An Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly payment you can receive if you are 65 years of age or older. In some cases, Service Canada may automatically apply for an OAS pension for you. In all other cases, you must apply for old-age insurance benefits. Service Canada will notify you if you automatically register. In most cases, you do not need to request this feature.

Why might I need to apply?

You may need to apply for senior protection. The Government of Canada may not have enough information to automatically register you.

When do payments start?

You can receive your first payment one month after your 65th birthday.

What if you defer your first payment?

You can get a higher pension for every month you decide to delay your first payment.

What is the amount of the Old Age Insurance pension?

You can get up to $648.67 per month (maximum monthly payments from April to June 2022). The amount you receive depends on how long you have been in Canada or certain countries after the age of 18.

You will have to pay taxes on your old-age insurance pension payments.

Increase in old-age pension at age 75

Adults over the age of 75 will automatically increase their old-age pension by 10% starting in July 2022.

Extra payment based on your income and your age

  • Single payment for seniors

You may also qualify for a lump sum payment if:

  • You are eligible for an old-age pension from June 2021
  • Born on or before June 30, 1947

  • Guaranteed Income Supplement

You may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement if:

  • You are 65 years of age or older
  • You live in Canada
  • Receive a pension from the old-age insurance
  • Your income is as follows:
  • $968.86 monthly if you are single, widowed, or divorced
  • Your income other than that of your spouse or partner is:

  • $583.20 monthly if your spouse or partner receives the full OAS benefit
  • $968.86 monthly if your spouse or partner does not receive OAS benefits
  • $583.20 monthly if your spouse or partner receives the allowance

Apply for GIS at the same time you apply for OAS scholarships.

Benefits for your spouse or partner

  • Tolerance

If you qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, your spouse or domestic partner can receive the benefit if:

  • Is 60 to 64 years old
  • Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
  • You resided in Canada and have resided in Canada for at least 10 years from the age of 18
  • Your gross annual income is less than $36,048 (maximum annual income from April to June 2022)

Survivor Allowance

You may qualify for Survivor’s Allowance if:

  • Your are between 60 and 64 years old
  • Your spouse or partner is deceased and you have not remarried or been in a common-law relationship
  • Your annual income is less than $26,496 (maximum annual income from April to June 2022)