federal · Canada-wide
Old Age Security
Old Age Security (OAS) is a federal pension paid to almost everyone 65 and older who has lived in Canada long enough. You do not have to contribute to get it. It is still paid even if you never worked. Monthly amounts are updated every quarter. The maximum at age 65 for July–September 2026 is $751.97.
- 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
- Maximum at 65: $751.97/month (July–September 2026 quarter).
- Maximum at 75: $827.17/month (the automatic 10% boost at 75).
- Delaying: 0.6% more per month of delay past 65, up to 36% more at 70.
- The recovery tax takes back 15% of net income above the threshold (about $93,000–$151,000 band, 2026).
Example: A 65-year-old who has lived in Canada since age 18 gets $751.97/month (this quarter). It is taxable. There is no reduction unless other income goes past the recovery-tax threshold. If they delay to 70, they would get about 36% more per month. The quarter and their residence history set the exact amounts.
How it benefits you
- A guaranteed income floor for seniors — paid no matter what your work history looks like.
- Taxable, but the 15% recovery tax only applies above about $93,000 net income (2026 threshold band).
- Getting OAS also opens the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, and the Allowance for partners aged 60–64.
- You can start payments at 65, or delay them to 70 to get 0.6% more per month (up to 36% more).
What you need to qualify or apply
Eligibility
- You are 65 or older.
- You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident on the day before you apply (or an eligible former resident living abroad).
- You have lived in Canada at least 10 years after age 18 to be paid in Canada (20 years to be paid abroad).
- The full maximum needs 40 years of residence after age 18. Smaller pensions are reduced proportionally (1/40th of the maximum for each year).
How to apply
- Most people are enrolled automatically. Service Canada sends a letter the month after your 64th birthday.
- If no letter arrives within a month of your 64th birthday, apply (online through MSCA is fastest, or use the paper form).
- File your taxes every year — OAS and GIS payments stop on July 1 if you have not filed a return.
- Choose your start month (65 up to 70). MSCA lets you start, delay, or change the date.
Documents you may need
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and banking or direct-deposit details.
- Proof of legal status if you are not enrolled automatically.
- A tax return filed each year (even with no income) to keep payments coming.
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.