For over seven million Canadians, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension remains a vital source of retirement income. In a period marked by higher rents, medical costs, and food inflation, this monthly benefit ensures financial stability and dignity in later life.
For October 2025, the federal government has confirmed that OAS payments will arrive on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, coinciding with the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) deposit.
“The OAS payment isn’t just another cheque — it’s peace of mind,”
says David Friesen, social policy analyst at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
“For millions of seniors, it’s the predictable income that keeps life running smoothly.”Also Read
Canada Student Visa Rejection 2025: 80% Denied — Key Reasons, Impact & What Indian Students Can Do Next?
OAS Payment Dates October 2025: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Old Age Security (OAS) |
| Administered By | Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) |
| October 2025 Payment Date | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 |
| Payment Type | Direct deposit or cheque |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Tax Status | Taxable |
| Next Payment Date | November 27, 2025 |
| COLA Review | January 2026 |
| Official Website | www.canada.ca/oas |
What Is the Old Age Security Pension?
The OAS pension is Canada’s largest public pension, funded from general tax revenues. Unlike CPP, eligibility does not depend on contributions during your working life.
It provides a monthly taxable benefit to seniors aged 65 and above, with quarterly adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to maintain purchasing power against inflation.
Key OAS Components
- Base OAS Pension: For seniors aged 65+.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Extra monthly top-up for low-income OAS recipients.
- Allowance: For 60–64-year-old spouses or partners of OAS pensioners.
- Allowance for the Survivor: For widowed individuals aged 60–64.
“Quarterly CPI-linked adjustments mean OAS always keeps pace with inflation,”
explains Janet Lau, Senior Policy Advisor at ESDC. “That’s vital for retirees relying primarily on government benefits.”
Eligibility for OAS Payment in October 2025
Most Canadians are automatically enrolled upon turning 65, but if you haven’t received confirmation, you can apply online.
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 years or older as of October 2025 |
| Legal Status | Canadian citizen or legal resident |
| Residency | Minimum of 10 years in Canada after age 18 (40 years for full pension) |
| Application | Automatic if notified by Service Canada; otherwise, apply via MSCA |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed cheque (domestic or international) |
Interactive Tip: Log into your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to confirm eligibility, verify deposit details, and track previous payments.
2025 OAS Payment Calendar
OAS and CPP share synchronized payment dates, creating consistency for financial planning.
| Month (2025) | OAS Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 29 (Wednesday) |
| February | February 26 (Wednesday) |
| March | March 27 (Thursday) |
| April | April 29 (Tuesday) |
| May | May 29 (Thursday) |
| June | June 27 (Friday) |
| July | July 29 (Tuesday) |
| August | August 28 (Thursday) |
| September | September 26 (Friday) |
| October | October 29 (Wednesday) |
| November | November 27 (Thursday) |
| December | December 20 (Saturday – early holiday deposit) |
Pro Tip: Payments for weekends or holidays are issued one business day earlier to avoid delays.
OAS Payment Amounts for October 2025
Your OAS payment depends on age, years of residency, and income. Seniors with higher incomes may see reductions under the OAS Recovery Tax (clawback).
| Age Group | Maximum Monthly Payment | Average Monthly Payment | Income Threshold (Clawback Starts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65–74 years | $713.34 | $642 | $90,997 |
| 75+ years | $784.67 | $715 | $148,065 |
| GIS (Single) | Up to $1,072.93 | $900 | N/A |
| Allowance (60–64) | Up to $1,350.66 | $1,000 | Household income–based |
Economist Victor Henry of the Toronto School of Economics notes: “OAS remains the most effective anti-poverty tool for seniors. The income-tested GIS ensures even those without private pensions maintain basic security.”
Related Programs Boosting OAS Income
| Program | Who Qualifies | Purpose | October 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) | Low-income OAS recipients | Monthly top-up | October 29 |
| Allowance | Spouse aged 60–64 of OAS pensioner | Early income bridge | October 29 |
| Allowance for the Survivor | Widowed individuals aged 60–64 | Income-tested aid | October 29 |
| CPP | Canadians with work contributions | Earnings-based pension | October 29 |
| GST/HST Credit | Low/moderate-income earners | Quarterly tax relief | October 3 |
Together, these programs create a comprehensive retirement safety net.
What to Do if You Don’t Receive Your OAS Payment?
If October 29, 2025 passes and your OAS hasn’t arrived:
- Wait one business day – deposits can take time to appear.
- Check your statement – look for entries like “Canada OAS (PEN)” or “ESDC OAS.”
- Verify your banking info in your MSCA account.
- Call Service Canada: 1-800-277-9914 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
- Cheque recipients: Allow up to 10 business days for delivery.
“Even one wrong digit in your bank account can delay payments,” warns financial adviser Linda Chau. “Update your Service Canada details whenever you switch banks.”
How to Check OAS Payment Online?
- Visit www.canada.ca/oas.
- Sign in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) using GCKey or your bank login.
- Click ‘Old Age Security (OAS)’ → ‘Payment Information.’
- View deposit dates and amounts.
- Download statements for tax or budget planning.
Pro Tip: Turn on email or SMS alerts in MSCA to get instant payment confirmations.
Preparing for January 2026 COLA Review
OAS and GIS are reviewed every January, April, July, and October. The next Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) takes effect in January 2026, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If inflation remains steady near 2.8%, seniors could see a modest increase in the new year.
Why October 2025 Matters for Retirees?
- Dual Payments: OAS and CPP both arrive October 29 — ideal for consolidating budgets.
- Pre-Winter Security: Helps cover heating, medication, and grocery costs before colder months.
- Inflation Buffer: Payments are CPI-adjusted, ensuring purchasing power.
- Tax Planning: October marks a good time to review income levels ahead of the 2026 clawback cycle.
“Retirement income predictability helps seniors plan confidently,” says Caroline Dupont, retirement strategist at MapleLife Financial. “OAS and CPP together provide the baseline stability that every plan builds on.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the OAS payment for October 2025?
Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Will OAS amounts increase in October 2025?
No. The next adjustment (COLA) occurs January 2026.
Can I receive OAS and CPP on the same day?
Yes, both will be deposited on October 29, 2025.
How can I check my OAS status or amount?
Log in to My Service Canada Account → OAS → Payment Information.
What if I live outside Canada?
You can still receive OAS if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18, or if your country has a social security agreement with Canada.
