Old Age Security payments for March go out soon — Here's how much you can get
Payments go out next week! 💸
Canadian seniors can get up to $800 from the March 2025 OAS pension payment.
March is speeding by, and for seniors in Canada, that means it's almost time for another round of pension payments — including the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security (OAS).
If you're relying on these government payments to help with the everyday costs of retirement, you'll want to know when to expect the next deposit.
Old Age Security is a monthly payment from Service Canada, run by Employment and Social Development Canada. It's designed to support seniors 65 and older, and it's one of several benefit payments landing in March 2025 to help Canadians manage rising expenses.
If you're already receiving OAS or thinking about applying, these payments can be a helpful financial boost — but not everyone automatically qualifies. It's worth checking the eligibility rules to make sure you're all set.
Here's the scoop on the March 2025 OAS payment, including who's eligible, when it arrives and how much you could get.
What is Old Age Security?
Old Age Security, or OAS, is a monthly payment from the Government of Canada that helps seniors 65 and older manage the costs of daily life in retirement. It's one of the main government benefits for seniors, aimed at providing steady financial support during those post-work years.
For most people who qualify, there's no need to apply — eligible Canadian seniors are usually signed up automatically and start receiving OAS as soon as they hit 65.
Who is eligible for Old Age Security?
One of the best things about Old Age Security (OAS) is that it doesn't matter if you've worked your whole life or never had a job — your work history isn't part of the equation. Whether you're fully retired or still clocking in, you could be eligible for this government payment.
To qualify for OAS, you need to meet a few basic criteria:
- Be 65 or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
Even if you've moved abroad, you might still be able to get OAS. You just need to have been a Canadian citizen or legal resident before you left — and have lived in Canada for at least 20 years as an adult.
How to apply for Old Age Security
Most Canadians are automatically enrolled in OAS — but even if you aren't, you should receive a letter from Service Canada around your 64th birthday. If you still haven't gotten anything one month after turning 64, you can contact Service Canada to check on your status.
The letter you get will also ask you when you want to start your pension. You can choose to start the month after your 65th birthday or anytime later on a specific date of your choosing, up until age 70. The longer you delay, the larger your pension payment will be each month — for life.
Applying for OAS is pretty straightforward, and you've got two options:
- Online: Sign in to your My Service Canada Account and fill out the application there. Heads up — you can't save your progress, so have your info ready and plan to finish it in one sitting.
- By mail or in person: Grab a paper application form, attach certified copies of any required documents and either mail it in or take it to your local Service Canada office.
How much is Old Age Security in Canada?
Your OAS payment depends on your age and income. For March 2025, the maximum you can get is $727.67 if you're between 65 and 74. Once you hit 75, the ceiling raises to $800.44 a month currently.
That said, not everyone gets the full amount — it all comes down to your income. For the current benefit year, your net world income from 2023 needs to be under $142,609 if you're 65 to 74, or below $148,179 if you're 75 and up. If you're unsure where you land, Service Canada has an OAS benefits estimator tool that can give you an estimate.
OAS payments are reviewed every quarter — in January, April, July and October — to reflect changes in inflation. Payments only go up with inflation, though, so if prices drop, your benefit won't be reduced.
Is Old Age Security taxable?
Yep, Old Age Security (OAS) counts as taxable income, so you'll need to report it when you file your taxes. By default, taxes aren't taken off your monthly payments, but you can choose to have some withheld so you're not stuck with a big tax bill later.
To set that up, you can either log into your My Service Canada Account or fill out the Request for Voluntary Federal Income Tax Deductions CPP/OAS form and send it to Service Canada.
If you skip monthly deductions, you might have to make quarterly tax payments instead. When it's time to file, Service Canada will send you a T4 slip if you live in Canada, or an NR4 slip if you're living abroad.
When do Old Age Security payments go out?
Old Age Security (OAS) payments are scheduled for the last week of every month, and the March payment is coming up next week. If you're eligible, you can expect the money to show up in your bank account — or arrive by mail — on Thursday, March 27.
Here's a look at all the other remaining OAS payment dates for 2025, so you can plan ahead:
- April 28, 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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