Old Age Security for July 2025 goes out soon and payments are getting a boost
Finally! 💸
Canadian seniors can get thousands from the OAS July 2025 payment.
July is winding down fast, and if you're a Canadian senior who relies on monthly government payments from Service Canada to help make ends meet, there's good news — your next deposit is just days away.
Old Age Security, or OAS, is a key benefit for Canadians 65 and older, working alongside programs like the Canada Pension Plan to provide extra financial support in retirement. Many folks also get the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or an Allowance on top of that, depending on their income and living situation.
Old Age Security is one of many government payments getting a boost in July. OAS payments are reviewed quarterly to keep pace with inflation, and this month brings the first increase in nearly a year — there were no changes in January or April.
OAS payments show up near the end of each month, and the next one is just around the corner. If you're already getting the benefit or planning to apply soon, here's what to know about the July 2025 OAS deposit — including the new payment amounts, who's eligible and the official payment date.
What is Old Age Security in Canada?
Old Age Security is a monthly payment from the federal government that supports Canadians aged 65 and older. It's one of the main retirement benefits in the country, offering consistent income to help cover everyday living costs after you leave the workforce.
For most people, there's no need to apply — Service Canada will usually send a notification when you're approaching 65 and automatically begin payments if you're eligible.
Some seniors may also qualify for extra support through the Guaranteed Income Supplement or an Allowance. These additional payments are aimed at low-income individuals or couples and are issued alongside your regular OAS deposit if you meet the criteria.
Who is eligible for Old Age Security in Canada?
Unlike the Canada Pension Plan, you don't need a work history to qualify for Old Age Security — it's based on age and residency, not employment. Whether you've held a steady job, worked part time or never worked at all, you may be eligible once you hit 65.
July marks the start of a new benefit year for OAS, and your eligibility and payment amount will now be based on your 2024 income. Income thresholds have also gotten an increase.
To get the base OAS payment in this cycle, you need to:
- Be 65 or older
- Have a 2024 net world income under $148,541 if you're between 65 and 74, or below $154,196 if you're 75 or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18
If you're living outside Canada now, you might still qualify. To do so, you must have been a Canadian citizen or legal resident before you left — and spent at least 20 years in Canada as an adult. That means your OAS payments could continue even if you're living abroad.
Who is eligible for GIS or an Allowance?
If you're receiving Old Age Security and have a low income, you might qualify for extra help through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance. Both programs are managed by Service Canada and show up as top-ups to your regular OAS payment if you're eligible.
The GIS is available to OAS recipients living in Canada who meet specific income requirements. You need to be a Canadian citizen or legal resident, and your eligibility depends on your income and whether you live with a spouse or partner. OAS itself doesn't count as income when determining eligibility.
As of July 2025, these are the current income limits for GIS:
- Single, widowed or divorced: under $22,272
- Living with a spouse or partner who gets full OAS: combined income under $29,424
- Partner receives the Allowance: combined income under $41,184
- Partner does not get OAS or the Allowance: combined income under $53,376
The Allowance is for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner qualifies for GIS. To qualify, you must live in Canada, be a citizen or legal resident and have lived in the country for at least 10 years after age 18. Your household income must be below $41,184.
There's also the Allowance for the Survivor, available to those aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or partner has died. You must not be remarried or in a new common-law relationship, meet the same residency rules and have an individual income under $29,976.
More about GIS, the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor
How to apply for Old Age Security
For most people, there's no need to apply for OAS. If you're eligible, Service Canada usually takes care of the enrolment automatically. Sometime after you turn 64, you should get a letter explaining your options — including when you'd like to begin receiving payments. The same process applies for those who qualify for the GIS.
You can choose to start your OAS payments the month after you turn 65, or delay them for as long as you want up to age 70. Delaying means you'll get a higher monthly amount — and once that increase kicks in, it stays in place for life.
If you're applying for the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor, you'll need to submit an application. You can do this up to 11 months before your 60th birthday, or anytime between 60 and 64 if your spouse or partner has died.
If you don't hear from Service Canada by your 64th birthday — or you're applying for the Allowance — here's how to apply:
- Online: Log in to your My Service Canada Account and complete the application there. Be prepared — you won't be able to save your progress and return later.
- By mail or in person: Fill out the paper application for OAS and GIS or the Allowance, and include certified copies of any required documents. You can send it by mail or drop it off at a Service Canada location.
How much is OAS in Canada?
Old Age Security payments depend on things like your age, income and living situation. Service Canada adjusts the amounts every quarter to reflect inflation, and new rates took effect in July 2025.
Here's what the maximum monthly payments look like from July to September 2025:
- OAS pension: Up to $734.95 if you're between 65 and 74. Once you turn 75, that jumps to $808.45 per month — a 10% increase 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 gets OAS or the Allowance, the max is $660.78.
- Allowance: Up to $1,395.73.
- Allowance for the Survivor: Up to $1,663.81.
These are the highest possible payments — most people receive less. The programs are income-tested, so the more you earn, the lower your benefit.
To estimate what you might receive, Service Canada offers an online OAS calculator that can help you figure out your eligibility and expected payment amounts for OAS, GIS and both Allowance programs.
OAS payments are reviewed every January, April, July and October. The most recent update reflects a 1.0% increase for the July to September 2025 period, based on inflation. Compared to July 2024, that's a 2.3% rise overall.
Is Old Age Security taxable?
Yes — Old Age Security counts as taxable income and needs to be reported on your tax return each year. By default, no tax is taken off your monthly OAS payments, which could leave you with a bill at tax time if you don’t plan ahead.
To avoid surprises, you can ask to have federal income tax withheld from each payment. This can be set up online through your My Service Canada Account or by submitting the paper form to Service Canada.
If you choose not to have taxes deducted, you might be asked to make quarterly instalment payments instead.
Each year, you'll receive a T4A(OAS) slip if you live in Canada, or an NR4 slip if you live outside the country. These forms show how much OAS income you received — and how much, if any, was withheld — so you can include it when filing your taxes.
OAS payment dates 2025
Old Age Security payments usually show up toward the end of the month, and the next one is less than a week away — the July 2025 payment is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29.
Here are the rest of the OAS payment dates for 2025:
- Wednesday, August 27
- Thursday, September 25
- Wednesday, October 29
- Wednesday, November 26
- Monday, December 22
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