Old Age Security payments for August 2025 go out soon — Here's how much you can get
The next OAS payment goes out next week!
Canadian seniors can get hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars per month from the OAS pension.
August is already flying by, and for Canadians who count on monthly government payments in retirement, another round of support is just about ready to land in your bank account.
Old Age Security (OAS) is one of the main public pensions available to folks 65 and up across the country. Like the Canada Pension Plan, it's managed by Service Canada and provides monthly payments to help with everyday expenses in retirement.
Depending on your income and living situation, you might also qualify for additional OAS-related programs like the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance.
If you noticed your payment went up last month, that's because OAS rates were bumped up in July to keep up with inflation — the first increase since October. Now, those updated amounts are sticking around, and the August benefit payment is right around the corner.
Whether you've been collecting for years or are just getting started, here's what to know about the OAS payment for August 2025 — including how much you could get, who qualifies and when the money drops.
What is Old Age Security in Canada?
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly payment program run by the Government of Canada that helps support Canadians aged 65 and older. It's one of the country's main retirement benefits, designed to provide seniors with a steady stream of income.
In most cases, you don't have to apply — if you're eligible, Service Canada will typically enrol you automatically and send you a letter before your payments begin.
Depending on your income and marital status, you might also qualify for additional help like the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance. These extra payments are meant to support lower-income seniors and are issued together with the regular OAS deposit if you meet the requirements.
Who is eligible for Old Age Security in Canada?
You don't need a work history to qualify for Old Age Security in Canada — it's just based on your age, current income and how long you've lived in the country.
Unlike other pensions like the Canada Pension Plan, whether you worked full-time, part-time or never entered the workforce, you could still be eligible once you turn 65, as long as you meet the residency requirements.
OAS entered a new benefit cycle in July, which means your payments for the next year are now based on your 2024 income. Here's what you'll need to qualify for the base amount in August 2025:
- You must be 65 or older
- Your 2024 net world income must be under $148,541 if you're between 65 and 74, or below $154,196 if you're 75 or older
- You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18
If you're currently living outside Canada, you might still qualify — but only if you were a citizen or legal resident when you left, and spent at least 20 years living in Canada as an adult.
Who is eligible for GIS or an Allowance?
If you're already receiving Old Age Security and your income is on the lower side, you might be eligible for some extra support through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance. These programs are handled by Service Canada and are added directly to your monthly OAS payments if you qualify.
The GIS is designed for OAS recipients living in Canada who meet certain income requirements. To get it, you must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident, and your eligibility depends on how much you earn and whether you live with a partner. Your OAS payments don't count as income for the purposes of the GIS.
Here are the current income thresholds to be eligible for the GIS:
- If you're single, widowed or divorced: under $22,272
- If your spouse or partner also gets full OAS: combined income under $29,424
- If your partner gets the Allowance: combined income under $41,184
- If your partner doesn't receive OAS or the Allowance: combined income under $53,376
The Allowance is available to people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner qualifies for GIS. To get it, you need to be a Canadian citizen or legal resident, live in Canada and have spent at least 10 years in the country since turning 18. Your household income must be below $41,184.
There's also the Allowance for the Survivor, which helps people between 60 and 64 whose spouse or partner has passed away. To qualify, you must not be in a new common-law relationship or remarried, and your personal income needs to be under $29,976. The same residency rules apply.
More about GIS, the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor
How to apply for Old Age Security
In most cases, you won't need to submit an application for Old Age Security. Instead, sometime after your 64th birthday, you should receive a letter from Service Canada confirming your eligibility and asking when you'd like to start collecting. The same goes for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, if you're eligible.
You can choose to begin receiving OAS the month after you turn 65, or hold off to increase the amount. Payments can be delayed until as late as age 70, and the longer you wait, the more you'll receive each month — permanently.
If you're applying for the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor, though, you'll need to take action. These benefits don't kick in automatically. You can apply as early as 11 months before your 60th birthday, or any time between the ages of 60 and 64 if your spouse or partner has died.
Haven't heard from Service Canada or need to apply yourself? Here are your options:
- Online: Sign in to your My Service Canada Account to apply directly. Just note that you'll need to complete the whole application in one go — you won't be able to save and return later.
- By mail or in person: Download and fill out the paper application for OAS and GIS or the Allowance. Attach certified copies of any required documents, and then either mail it in or drop it off at your local Service Canada office.
How much is OAS in Canada?
How much you get from Old Age Security in Canada depends on several factors — including your age, income and whether you live with a partner. Service Canada reviews the rates every three months in January, April, July and October to keep up with inflation, and the latest increase took effect last month.
For August 2025, here are the maximum monthly payment amounts:
- OAS pension: Up to $734.95 if you're between the ages of 65 and 74. Once you hit 75, that jumps to $808.45 thanks to a built-in 10% boost that kicks in the month after your 75th birthday.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): If you're single or your partner doesn't receive OAS or the Allowance, the maximum is $1,097.75. If your partner does get OAS or the Allowance, the cap drops to $660.78.
- Allowance: Up to $1,395.73 per month.
- Allowance for the Survivor: Up to $1,663.81 per month.
These are the top amounts available — many people receive less. That's because all of these benefits are income-tested, meaning your payments will shrink as your earnings go up.
To get a clearer idea of what you might qualify for, Service Canada has an online OAS calculator that can help you estimate your payments for OAS, GIS and both Allowance programs.
Is Old Age Security taxable?
Yes, Old Age Security is considered taxable income in Canada, and you'll need to report it when you file your taxes each year.
By default, Service Canada doesn't automatically deduct any federal tax from your monthly OAS payments. That means you could end up owing money at tax time if you haven't planned ahead.
To avoid a surprise bill, you can choose to have income tax taken off each month. You can set this up online through your My Service Canada Account , or by submitting a request using the paper form.
If you don't opt in to have taxes withheld, you might be required to make quarterly instalment payments instead, depending on your overall income.
At tax time, you'll get a T4A(OAS) slip if you live in Canada, or an NR4 slip if you live outside the country. These forms show how much you received in OAS payments, plus any tax that was withheld, so you can include it in your return.
OAS payment dates 2025
Old Age Security payments are typically deposited near the end of each month, and the next one is coming up soon — the August 2025 payment is scheduled for next week on Wednesday, August 27.
Here's a look at the remaining OAS payment dates for 2025:
- Thursday, September 25
- Wednesday, October 29
- Wednesday, November 26
- Monday, December 22
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