If you’re a Canadian senior, staying informed about your retirement income is vital. The Old Age Security (OAS) pension continues to be a major pillar of support.
Recently, the CRA confirmed the next payment cycle for November 2025, including how much eligible seniors may receive, and when the funds will arrive.
This article covers the payment date, eligible maximum amounts, qualification rules, and other essential details to help you plan.
What is OAS and who qualifies?
The OAS pension is a monthly benefit paid by the government of Canada to eligible seniors aged 65 and older. To qualify, you must:
- Be 65 years or older.
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (if you live in Canada) or 20 years if living outside Canada.
There is also a requirement of 40 years of residence after age 18 to receive the full pension; less than that yields a partial pension.
Latest Payment Amounts & Increase for October–December 2025
For the quarter from November to December 2025, the federal government has approved a modest increase in payment amounts, aimed at aligning with cost of living changes.
Here are the maximum monthly payment amounts:
- For seniors aged 65–74: $740.08 (up from previous)
- For seniors aged 75 and older: $814.09 (up from previous)
Important note: The figure of $808.45 mentioned in some recent media appears to be outdated or referencing earlier maximums (for example, previous quarter levels).
Payment Dates for October 2025
Here are the confirmed payment dates for OAS in 2025:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 29, 2025 |
| February | February 26, 2025 |
| March | March 27, 2025 |
| April | April 28, 2025 |
| May | May 28, 2025 |
| June | June 26, 2025 |
| July | July 29, 2025 |
| August | August 27, 2025 |
| September | September 25, 2025 |
| October | October 29, 2025 |
| November | November 26, 2025 |
| December | December 22, 2025 |
Thus, if you are eligible, your OAS payment for November 2025 should arrive November 26, 2025.
How Much Will You Get? Breakdown by Age
Your actual OAS payment depends on your age, your residency history, and your net world income (which may trigger a “clawback” if high).
Below is the breakdown for maximum amounts in November –December 2025:
| Age Group | Maximum Monthly OAS |
|---|---|
| 65–74 years | $740.08 |
| 75 years + | $814.09 |
Keep in mind, if you have less than 40 years of residence after age 18, you may receive a partial pension based on how many years you lived in Canada.
Recovery Tax (“Clawback”) & Income Thresholds
If your net annual world income exceeds a threshold, part or all of your OAS may be recovered (clawed back) via tax. For October–December 2025:
- The benefit is reduced if your net income is above the threshold.
- Full clawback occurs at higher income levels. For instance, one source indicates for ages 65–74 full clawback occurs above about $151,775.
If your income is under those thresholds, you receive full maximum amount (assuming other eligibility criteria are met).
What Seniors Should Do Now
- Ensure direct deposit is set up — funds arrive faster than cheques.
- Review your residency history (after age 18) to confirm full or partial pension eligibility.
- File your annual tax return, even if you have little income — it helps determine benefits and clawback.
- Review whether you may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or other allowances.
- Mark October 29, 2025 on your calendar as the expected OAS deposit date.
- Monitor your income — if your net world income climbs, your OAS may be reduced.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- OAS quarterly increase of 0.7% for November –December 2025.
- Maximum monthly OAS amounts: $740.08 (65–74 yrs), $814.09 (75+ yrs).
- Payment date: November 29, 2025.
- Eligibility requires age 65+, Canadian citizenship or residency, and minimum residency after age 18.
- Recovery tax applies if net income exceeds threshold.
For Canadian seniors relying on the Old Age Security pension, the latest quarterly update brings clarity and a modest boost.
With the maximum monthly amounts set at $740.08 (for ages 65-74) and $814.09 (for ages 75+), and the payment scheduled for November 26, 2025, eligible recipients should be ready.
Ensuring eligibility, direct deposit setup, and awareness of income thresholds can make your budgeting smoother.
While the increase may seem small, in a time of rising costs every dollar counts for supporting your retirement income and financial stability.
FAQs
Do I have to apply again to receive the increased payment amount?
No. If you are already receiving OAS and meet the eligibility criteria, the increase is automatic — you do not need to submit a new application.
What if I live outside Canada – will I still receive OAS?
Yes, you may still qualify if you’ve lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18 and meet other criteria. The amount may be partial depending on your years of residence.
Does the OAS payment arrive the same day for everyone?
If you have direct deposit, you’ll receive your payment on the official payment date (October 29, 2025). If you receive a cheque by mail, allow extra time for delivery.
