$1,850 OAS Pension Increase Announced – Check Eligibility and Payment Schedule

If you’ve heard about a supposed $1,850 OAS payment boost coming in 2025, you’re not alone. Rumors like this tend to spread quickly, especially when money is involved. But is it true?

In this guide, we’ll separate fact from fiction, explain how Old Age Security (OAS) actually works in Canada, and walk you through what benefits are real, who qualifies, and when to expect them.

Whether you’re planning retirement or helping a loved one navigate it, here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Let’s be clear: there is no official confirmation of a one-time $1,850 OAS pension boost for 2025. What’s circulating online seems to be a misunderstanding of how OAS and GIS work or an exaggeration of routine payment increases.

Canada’s New Driving Law Effective July 2025 – Key Changes Every Driver Needs to Know

That said, seniors are still getting reliable, inflation-adjusted OAS payments that rise with the cost of living. Plus, additional support through the GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) helps those on lower incomes.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s actually available:

Rumor

There’s been talk of a one-time $1,850 boost to OAS pensions in 2025. But neither the federal government nor Service Canada has announced anything of the sort.

Most likely, this number represents a misinterpretation of regular monthly benefits multiplied over a few months, or a combined total of OAS and GIS.

Canada’s 2025 Dental Plan Expanded – Check Out If You’re Now Eligible for Free Treatment

OAS doesn’t increase through lump-sum bonuses. Instead, it’s reviewed every quarter and adjusted based on inflation, so it keeps pace with the rising cost of living.

Payments

OAS is paid out every month to eligible seniors aged 65 or older. The current rates in 2025 are:

• $727.67/month for those aged 65–74
• $800.44/month for those 75 and older

These amounts are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and adjusted quarterly—January, April, July, and October. If inflation goes up, so does your payment. If it goes down, your payment stays the same.

Expected payment dates for 2025:

$5,000 EV Rebate in Canada for 2025 – Check Out If Your Vehicle Qualifies!

• January 29
• February 26
• March 26
• April 26
• May 29
• June 26

Eligibility

To get OAS, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: You must be at least 65 years old.
2. Legal Status: You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
3. Residency:
   • You’ve lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18.
   • If living outside Canada, you need 20+ years of Canadian residency.
4. Income: Higher earners may have their OAS reduced via the OAS Recovery Tax (starts at income over $90,997 in 2024).

Application

Some people are auto-enrolled. If you’re not, here’s how to apply:

• Check for an enrollment letter from Service Canada.
• If you don’t receive one, apply online via your My Service Canada Account.
• Or, complete a paper application and mail it in.
• Apply at least 6 months before your 65th birthday for timely approval.

GIS

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an extra benefit for low-income seniors. It’s added on top of your OAS and can be up to $1,065.47/month for single seniors in 2025.

Some people confuse the GIS top-up with a bonus OAS payment. That’s likely how the $1,850 rumor got started—by combining OAS and GIS totals for a month or two.

To receive GIS, you must:

• Be receiving OAS
• Have low income (under federal thresholds)
• Apply at the same time as your OAS

Safety

Scammers often prey on these rumors to trick seniors into sharing personal or banking information. Be cautious:

• Don’t trust calls or emails offering “bonus” OAS payments.
• Always verify claims via Canada.ca or your My Service Canada Account.
• Sign up for government email alerts and monitor your payment info directly.

Planning your retirement income should be based on facts, not speculation. By knowing how OAS and GIS really work, you can make smarter financial decisions and protect your peace of mind.

FAQs