If you’re 65 or older—or soon to be—it’s time to check in on your Old Age Security (OAS) benefits. This monthly pension is one of Canada’s most important retirement programs, and it helps millions of seniors manage essential expenses like housing, food, and medical care. With inflation and cost-of-living concerns on the rise, knowing your OAS payment for August 2025 is more important than ever.
In this guide, we’ll break down the updated payment amounts, who qualifies, how to apply, what to expect if you earn more, and whether you could also get the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Let’s get into it.
What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly pension provided by the federal government to support Canadians aged 65 and older. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which is based on work contributions, OAS is residency-based. That means you can still qualify even if you didn’t work full-time or contribute to CPP throughout your career.
OAS forms one of the three main pillars of Canada’s retirement income system:
- OAS – Based on how long you’ve lived in Canada
- CPP/QPP – Based on contributions during employment
- Personal savings – RRSPs, TFSAs, and employer pensions
It ensures that all Canadian seniors have a basic level of financial security in retirement.
OAS Payment Date for August 2025
For seniors already receiving OAS, the next payment will be deposited on August 28, 2025. Payments are typically issued on the last three business days of each month and are sent via direct deposit or mailed cheque depending on your setup with Service Canada.
OAS Payment Amounts: August 2025 Update
As of August 2025, here are the updated monthly OAS amounts based on age group:
| Age Group | Monthly OAS Payment |
|---|---|
| 65 to 74 | Up to $727.67 CAD |
| 75 and older | Up to $800.44 CAD |
The higher payment for those aged 75+ reflects additional support for seniors who face rising healthcare and living costs later in life.
Note: Your actual payment may be lower if you haven’t lived in Canada for 40 full years after age 18. In that case, your OAS will be prorated based on the number of years you lived in Canada.
Who Is Eligible for OAS?
To qualify for OAS, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
If you live outside Canada, you must have lived in the country for at least 20 years after age 18 before leaving in order to continue receiving OAS.
Should You Delay OAS?
Yes, delaying OAS can increase your monthly payment. For every month you delay after age 65, your payment goes up by 0.6%, to a maximum of 36% if you wait until age 70.
Delaying can be smart if you:
- Expect to live a long life
- Have other income sources
- Want to boost monthly payments in later years
Is OAS Taxable?
Yes. OAS payments are considered taxable income. You’ll receive a T4A(OAS) slip each year, and the amount must be included on your annual tax return.
If your income is high, you may be subject to the OAS recovery tax, often called the clawback.
2025 OAS Clawback Thresholds
For August 2025, the OAS clawback starts if your annual income exceeds:
- $86,912 CAD
Your entire OAS may be fully clawed back if your income reaches:
- $142,609 CAD (Age 65–74)
- $148,179 CAD (Age 75+)
If your income falls in this range, a portion of your OAS will be deducted, depending on how far above the threshold your income is.
What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?
If you have low income, you may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)—a non-taxable monthly benefit added on top of OAS.
GIS is aimed at helping Canada’s most vulnerable seniors, especially those who rely solely on public pensions.
GIS Eligibility and Income Limits (2025 Estimates)
To receive GIS in 2025, your income must be below these limits:
| Household Type | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single senior | Under $21,624 CAD |
| Couple (both receive OAS) | Under $28,560 CAD |
| Couple (only one gets OAS) | Under $51,840 CAD |
If eligible, GIS can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly pension and is not subject to income tax.
How to Apply for OAS and GIS
While some people are automatically enrolled, others need to apply manually. Here’s how:
Online Application
- Sign into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Complete the OAS application form
- Submit it online for faster processing
Paper Application
- Download the application from Canada.ca
- Fill it out and include any necessary documents
- Mail it to Service Canada
Pro Tip: Apply at least 6 months before turning 65 to avoid delays in receiving your first payment.
What to Do If You’re Not Automatically Enrolled
If you’re not automatically signed up for OAS:
- Visit Canada.ca
- Complete the Application for the Old Age Security Pension (ISP-3000)
- Submit through your MSCA or by mail
This step is especially important for:
- New immigrants
- Canadians returning from abroad
- Those with no CPP contributions
Planning Ahead: Maximize Your Retirement Benefits
Whether you’re already receiving OAS or about to turn 65, now is a good time to:
- Review your income to understand GIS eligibility
- Decide whether to delay OAS to increase your monthly payout
- Ensure your banking and contact info are current in Service Canada
Small steps now can help ensure greater financial stability in retirement.
FAQs
Q1. When will OAS be paid in August 2025?
A. OAS payments for August 2025 will be issued on August 28, 2025.
Q2. How much will I receive from OAS in August 2025?
A. Seniors aged 65–74 may get up to $727.67, while those 75+ may receive up to $800.44, depending on residency and income.
Q3. Is OAS taxable?
A. Yes. OAS payments count as taxable income and may be subject to clawback based on annual income.
Q4. What is the OAS clawback limit for 2025?
A. Clawback begins at $86,912 CAD and ends at $142,609 (65–74) or $148,179 (75+).
Q5. Can I receive GIS with OAS?
A. Yes. If your income is below the GIS thresholds, you may qualify for additional non-taxable payments.