Old Age Security payments rising this month for Canadian seniors 65 and up

Old Age Security payments are increasing for the fourth quarter of 2026, effective this month. Service Canada adjusts OAS amounts four times yearly based on changes in the Consumer Price Index; this quarter's increase is 1.4%, part of a 3.0% total increase over the past year.

Seniors aged 65-74 receiving the maximum payment will see an extra $10.53 per month, bringing their October-December maximum to $762.50. Those 75 and older will receive an additional $11.58 monthly, with their maximum rising to $838.75. Over the full three-month quarter, eligible seniors will receive more than $30 extra.

The increase applies to Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Allowance programs. Importantly, OAS amounts can only increase or remain stable; they never decrease even if the cost of living drops.

To qualify for OAS, applicants must be age 65 or older, a Canadian citizen or legal resident, and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18. A full OAS pension requires 40 years of residence after age 18; partial pensions begin after 10 years. Those living outside Canada can still receive OAS if they were a citizen or legal resident before leaving and lived in Canada for 20+ years after age 18.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement has separate income limits. For single, widowed or divorced recipients, the maximum GIS is $1,138.90 monthly with an income limit of under $23,112. Those with a partner receiving full OAS can earn up to $30,528 combined and receive up to $685.56 monthly. The Allowance program, for ages 60-64 whose spouse or partner receives GIS, has a maximum of $1,448.06 monthly. Payments for GIS and Allowance are not taxable.