Old Age Security payments for April go out soon — Here's how much you can get
Canadian seniors can get hundreds of dollars a month. 👀
Here's everything you need to know about the April 2025 OAS payment.
April's already nearly out the door — and if you're a senior in Canada, that means another Old Age Security payment is coming your way.
These monthly deposits from Service Canada are a key part of retirement income for many folks 65 and up. They're meant to help with the rising cost of living, and they land alongside other government benefits like the Canada Pension Plan.
If you're counting on this money to cover everyday needs or planning your budget, you'll want to mark your calendar. The Old Age Security payment for April 2025 is right around the corner, arriving next week.
Whether you're already signed up or thinking about applying, it's good to know how these government payments work — including who qualifies, how much you could get and when the cash actually shows up. Here's what to expect from your OAS payment in April 2025.
What is Old Age Security?
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly government payment meant to give Canadians 65 and older a bit of extra help with day-to-day expenses during retirement. It's one of the country's core support programs for seniors, offering a dependable source of income once you're past your working years.
Most folks don't even need to fill out any forms to start getting it — as long as you're eligible, you'll typically be enrolled automatically, and payments begin around your 65th birthday.
Who is eligible for Old Age Security?
One of the great things about Old Age Security (OAS) is that it's not tied to your job history. Whether you've worked full-time, part-time or not at all, you could still qualify. And if you're still working past 65, that doesn't affect your eligibility either.
To get OAS for the current benefit year, here's what you need to check off:
- You're 65 or older.
- Your 2023 net world income was below $142,609 if you're between 65 and 74, or under $148,179 if you're 75 or older.
- You're a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application gets approved.
- You've lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
If you've moved to another country, you might still be in luck. As long as you were a Canadian citizen or legal resident before leaving — and spent at least 20 years living in Canada as an adult — you could still be eligible for OAS payments.
How to apply for Old Age Security
Most people in Canada don't need to lift a finger to get Old Age Security. If you're eligible, Service Canada usually enrols you automatically and sends you a letter around the time you turn 64.
That letter will outline your options and ask when you want to start receiving payments. You can choose the month after you turn 65, or pick a later date — even up to age 70. The longer you wait, the bigger your monthly payment will be, and that increase sticks with you for life.
If you don't hear anything from Service Canada within a month after your 64th birthday, it's a good idea to reach out and ask about your file. If you do need to apply, you've got two ways to do it:
- Online: Log in to your My Service Canada Account and complete the application. Just note — there's no option to save your progress, so make sure you've got all your info handy before you begin.
- By mail or in person: You can fill out a paper application form, attach certified copies of any needed documents and either mail it in or bring it to a Service Canada office near you.
How much is Old Age Security in Canada?
The amount you get from Old Age Security depends on two things: your age and how much money you make. As of April 2025, the monthly max for Canadians aged 65 to 74 is $727.67. For those 75 and older, that maximum jumps up to $800.44.
Not everyone receives the full amount, though. OAS payments are income-tested, which means the higher your income, the more your benefit could be reduced. For the current benefit year, you'll need to have had a net world income below $142,609 in 2023 if you're between 65 and 74, or under $148,179 if you're 75 or older, to qualify for an OAS payment.
To get a better idea of what you might receive, Service Canada offers an online OAS benefits estimator — it's a quick way to check your estimated payment.
OAS amounts are reviewed four times a year — in January, April, July and October — and adjusted as needed to keep pace with inflation. Payments can rise, but they will never go down.
Is Old Age Security taxable?
Yes, Old Age Security (OAS) is considered taxable income, so you'll need to include it when you file your taxes each year. By default, the government doesn't take off any taxes from your monthly OAS payments — but you can ask them to if you want to avoid a surprise tax bill later on.
You can request tax to be deducted by logging into your My Service Canada Account or by completing the Request for Voluntary Federal Income Tax Deductions CPP/OAS form and sending it in to Service Canada.
If you don't choose to have taxes withheld, you might need to make quarterly tax payments instead. Come tax time, you'll get a T4 slip from Service Canada if you live in Canada, or an NR4 slip if you're living outside the country.
When do Old Age Security payments go out?
Old Age Security (OAS) payments usually arrive during the last week of each month, and the next one is just around the corner. This month, eligible seniors can expect their payment to land on Monday, April 28 — either by direct deposit or through the mail.
If you're planning your finances for the rest of the year, here are the other OAS payment dates for 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
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