Old Age Security payments for May 2025 go out soon — Here's how much you can get
It's almost that time again. 🗓️
Canadian seniors could get over $1,800 this month from OAS and the GIS.
May is already flying by — and for seniors across Canada, that means more government benefits are headed to the bank, including the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security (OAS).
OAS is one of the most important monthly government payments many Canadians over 65 receive. It's designed to help cover everyday living costs in retirement, and it arrives bundled with other benefits for seniors like the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowance.
Whether you're relying on this money to pay bills or just need it for some extra breathing room, it's good to stay in the loop.
Service Canada handles these monthly deposits and releases them on a set payment schedule — and the May 2025 OAS payment is almost here. Knowing exactly when it hits your account and how much you're eligible for can make a big difference when planning out your month.
So if you're getting Canada's old age pension now or thinking about applying, here's everything you need to know about May's OAS payment — from eligibility to how much you could receive.
What is Old Age Security in Canada?
Old Age Security is a monthly benefit from the federal government that helps Canadians aged 65 and older cover basic living expenses during retirement. It's a key part of Canada's income support system for seniors, offering a reliable source of money once you're out of the workforce.
Most people don't need to do anything to get started — if you qualify, Service Canada will typically enrol you automatically, and your payments begin around your 65th birthday.
Depending on your situation, you might also qualify for extra help through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Allowance programs. These are bundled with OAS payments for low-income seniors and are based on things like your income, age and whether you have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner.
Who is eligible for Old Age Security in Canada?
Unlike other pensions like the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security isn't based on your job history. It doesn't matter if you worked full-time, part-time or not at all, or if you're still working at 65 — as long as you meet the basic criteria, you could still qualify.
To receive the base OAS payment during the current benefit year, you must:
- be at least 65 years old;
- have a net world income for 2023 under $142,609 if you're between 65 and 74, or under $148,179 if you're 75 or older;
- be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time your application is approved;
- have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
If you're living outside of Canada now, you might still qualify. As long as you were a Canadian citizen or legal resident before moving — and spent at least 20 years living in Canada as an adult — you can still receive OAS payments from abroad.
Who is eligible for GIS or an Allowance?
On top of your regular Old Age Security pension, low-income seniors can get even more support through additional benefits that get bundled with the OAS.
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is for seniors who already receive OAS and live in Canada. You need to be a Canadian citizen or legal resident, and your income has to be below certain thresholds that vary depending on your relationship status. Keep in mind that your OAS pension is not considered income in the calculation of your GIS benefit.
Here's what your income needs to look like to qualify for GIS in the current cycle:
- If you're single, divorced or widowed: less than $22,056 per year (not counting your OAS income)
- If your spouse or partner gets the full OAS pension: combined income under $29,136
- If your spouse or partner gets the Allowance: combined income under $40,800
- If your spouse or partner doesn't get OAS or the Allowance: combined income under $52,848
There's also the Allowance, which is for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or partner receives GIS. To qualify, you must live in Canada, be a Canadian citizen or legal resident and have lived here for at least 10 years as an adult. Your household income also needs to be under $40,800.
If your partner has passed away, you might be eligible for the Allowance for the Survivor. This is available if you're between 60 and 64, have not remarried or started a new common-law relationship, and you meet the same residency rules. Your personal income also has to be under $29,712 for the current year.
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 apply for Old Age Security at all. If you're eligible, Service Canada usually takes care of the enrolment automatically. Around your 64th birthday, you should get a letter letting you know your options and asking when you'd like your payments to begin. The same goes for the GIS top-up.
You can choose to start receiving OAS the month after you turn 65, or you can delay it — up to age 70. The longer you wait, the more you'll get each month, and that increase is permanent.
If you are eligible for the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor, you'll need to apply. You can apply anywhere between 6 and 11 months before you turn 60, or anytime between the age of 60 and 64 if your partner passes away.
If you don't hear from Service Canada within a month of turning 64, or if you're eligible for an Allowance, there are two ways to apply yourself:
- Online: Log in to your My Service Canada Account to fill out the application. Just make sure you have everything ready — the system won't let you save and come back later.
- By mail or in person: Fill out a paper application for OAS and GIS or for an Allowance, include certified copies of any required documents and either mail it in or drop it off at a Service Canada location.
How much is OAS in Canada?
What you get from Old Age Security each month depends on a few things — like your age, income and whether you have a spouse or partner. Here are the maximums you could receive through OAS and its related benefits in May 2025:
- OAS pension: $727.67 if you're between 65 and 74, or $800.44 if you're 75 or older. Whether or not you get the maximum payment, an extra 10% bump kicks in automatically the month after you turn 75.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Up to $1,086.88 if you're single or your partner doesn't receive OAS or the Allowance. If your partner does get OAS or the Allowance, your maximum is $654.23.
- Allowance: Up to $1,381.90.
- Allowance for the Survivor: Up to $1,647.34.
Keep in mind, not everyone qualifies for the full amounts. OAS benefits are income-tested, so the more you earn, the lower your monthly payment will be.
If you want a quick estimate of what you might get from each benefit, Service Canada offers an online OAS calculator that includes OAS, GIS and both Allowance programs.
Payment amounts are reviewed four times a year — in January, April, July and October — and adjusted for inflation if needed. They can go up, but they won't decrease. There was no change after the last review in April 2025.
Is Old Age Security taxable?
Yes, Old Age Security counts as taxable income — so you'll need to report it when you file your taxes each year. By default, no tax is taken off your OAS payments, which means you could owe money at tax time if you don’t plan ahead.
If you’d rather avoid a lump sum bill later, you can ask Service Canada to deduct tax from your monthly payments. You can do this by signing into your My Service Canada Account or by filling out the Request for Voluntary Federal Income Tax Deductions CPP/OAS form and mailing it to your local Service Canada office.
If you skip the deduction option, you might need to make quarterly tax instalments instead. When it's time to file, you'll get a T4 slip if you're living in Canada or an NR4 slip if you're living abroad.
OAS payment dates 2025
Old Age Security payments usually show up during the last week of the month — and May’s deposit is almost here. If you're eligible, your next payment is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28. Your full payment should land straight in your bank account if you're enrolled in direct deposit, or else as a cheque in the mail on or before that date.
Looking ahead, here are all the other remaining Old Age Security payment dates for 2025:
- Thursday, June 26
- Tuesday, July 29
- Wednesday, August 27
- Thursday, September 25
- Wednesday, October 29
- Wednesday, November 26
- Monday, December 22
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