Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz around a possible $2,250 increase in Old Age Security (OAS) payments set for June 2025. If you’re a Canadian senior or planning for retirement, this might sound like great news—but is it true? Let’s cut through the confusion and break it down.
This article explains how OAS works, what’s really changing in June 2025, and who might actually see higher monthly payments. Spoiler: the full $2,250 figure isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.
Overview
There isn’t a $2,250 OAS payment coming for all seniors. That number represents a combined total that includes both the standard Old Age Security (OAS) benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors. It’s the maximum possible monthly payment under certain conditions—not a flat increase or new benefit.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind that number.
| Key Detail | Amount or Info |
|---|---|
| OAS Monthly (65–74) | $727.67 |
| OAS Monthly (75+) | $800.44 |
| Max GIS (single, 2025) | Up to $1,086.88 |
| Potential Combined Total | Around $2,250 (OAS + GIS for low-income seniors) |
| Adjustment Schedule | Quarterly, based on inflation (CPI) |
| Next Review Period | June 2025 |
What Is OAS
Old Age Security is a monthly government pension paid to Canadians aged 65 and older. Unlike CPP, you don’t need a work history to qualify. Instead, eligibility depends on age, residency, and income level.
To get the full OAS amount, you need to have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18. If you’ve lived here for less time, you may still qualify for partial payments.
How OAS Works
Several key factors determine how much you’ll receive:
- Age: Those aged 75+ get a higher monthly rate than those 65–74.
- Residency: You need at least 10 years in Canada after turning 18 to qualify.
- Income: If your annual income exceeds $79,000 in 2025, your OAS will start to decrease. If it exceeds about $142,000, it may be fully clawed back.
What Is GIS
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is added to OAS for low-income seniors. It’s tax-free and designed to help seniors with little to no additional retirement income.
If you qualify, GIS can significantly boost your monthly income. The highest combined OAS and GIS payments can reach around $2,250 per month—hence the buzz.
| Type | Maximum Monthly (2025) |
|---|---|
| OAS (75+) | $800.44 |
| GIS (single) | Up to $1,086.88 |
| Combined Total | Over $1,887; with provincial top-ups, close to $2,250 |
Is The 2250 Real
Yes and no. The $2,250 figure is real, but it doesn’t apply to everyone. Only those who qualify for both the maximum OAS and GIS may receive this combined total.
So if you’re a senior with a low income, no other pensions, and minimal savings, you could qualify for close to $2,250. But if you earn above GIS thresholds or don’t qualify for full OAS, your monthly benefit will be lower.
Who Qualifies
You could receive the $2,250 in combined benefits if:
- You’re over 65 and qualify for full OAS.
- You have little or no other income.
- You meet the residency requirement (at least 10 years in Canada after age 18).
- You’re single or part of a low-income couple.
If your income is too high, you won’t qualify for GIS—and therefore won’t see a $2,250 monthly total.
Timeline
OAS and GIS payments are reviewed and adjusted quarterly—January, April, July, and October—based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). So while you won’t get a massive one-time increase in June 2025, you might see a cost-of-living bump that quarter, especially if inflation remains high.
Also, if you turn 75 in 2025, your OAS will increase from $727.67 to $800.44 starting the month after your birthday.
Extra Support
In addition to federal programs like OAS and GIS, some provinces offer their own senior benefits.
For example:
- Ontario: Offers GAINS (Guaranteed Annual Income System), which adds to GIS.
- Alberta, BC, Quebec: Provide additional senior supplements or tax credits.
These top-ups could help seniors reach or even exceed the $2,250 mark when combined with OAS and GIS.
Tips
Want to make sure you’re getting the most from your retirement benefits?
- Keep your taxes up to date: Many benefits depend on your latest tax return.
- Apply early: If you’re approaching 65, apply for OAS 6 months before your birthday.
- Report any income changes: Your GIS eligibility depends on your most current income info.
- Check provincial programs: You may qualify for extra monthly help based on where you live.
The bottom line? There is no universal $2,250 OAS payment coming in June 2025—but for some low-income seniors, a combination of OAS and GIS can get them there.
FAQs
Is there a $2,250 OAS payment in June 2025?
No, it’s a combined OAS and GIS benefit for some seniors.
What is the OAS amount for age 75+?
$800.44 monthly as of early 2025.
Who qualifies for GIS payments?
Low-income seniors already receiving OAS.
How often are OAS amounts updated?
Quarterly—January, April, July, and October.
Is OAS taxable in Canada?
Yes, OAS is considered taxable income.
