
|---|---|
| Single senior | $21,624 CAD |
| Couple (both receiving OAS) | $28,560 CAD |
| Couple (one receiving OAS) | $51,840 CAD |
GIS can boost your retirement income by hundreds per month, and it does not count as taxable income.
How to Apply for OAS
Some Canadians are automatically enrolled, but if you’re not, you’ll need to apply manually.
Online
- Log into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Complete the application online
- Submit it electronically for faster processing
Paper Application
- Download the form from the Canada.ca website
- Complete it and attach any required documents
- Mail it to Service Canada
Pro Tip: Apply at least 6 months before your 65th birthday to avoid delays.
OAS is one of the most important benefits for Canadian seniors. Whether you’re turning 65 soon, already receiving payments, or just planning ahead, now’s the time to review your income, check your eligibility, and look into whether you also qualify for GIS. Small actions today can make your retirement more stable tomorrow.
FAQs
When is the August 2025 OAS payment?
The OAS payment date is August 28, 2025.
What is the OAS amount for age 75+?
Up to $800.44 CAD monthly for those 75 and older.
Is OAS taxable in Canada?
Yes, OAS payments must be reported as taxable income.
Can I delay OAS for higher payments?
Yes, delaying boosts your OAS by 0.6% per month.
Who qualifies for the GIS?
Low-income OAS recipients with income below set thresholds.
