Old Age Security (OAS) is Canada’s universal government pension for Canadians aged 65 and over. Payments are deposited monthly — on the same schedule as CPP — and the amount is adjusted quarterly to keep pace with inflation. The maximum OAS pension for January–March 2026 is $727.67/month (ages 65–74) or $800.44/month (ages 75+).
2026 OAS Payment Schedule
| Month | OAS Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 27, 2026 |
| February 2026 | February 26, 2026 |
| March 2026 | March 27, 2026 |
| April 2026 | April 28, 2026 |
| May 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
| June 2026 | June 26, 2026 |
| July 2026 | July 29, 2026 |
| August 2026 | August 27, 2026 |
| September 2026 | September 29, 2026 |
| October 2026 | October 28, 2026 |
| November 2026 | November 26, 2026 |
| December 2026 | December 22, 2026 |
OAS amounts are recalculated quarterly (January, April, July, October) based on CPI. The amounts in this article reflect the January–March 2026 quarter.
OAS Monthly Payment Amounts in 2026
OAS Pension by Age
| Age Group | Maximum Monthly OAS | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | $727.67 | $8,732.04 |
| 75 and over | $800.44 | $9,605.28 |
The 10% increase for those aged 75+ was made permanent in July 2022. You receive this higher amount automatically once you reach 75 — no application is required.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Top-Up
Low-income OAS recipients may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which is paid at the same time as OAS. GIS is tax-free and not reported as taxable income.
| Situation | Maximum Monthly GIS (2026 Q1) |
|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $1,086.88 |
| Married/common-law, spouse receives full OAS | $654.23 |
| Married/common-law, spouse does not receive OAS | $1,086.88 |
| Married/common-law, spouse receives Allowance | $654.23 |
GIS is income-tested and reduces as your other income rises. It phases out completely at approximately $22,056 of annual net income for single seniors (2026 threshold).
Allowance and Allowance for Survivor
These are additional benefits for lower-income Canadians aged 60–64 who are the spouse of an OAS recipient (Allowance) or who are widowed (Allowance for Survivor). Both are paid monthly on the same OAS schedule.
| Benefit | Maximum Monthly (2026 Q1) |
|---|---|
| Allowance | $1,381.90 |
| Allowance for Survivor | $1,647.34 |
OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax) for 2026
OAS is considered taxable income. If your net income exceeds the recovery tax threshold, you must repay a portion of your OAS:
- 2026 clawback threshold: $90,997
- Repayment rate: 15 cents for every dollar above the threshold
- Full elimination of OAS: At approximately $148,451 for those aged 65–74
The repayment is calculated on your prior-year tax return (Line 23500 on your T1). Service Canada then reduces your monthly OAS payments in the July–June period following the tax year assessed. For example, if your 2025 income exceeded the threshold, your OAS will be reduced from July 2026 to June 2027.
Example: A 67-year-old retiree with net income of $105,000 in 2025 would owe: ($105,000 − $90,997) × 15% = $2,100.45 repayment for the July 2026–June 2027 period, or about $175/month less in OAS.
For strategies to minimize or avoid the clawback, see OAS Clawback Guide.
Deferring OAS: How Waiting Increases Your Benefit
You can defer OAS for up to 5 years past age 65. Every month you wait increases your monthly payment by 0.6%, for a maximum 36% increase at age 70.
| Age OAS Starts | Increase | Monthly Amount (from $727.67 base) |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 0% | $727.67 |
| 66 | 7.2% | $779.99 |
| 67 | 14.4% | $832.26 |
| 68 | 21.6% | $884.60 |
| 69 | 28.8% | $936.87 |
| 70 | 36.0% | $989.23 |
Deferral makes sense if you are in good health, still working, and in a higher tax bracket at 65. At age 75, the 75+ top-up still applies to your enhanced amount.
How to Apply for OAS
Most Canadians are automatically enrolled for OAS at 65. Service Canada may send you a letter at age 64 confirming automatic enrolment. If you have not received confirmation by 6 months before your 65th birthday:
- Apply online through My Service Canada Account
- Or complete and mail Form ISP-3000
If you want to defer, you can decline automatic enrolment by contacting Service Canada.
GIS Renewal
GIS is reassessed automatically every year based on your filed tax return. You must file your taxes on time to avoid a GIS interruption in July of each year.
CPP vs OAS: What Is the Difference?
CPP and OAS are both monthly government payments but work very differently. CPP is based on your work history and contributions; OAS is a universal benefit based on residency. See CPP vs OAS: Understanding the Difference for a full comparison.
If you receive both, they are deposited on the same day each month, often as a single combined direct deposit.
Related CA Retirement Resources
- CPP Payment Dates 2026 — CPP deposit schedule and pension amounts
- CPP vs OAS: Understanding the Difference — how the two programs compare
- OAS Clawback Guide — how the recovery tax works and how to reduce it
- OAS GIS Guide — Guaranteed Income Supplement eligibility and amounts
- OAS Deferral Guide — when deferring to 70 makes financial sense
- CPP and OAS Hub — all CPP and OAS articles
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