Canadian seniors receiving Old Age Security (OAS) checks will get up to $809 starting October 2025. This is the result of vital adjustments to protect retirement security. These new rates reflect Canada’s commitment to helping older citizens. Below is a more in-depth illustration of the criteria for getting OAS as well as the increase in the OAS payments for 2025.
The new OAS payment will commence in October 2025.
This means that starting October 2025, seniors 65 to 74 will see a OAS payment of $742.08, and seniors 75 and older will see a payment of $814.09. For many, these payments are the lifeline that helps them covers most of their essentials, which include groceries, medicines, utilities, and other health costs. Payments are adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure OAS recipients maintain a relative value of their payments. These adjustments need to happen during bankruptcy periods for the country. These adjustments will happen starting October 29, 2025.
Who is eligible for the $809 OAS payment?
- For the October 2025 OAS payment, an applicant must be 65 years or older at the time of approval and must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- If you are applying from Canada, you must have lived there for at least 10 years after the age of 18; for those applying from abroad, the requirement is 20 years.
- Automatic increases occur for every beneficiary, meaning no new application must be submitted, and non-contributory status implies that the work history does not impact eligibility for benefits.
OAS benefits are subject to clawback regulations for higher-earning recipients. As of the 2025 calendar year, the clawback begins at $93,454 for ages 65-74 and scales to $151,775. Seniors 75 and older have slightly elevated thresholds. This is to ensure that OAS benefits are accessible to lower-middle income retirees.
OAS benefits are distributed monthly with the following schedule in 2025:
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- March 27, 2025
- April 28, 2025
- May 28, 2025
- June 26, 2025
- July 29, 2025
- August 27, 2025
- September 25, 2025
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Those with direct deposits receive immediate access to OAS while recipients of mailed checks receive them later based on the travel distance.
Why OAS Matters
The OAS is an important part of Canadian retirement income, along with the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). More than 7 million Canadians depend on OAS payments. For those with limited financial resources, even slight increases in these payments can enhance financial security in times of rising costs.
Table: OAS October 2025 Form Data
| Age Group | Max Monthly Payment | Payment Date | Income Clawback Start | Residency Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | $742.08 | October 29, 2025 | $93,454 | 10 years after 18 |
| 75+ | $814.09 | October 29, 2025 | ~$151,775 | 10/20 years* |
*20 years if living/applying from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it necessary to reapply for the OAS increase in October 2025?
There is no need to reapply; increases will be applied automatically for those who qualify.
Q2. When will the October 2025 OAS payment be made?
Payments are made on October 29, 2025, and will be directly deposited or sent via mail.
Q3. How does income affect the eligibility for OAS?
Your income will affect your OAS payments if your income exceeds the clawback threshold set by the government.
