The Old Age Security (OAS) program is one of the most important federal benefits available to seniors in Canada. Funded through general tax revenues and administered by the federal government, OAS provides a guaranteed monthly pension to Canadians aged 65 and older who meet residency requirements.
Starting in October 2025, OAS payments will see another increase, helping seniors keep pace with the rising cost of living. This latest adjustment, tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensures seniors’ benefits are protected against inflation.
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New OAS Payment Rate for October–December 2025
The federal government reviews OAS rates every three months, applying an adjustment based on CPI inflation. For the October to December 2025 quarter, payments will rise by 0.7%.
- Ages 65–74: Maximum monthly payment increases from 734.95 to $740.
- Ages 75 and older: Higher payment amounts also apply, reflecting the additional supplement provided to seniors in this age group. Maximum monthly payment $814.09
This means seniors will see slightly higher payments starting with the October 29, 2025 deposit.
OAS Payment Date for October 2025
The next OAS payment is scheduled for:
- Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Seniors receiving direct deposit will have funds available the same day. Those who still receive paper cheques may experience mailing delays depending on their location.
Remaining OAS payment dates for 2025 are:
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Eligibility for OAS in 2025
To qualify for OAS payments, seniors must meet the following criteria:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time of approval
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (for a partial pension)
- To receive the full pension, a minimum of 40 years of residency in Canada after age 18 is required
- For Canadians living abroad, at least 20 years of residency is necessary to continue receiving OAS payments
Eligibility rules remain unchanged in 2025, but payment amounts and clawback thresholds are updated annually.
OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax) Thresholds for 2025–26
High-income seniors should be aware of the OAS recovery tax, commonly referred to as the clawback.
For the July 2025 – June 2026 benefit year:
- OAS begins to be reduced when net annual income exceeds $93,454
- Payments are completely eliminated once income reaches $151,775 for ages 65–74
- Seniors 75 and older have a slightly higher clawback ceiling, since their maximum OAS payment is larger
Why the October 2025 Increase Matters
Even though the October adjustment of 0.7% may seem small, it comes at a critical time. With seniors facing higher prices for food, rent, utilities, and healthcare, every increase provides much-needed relief for those living on fixed incomes.
When combined with the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), OAS ensures millions of seniors across the country have a stronger financial foundation in retirement.
Key Takeaways for Seniors
- The new OAS maximum monthly payment of $814.09 takes effect in October 2025
- Payments will be deposited on October 29, 2025, with future dates confirmed for November 26 and December 22
- The increase reflects a 0.7% CPI adjustment for the October–December 2025 quarter
- Eligibility remains tied to age, residency, and income
- Seniors earning above $93,454 should prepare for possible clawback reductions