The federal government has confirmed another increase to Old Age Security (OAS) payments starting in October 2025, delivering welcome relief for millions of Canadian seniors facing the rising cost of living. The OAS pension is one of the most important retirement benefits in Canada, and this new hike will ensure that eligible seniors see more money in their bank accounts this fall.
In this article, we’ll cover everything seniors need to know about the OAS October 2025 increase — including the new amount, eligibility rules, and the complete payment schedule.
$233 GST/HST Payment Confirmed for October 2025: Eligibility, Dates, and Key Updates
Double CPP and OAS Payments Coming in October 2025: What Seniors Need to Know
What Is the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension?
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly benefit provided to Canadian seniors aged 65 and older. It is funded through general government revenues, not personal contributions, meaning Canadians do not need to pay directly into OAS to qualify.
The payment amount is adjusted regularly based on inflation through quarterly indexation, ensuring seniors’ benefits keep up with the rising cost of goods and services.
October 2025 OAS Increase: What’s Changing?
Starting in October 2025, seniors will receive a higher OAS payment due to the government’s quarterly indexation adjustment. The increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation across Canada.
- New OAS Maximum Monthly Amounts (October – December 2025):
- Ages 65 to 74: $742.35 per month
- Ages 75 and over: $815.15 per month
This increase means seniors could receive up to $2,226 in OAS payments for the final quarter of 2025.
Who Is Eligible for OAS in October 2025?
To receive OAS, seniors must meet specific residency and age requirements. Eligibility criteria include:
- Age Requirement: Must be 65 or older.
- Residency: At least 10 years of residency in Canada after age 18.
- Maximum Benefit: To receive the full OAS pension, you must have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18.
- Partial Benefit: If you’ve lived in Canada for fewer than 40 years, you may still qualify for a partial pension.
OAS and GIS: Combined Benefits for Low-Income Seniors
Alongside OAS, many seniors qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). GIS provides additional monthly payments to low-income seniors, ensuring extra support.
When combined with GIS, the October 2025 increase in OAS means that seniors with the lowest incomes could see their total monthly income rise significantly.
OAS Payment Schedule for October 2025 and Beyond
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) deposits OAS payments monthly, typically on the same date as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
Here are the remaining OAS payment dates for 2025:
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Payments for January to March 2026 will be announced by the CRA before year-end.
How to Apply for OAS
In many cases, seniors are automatically enrolled for OAS when they turn 65. However, if you are not automatically enrolled, you must apply.
- Applications can be submitted through CRA My Account online, by mail, or at a Service Canada office.
- Newcomers to Canada or Canadians who have lived abroad must provide residency documents to prove eligibility.
Is OAS Taxable?
Yes. OAS payments are considered taxable income, which means they must be reported on your annual tax return. High-income seniors may also face the OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax) if their income exceeds a certain threshold (currently around $90,000 annually).
Key Takeaway for Seniors
The October 2025 OAS hike is part of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to protect seniors’ purchasing power against inflation. With payments rising to $742.35 for ages 65–74 and $815.15 for ages 75+, this increase will provide a noticeable boost as the year comes to an end.
For seniors relying on OAS as a key source of retirement income, this update is crucial to help cover rising expenses on essentials like groceries, housing, and healthcare.