Lately, headlines and social media posts have been claiming that seniors in Canada will receive a $2,250 Old Age Security (OAS) payment in June 2025. This has sparked a lot of confusion and questions among retirees and their families. If you’re trying to make sense of this, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll break down what’s real, what’s not, and how Canadian seniors can get the most from the OAS and other benefits in 2025.
Overview
Here’s a snapshot of the facts and figures seniors should focus on:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Rumored $2,250 OAS Payment | No confirmation; misinformation |
| Actual OAS Payment (65–74) | Up to $727.67/month |
| Actual OAS Payment (75+) | Up to $800.44/month |
| GIS (Single Seniors) | Up to $1,086.88/month |
| Combined Max Monthly Benefit | Around $1,886.78 |
| OAS Clawback (2025) | Starts at $86,912 income |
| Official Info | Canada.ca – OAS section |
What is OAS?
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly benefit for seniors in Canada funded by general taxes, not your personal work history. To be eligible:
- You must be 65 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
For a full pension, you must have lived in Canada for 40 years after turning 18. OAS payments are adjusted for inflation every quarter using the Consumer Price Index.
June 2025 Payments
As of June 2025, the maximum monthly OAS amounts are:
- Ages 65 to 74: $727.67
- Ages 75 and older: $800.44
These payments will be deposited on June 28, 2025.
What About the $2,250 Claim?
The widely shared $2,250 OAS claim is not backed by any government announcement. It likely comes from:
- Confusion over the combination of OAS + GIS + CPP
- One-time relief payments from the pandemic era
- Misleading headlines or clickbait articles
OAS alone will not reach $2,250 in June 2025. Even when combined with GIS, the total is closer to $1,900 per month for eligible low-income seniors.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
GIS is a non-taxable payment for low-income seniors already receiving OAS. To qualify:
- You must receive OAS
- Your annual income must be below specific thresholds
- You must apply separately
GIS Payments (June 2025)
- Single seniors: Up to $1,086.88
- Married seniors: Payment varies depending on combined income
Examples:
- Ages 65–74: $727.67 (OAS) + $1,086.88 (GIS) = $1,814.55/month
- Ages 75+: $800.44 (OAS) + $1,086.88 (GIS) = $1,887.32/month
OAS Clawback
If your net income goes above a certain limit, your OAS gets reduced. This is called the OAS Recovery Tax or “clawback.”
- Starts at $86,912 income (2025)
- Fully eliminated around $148,179
To avoid or reduce clawback, consider financial strategies like pension income splitting, delaying OAS, or using TFSAs over RRSPs in retirement.
Other Senior Supports
There’s more help available beyond OAS and GIS:
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Based on your employment income and contributions
- Max payment (2025): $1,300+
- Average payment: About $758
Allowance & Survivor Benefits
- Allowance: For spouses of GIS recipients, aged 60–64
- Survivor Allowance: For widowed low-income seniors, 60–64
Provincial Benefits
Depending on your province, you may qualify for extra support:
- Ontario: GAINS
- BC: Fair PharmaCare
- Quebec: Senior tax credits
These can help with drug costs, property tax rebates, heating bills, and more.
Veterans’ Benefits
If you served in the military, Veterans Affairs Canada offers additional income and health supports.
What to Do Next
Sorting through senior benefits can be tricky, but here are five steps to help you stay on track:
1. Use My Service Canada Account
Check your OAS, GIS, and CPP status, update your info, and apply for benefits all in one place.
2. Apply on Time
Apply for OAS about six months before you turn 65 to avoid delays. GIS requires a separate application.
3. Plan Your Income Wisely
Stay under the OAS clawback threshold to receive the full benefit. Use the CRA’s online estimator to forecast your income.
4. Recheck GIS Eligibility Every Year
Since GIS depends on your income, reapply or update your info each year when you file taxes.
5. Talk to a Retirement Advisor
If you’re unsure about taxes, withdrawals, or benefit strategies, a financial planner can guide you and help you save money.
The $2,250 OAS payment may not be real, but the support available through OAS, GIS, CPP, and other programs is very real. Take the right steps, and you can build a more stable and confident retirement.
FAQs
Is the $2,250 OAS payment real?
No, there is no official $2,250 OAS payment confirmed.
When is the next OAS payment?
June 28, 2025, is the next scheduled OAS payment.
Can I receive both OAS and GIS?
Yes, if you qualify for OAS and meet GIS income limits.
What is the OAS clawback limit in 2025?
Clawback begins at $86,912 annual income.
Is GIS automatic with OAS?
No, you must apply separately and update yearly.
