Canadian seniors will receive a $1,400 extra OAS payment in October 2025. But is this true? The government has not confirmed any lump-sum bonus of that size. Instead, the Old Age Security (OAS) program will continue with its regular inflation-based adjustments.
What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?
Old Age Security is Canada’s universal senior pension program, funded through general tax revenues rather than individual contributions. It ensures a baseline income for Canadians aged 65 or older, subject to residency and other conditions.
Key features:
- OAS amounts are reviewed and adjusted quarterly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- You may also receive top-ups such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) if your income is low.
The $1,400 Extra OAS Claim: Fact vs. Fiction
| Claim | Reality / Explanation |
|---|---|
| $1,400 lump-sum extra payment in October 2025 | No confirmation from the government. Rumours are false. |
| What is confirmed | A 0.7 % increase in OAS rates for October–December 2025 (quarterly inflation adjustment). |
| Current OAS maximums | For 65–74: up to ≈ $740.09 monthly (Oct–Dec 2025) For 75+: up to ≈ $814.10 monthly |
| Payment dates | October 29, 2025 for OAS & aligned benefits |
In short, the $1,400 extra is not supported by official sources. What is happening is the standard cost-of-living adjustment to keep pace with inflation.
Eligibility for OAS: Who Qualifies?
To receive OAS, you must meet several criteria:
- Be aged 65 or older.
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (if applying from within Canada).
- If applying from outside Canada, you’ll need 20 years of Canadian residency after age 18.
- For a full OAS pension, 40 years of residence after age 18 is needed; fewer years give a pro-rated partial pension.
If you already receive OAS, you do not need to reapply for the inflation increase—it’s automatic.
Understanding the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
For seniors with low income, the GIS is an extra, non-taxable top-up. Key points:
- Must already be receiving OAS.
- Your income (or combined income, if you’re a couple) must be under certain thresholds.
- Maximum monthly GIS payments (2025) include: ~ $1,086.88 for a single low-income senior receiving full OAS.
- The GIS rate is also adjusted periodically based on income and inflation.
When combined, a low-income senior may see OAS + GIS total benefits near $1,400+ per month, but that is not the same as a one-time bonus.
OAS Payment Dates in 2025
It’s crucial for seniors to know when their payments hit their bank accounts. Here is the 2025 schedule for OAS payments:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 29, 2025 |
| February | February 26, 2025 |
| March | March 27, 2025 |
| April | April 28, 2025 |
| May | May 28, 2025 |
| June | June 26, 2025 |
| July | July 29, 2025 |
| August | August 27, 2025 |
| September | September 25, 2025 |
| October | October 29, 2025 |
| November | November 26, 2025 |
| December | December 22, 2025 |
Most payments are made via direct deposit. Cheques may be mailed if direct deposit is not set up.
How Much Will OAS Pay (Oct–Dec 2025)
With the recent 0.7 % inflation adjustment for the October–December 2025 quarter:
- Maximum OAS for ages 65–74 will be approximately CAD $740.09 per month.
- For those aged 75+, the maximum rises to about CAD $814.10 monthly.
- Combined with GIS, low-income recipients may receive upwards of ~$1,400+ monthly depending on circumstances.
Why OAS Matters in Retirement Planning
- OAS is a baseline pension that doesn’t depend on past employment — just residency and age.
- Along with Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and personal savings (RRSPs, TFSAs, employer pensions), it forms one of the three pillars of retirement income.
- Keeping track of inflation adjustments, clawback thresholds, and GIS eligibility helps you maximize overall income.
The promise of a $1,400 extra OAS payment has stirred hope — but it’s a myth. What actually awaits Canadian seniors in October 2025 is the routine 0.7 % inflation-linked increase to OAS payments. For those in lower income brackets, the GIS supplement will continue to play a vital role in shoring up monthly income.
FAQs
Will I receive a $1,400 OAS bonus in October 2025?
No. There is no official $1,400 extra payment. The adjustment will be a normal 0.7 % increase for October–December 2025.
Do I need to apply again to get the increased OAS rate?
No. If you’re already receiving OAS, the increase is automatic—no reapplication required.
Can high income seniors lose their OAS due to clawback?
Yes. If your net world income exceeds certain thresholds, your OAS may be partially or fully clawed back at 15 cents per dollar beyond the threshold.