Old Age Security: Overview
Overview
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment you can get if you are 65 and older. In some cases, Service Canada will be able to automatically enroll you for the OAS pension. In other cases, you will have to apply for the Old Age Security pension. Service Canada will inform you if you have been automatically enrolled.
In most cases, you do not have to apply to get this benefit.
Why you may have to apply
You may have to apply for the Old Age Security. We may not have enough information to enroll you automatically.
When payments start
You can receive your first payment the month after you turn 65.
Delaying your first payment
You can receive a higher Old Age Security pension amount for each month you decide to delay your first payment.
Old Age Security pension amount
The amount you receive depends on your income and how long you lived in Canada or specific countries after the age of 18.
You will have to pay tax on the Old Age Security pension payment.
Extra payment based on your income and your age
In addition to your OAS, you could also be eligible for other benefits.
Guaranteed Income Supplement
You may also be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement if:
- you are 65 or older
- you live in Canada
- you get the Old Age Security pension
- your income is below the maximum annual income threshold for the GIS based on your marital status
You apply for the GIS at the same time as you apply for the OAS pension.
One-time grant for Guaranteed Income Supplement recipients who received pandemic benefits
If you saw a reduction or loss of benefits in July 2021 due to the receipt of pandemic benefits in 2020, you could receive a one-time grant.
One-time payment for older seniors
You may also be eligible for the One-time payment for older seniors if:
- you are eligible for the Old Age Security pension as of June 2021, and
- were born on or before June 30, 1947
Benefits for your spouse or common-law partner
Allowance
If you are eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement, your spouse or common-law partner may be able to receive the Allowance if your spouse or common-law partner:
- is 60 to 64 years of age
- is a Canadian citizen or a legal resident
- resides in Canada and has resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18
- your combined annual income is less than the maximum annual income threshold for the Allowance
Allowance for the Survivor
You could receive the Allowance for the Survivor if:
- you are 60 to 64 years of age
- your spouse or common-law partner has died and you have not remarried or entered into a common-law relationship
- your annual income is less than the maximum annual income threshold for the Allowance for the Survivor
Where you can get help
If you have general questions about Old Age Security or specific questions about your application, contact us.
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