Old Age Security (OAS) is Canada’s main federal pension program for seniors aged 65 and older. It provides a monthly payment to eligible residents and works alongside the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to support retirement income.
Below you will find the official OAS payment dates for 2026, current payment amounts, eligibility rules, and how to apply.
Next OAS payment date: January 28, 2026
Old Age Security Payment Dates 2026
OAS payments are issued near the end of each month by Service Canada.
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 28, 2026 |
| February | February 25, 2026 |
| March | March 27, 2026 |
| April | April 28, 2026 |
| May | May 27, 2026 |
| June | June 26, 2026 |
| July | July 29, 2026 |
| August | August 27, 2026 |
| September | September 25, 2026 |
| October | October 28, 2026 |
| November | November 26, 2026 |
| December | December 22, 2026 |
If you use direct deposit, the money appears in your bank account on the payment date. Cheque payments may arrive a few business days later.
What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?
Old Age Security is a monthly government pension paid to most Canadians aged 65 and older. Unlike CPP, you do not need a work history or contributions to qualify. Eligibility is based mainly on age and how long you have lived in Canada.
Service Canada automatically enrolls most people around age 64 and sends a letter before payments begin.
OAS can be combined with:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Allowance (for spouses aged 60–64)
- Allowance for the Survivor
All of these may be paid together as one monthly deposit.
OAS Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for OAS in 2026, 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
- Have 2024 net income below:
- $148,451 (ages 65–74)
- $154,196 (ages 75+)
If you lived in Canada for 40 years after age 18, you qualify for the full pension. Fewer years result in a partial pension.
You can still receive OAS outside Canada if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18 and had legal status when you left.
OAS Payment Amounts (January–March 2026)
Service Canada adjusts OAS amounts every three months based on inflation. January 2026 includes a 0.3% increase.
Maximum Monthly Amounts
| Benefit | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| OAS (ages 65–74) | $742.31 |
| OAS (ages 75+) | $816.54 |
| GIS (single or partner without OAS) | $1,108.74 |
| GIS (partner gets OAS/Allowance) | $667.41 |
| Allowance | $1,409.76 |
| Allowance for the Survivor | $1,681.69 |
Actual payments depend on income, marital status, and years of residence.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
GIS provides extra monthly support for low-income seniors receiving OAS.
Income limits for January 2026:
- Single, widowed or divorced: under $22,512
- Couples both on OAS: under $29,712
- One on OAS, one on Allowance: under $41,616
- One not receiving OAS or Allowance: under $53,952
How to Apply for OAS
Most people do not need to apply. Service Canada usually enrolls you automatically and sends a letter.
You must apply if:
- You did not receive a letter by one month after your 64th birthday
- You live outside Canada
- Your residency history is complex
You can apply:
- Online through My Service Canada Account
- By mail using a paper application
- In person at a Service Canada office
You can start OAS at 65 or delay it up to age 70. Each month you delay increases your payment by 0.6%, or 7.2% per year.
Is OAS Taxable?
Yes. OAS counts as taxable income.
Service Canada does not automatically withhold taxes unless you request it. You can arrange withholding through your online account or by submitting a form.
You will receive a tax slip each year:
- T4A(OAS) if you live in Canada
- NR4 if you live outside Canada
What If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?
- Wait 5 business days (direct deposit) or 10 business days (cheque).
- Check your My Service Canada Account.
- Contact Service Canada if it still hasn’t arrived.
Summary
- Next payment: January 28, 2026
- Payments are monthly, near the end of each month
- Eligibility is based on age, residency, and income
- Maximum OAS ranges from $742 to $816 depending on age
- GIS and allowances provide extra support for low-income seniors
