Canadian seniors will see a modest but meaningful increase in their Old Age Security (OAS) benefits starting in October 2025. The quarterly adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflects a 0.7% rise in the cost of living. This adjustment ensures that OAS payments continue to help seniors maintain their purchasing power amidst inflation.
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New OAS Rates for October to December 2025
For the October to December 2025 quarter, the maximum monthly OAS rates are as follows:
- Ages 65–74: $740.08
- Ages 75 and older: $814.09
These figures represent a 0.7% increase over the July to September 2025 amounts. Seniors aged 75 and older continue to benefit from the 10% permanent increase introduced in July 2022, which further boosts their monthly payments.
Payment Date: October 29, 2025
The next OAS payment will be issued on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Most seniors receive their payments via direct deposit, which is the fastest and most secure method. Paper cheque payments may take a few additional business days to arrive.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for OAS, you must:
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18.
- If residing outside Canada, have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after the age of 18.
OAS is a non-contributory benefit, meaning you do not need to have worked or paid into the system to qualify.
OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax)
High-income seniors may be subject to the OAS recovery tax, which reduces or eliminates their OAS payments based on their net annual income:
- Begins: At a net income of $93,454.
- Fully Clawed Back: At a net income of approximately $151,775 for those aged 75 and older.
The clawback thresholds are higher for seniors aged 75 and older due to their increased maximum benefit amount.
Why This Increase Matters
While a 0.7% increase may seem modest, it plays a crucial role in helping seniors keep pace with rising living costs, particularly for essentials like groceries, utilities, and healthcare. These automatic quarterly adjustments ensure that OAS payments remain aligned with inflation, providing financial stability for seniors on fixed incomes.
Key Takeaways
- New OAS Rates: $740.08 (ages 65–74) and $814.09 (ages 75 and older).
- Payment Date: October 29, 2025.
- Eligibility: Based on age, citizenship, and residency requirements.
- Clawback: Applies to high-income seniors with net annual incomes exceeding $93,454.
Seniors do not need to reapply for the increase; payments are adjusted automatically. To ensure timely receipt, it’s recommended to set up or confirm direct deposit through your CRA My Account.