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Old Age Security (OAS): payment dates and eligibility

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly pension from age 65 for Canadian citizens and legal residents who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18. Most people are enrolled automatically and get a letter around their 64th birthday. If not, apply online or by mail. From October to December 2026 the maximum is $762.50 a month at 65 to 74.

Who handles it

Service Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada)

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Next payment

Then and .

The same dates apply to the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance.

Source: canada.cachecked

Every benefit's payment dates

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • To get OAS while living in Canada you must be 65 or older, be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved, and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18.

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  • Your yearly net income must be under $152,062 if you are 65 to 74, or under $157,923 if you are 75 or older. Working does not stop you from getting OAS, but high income does.

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  • If you have lived in Canada for less than 40 years after age 18, you may get a partial pension, worked out as years lived in Canada divided by 40.

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Steps

  1. Most people do not need to apply. If Service Canada has your information, it mails you an enrollment letter around your 64th birthday. If you have no letter one month after you turn 64, contact Service Canada.

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  2. If you need to apply, or want to delay your start date, do it online in My Service Canada Account, or mail the paper form ISP-3550. People applying from outside Canada must use the paper form.

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What you need

  • Have your spouse's SIN and date of birth, the places you have lived since 18, the start date you want, recent income details if you have not filed taxes, and your bank details for direct deposit.

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Costs and amounts

  • OAS amounts go up each January, April, July and October to keep pace with the cost of living. They do not go down if prices fall.

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How much you get

  • For October to December 2026: up to $762.50 a month at age 65 to 74, and up to $838.75 a month at 75 or older.

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How long it takes

  • Allow about 14 days for an online application and 120 days for a paper application by mail. Service Canada sends its decision by mail.

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Good to know

  • If your net income is over $93,454 (2025 figure), you may have to repay part or all of your OAS through the recovery tax.

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Questions people ask

How much is Old Age Security for October to December 2026?

The maximum is $762.50 a month if you are 65 to 74 and $838.75 a month if you are 75 or older. Your amount can be lower depending on your income and how many years you lived in Canada.

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Do I have to apply for OAS?

Usually not. Service Canada enrolls most people automatically and tells them by mail. If a month has passed since your 64th birthday and you have no letter, you may need to apply.

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Should I delay my OAS pension?

Each month you wait after 65 raises your payment by 0.6%, up to 36% more at 70. There is no gain in waiting if you qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement or are already over 70.

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Can I get OAS if I am still working?

Yes. You can get OAS whether you never worked or are still working. Your job does not affect eligibility, but your net income does, and you must file a tax return every year.

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How long does an OAS application take?

About 14 days online and 120 days by mail. It can take longer if documents are missing or Service Canada asks for more information.

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Where to go in person

Places in the biggest cities, from open data. Check the official link for hours and what each office offers before you go.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Old Age Security (OAS): payment dates and eligibility", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/oas