Old Age Security (OAS) is one of the most important income sources for retired Canadians. If you’re 65 or older, this monthly benefit can make a real difference in how you manage your finances. In August 2025, the federal government has slightly increased OAS payments to keep pace with inflation. For seniors aged 75 and up, this month’s payment can go as high as $808.45. Let’s break down the new amounts, who qualifies, and what to expect.
Overview
OAS is a monthly pension payment funded by the government, not your work history. It’s available to most Canadians 65 and older. The amount you get changes every few months based on inflation, and this quarter, it’s going up again. Whether you’re already getting payments or planning ahead, these updates matter.
Amounts
Here’s how much you’ll receive this month based on your age:
Age Group | Maximum OAS (August 2025) |
---|---|
65 to 74 | $734.95 |
75 and older | $808.45 |
With GIS (Est.) | $1,800+ |
This slight bump reflects the rising cost of living. Even if inflation cools down, your OAS payments won’t go down—they only ever go up or stay the same.
Payment
Mark your calendar: the August 2025 OAS payment lands on Tuesday, August 27.
- If you’re signed up for direct deposit, the money will hit your account that day.
- If you receive a cheque, it might take a few extra business days to arrive.
To avoid delays or mail issues, it’s a smart move to switch to direct deposit if you haven’t already.
Eligibility
You’re eligible for OAS if:
- You’re at least 65 years old
- You’re a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- You’ve lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18
Living abroad? You may still qualify if you’ve spent at least 20 years in Canada after age 18.
But here’s a twist—if your income is too high, you may not get the full amount.
Clawbacks
Yes, there’s an income limit, and it’s called the OAS clawback. If your annual income goes over a certain threshold, the government starts taking back a portion of your OAS.
Age Group | Clawback Threshold (2025) |
---|---|
65 to 74 | $148,541 |
75 and older | $154,196 |
So if you’re still working or drawing income from other sources, keep an eye on this. Once you cross the threshold, your OAS amount starts to shrink.
Applying
Most seniors are automatically enrolled for OAS around age 64. But if that doesn’t happen, don’t panic—you can apply manually.
You can apply through:
- My Service Canada Account (online)
- A paper application form (by mail)
- In-person at a Service Canada office
You can start collecting OAS anytime between 65 and 70. Waiting longer increases your monthly amount—up to 36% more if you delay until 70.
Taxes
Yes, OAS is taxable. But the good news is, you can ask for taxes to be taken out automatically, so you’re not hit with a surprise at tax time.
You can request tax withholding by:
- Using My Service Canada Account
- Submitting a form by mail
It’s a simple step that can make a big difference when filing your return.
Dates
Here are the rest of the 2025 OAS payment dates to keep on your radar:
Month | Payment Date |
---|---|
August | August 27, 2025 |
September | September 25, 2025 |
October | October 29, 2025 |
November | November 26, 2025 |
December | December 22, 2025 |
Payments typically land near the end of the month, with a bit of a head start in December for the holidays.
Supplement
If you’re living on a lower income, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) could seriously boost your monthly benefit—up to $1,800+ total in some cases.
GIS eligibility depends on:
- Your household income
- Whether you’re single or married
- Whether your partner also receives OAS/GIS
If you think you qualify, don’t miss out. Apply for GIS through the same channels as OAS.
The August 2025 OAS boost might not be huge, but for many seniors, it helps keep up with inflation and rising costs. Whether you’re already collecting or planning ahead, make sure your details are current, and look into GIS if you need extra support. Retirement shouldn’t mean financial stress, and with OAS and GIS, it doesn’t have to.
FAQs
When is the August OAS payment?
August 27, 2025, if you’re on direct deposit.
Who qualifies for OAS?
Anyone 65+ who lived in Canada for at least 10 years.
How much is OAS for seniors over 75?
$808.45 per month in August 2025.
Is OAS taxable income?
Yes, and you can request tax to be withheld.
Can I receive OAS outside Canada?
Yes, if you lived in Canada for 20+ years as an adult.