federal · Canada-wide
OAS (residence rule check)
Your Old Age Security (OAS) amount depends on how long you have lived in Canada after age 18. 40 years earns the full maximum. Each year less means a smaller amount (1/40th of the maximum for each year). 10 years is the minimum to be paid inside Canada. 20 years is the minimum to be paid while living abroad.
- Verified Aug 22, 2026
- federal program · Canada-wide
At a glance
- Worth:
- monthly pension
- Who:
- You are 65 or older.
- Apply:
- Official program page
What it could be worth
Amount
monthly pension
- The full maximum needs 40 years of residence after age 18 ($751.97/month at 65, this quarter).
- Prorated: years after 18 divided by 40, then multiplied by the maximum (for example, 20 years is about half).
- You need at least 10 years of residence to receive OAS in Canada, and 20 years to be paid while living outside.
- The GIS tops up low-income seniors whether or not the pension is prorated.
Example: Someone who came to Canada at 45 and retires at 65 has 20 years of residence. Their OAS is about half the maximum (roughly $376/month this quarter). The GIS can add up to $1,123/month tax-free if their income is low. Service Canada's calculation sets the exact amounts.
How it benefits you
- It explains why your OAS may be smaller than a neighbour's: residence years set the amount, not contributions.
- The 20-year rule: with 20 years of residence after age 18, OAS keeps being paid even if you move abroad. In countries with an agreement, the rule can be easier.
- A partial pension still counts toward GIS eligibility, so the top-up can fill the gap.
- If you arrived later in life, you can delay your pension to age 70. This raises even a reduced amount by up to 36%.
What you need to qualify or apply
Eligibility
- You are 65 or older.
- You have at least 10 years of residence in Canada after age 18 (to be paid in Canada).
- You have 20 years of residence after 18 to keep payments while living abroad. Some countries with a social security agreement have an easier rule.
- You are a citizen or legal resident on the day before approval (or an eligible former resident).
How to apply
- Count your years of Canadian residence after age 18. Travel logs and entry records help.
- If you are not enrolled automatically, apply at 64½ — online through MSCA is fastest.
- If you receive a foreign pension or lived abroad, report it — it affects both OAS and GIS.
- Choose your start month (65 to 70), keeping the deferral bonus in mind.
Documents you may need
- Proof of your residence history (passports, entry and exit records, tax records).
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and banking details.
- Any foreign pension statements.
Read more from the official source
Checked Service Canada — Old Age Security · Sep 13, 2026
Amounts and rules can change — always confirm on the official source before applying.
This page is general information, not a CRA or provincial determination — amounts and rules can change. Not sure where you stand? The free benefits check walks you through it, or a Registered Social Worker can review your full situation.