This summer, Canada’s seniors can welcome a small but meaningful boost. Beginning July 2025, Old Age Security (OAS) payments will rise, with those aged 65 to 74 receiving \$735.35 per month, and those 75 and older getting \$808.45, reflecting an automatic 1.0% cost-of-living increase. Paired with the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and other supports, total income could amount to nearly \$1,900 for eligible low-income retirees.
Let’s break down what’s changing and how you can make it work for you.
A Modest But Important Increase
OAS benefits are adjusted quarterly based on inflation. This July, rates are up 1.0%, amounting to a 2.3% year-over-year bump—enough to help offset rising prices for essentials.
([Government of Canada][1])
New OAS Levels by Age Group
Here’s the updated breakdown for July–September 2025:
| Age Group | Monthly OAS (max) | Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | \$734.95 | < \$148541 annual income ([Government of Canada][1]) |
| 75+ | \$808.45 | < \$154196 annual income ([Government of Canada][2]) |
These are baseline amounts—higher-aged seniors benefit from an automatic 10% top-up added since 2022.
([Government of Canada][2])
Layering in Extra Income: GIS and Allowances
Low-income seniors may qualify for additional financial support:
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Singles: Up to \$1097.75/month (income < \$22272)
- Couples (with OAS recipient): Up to \$660.78/month (combined income < \$29424)
([Government of Canada][1])
Allowance (Age 60–64, spouse of GIS recipient):
- Max: \$1395.73/month (combined income < \$41184)
([Government of Canada][1])
Allowance for the Survivor (Age 60–64, widowed):
- Max: \$1663.81/month (income < \$29976)
([Government of Canada][1])
Some provinces, like Ontario, also offer small top-ups (e.g. \$90/month) on top of federal benefits.
([Ontario][3])
Can You Reach \$1,900 Per Month?
For a low-income senior aged 75+, combining OAS and GIS can raise monthly income near \$1,900:
- OAS: \$808.45
- GIS: \$1097.75
- Total: ~\$1906.20
([Government of Canada][1])
Provincial supplements like in British Columbia can push that even higher.
([Province of British Columbia][4])
Who Qualifies?
To receive OAS and additional benefits:
- Must be 65 or older
- Must be a Canadian resident
- Must have lived in Canada for 10+ years post-18 for partial OAS, or 40 years for the full amount
([Wikipedia][5], [Narcity][6])
Additional benefits like GIS also require application—though many are automatic if you file your tax return.
([Questrade][7])
When Will Payments Arrive?
OAS amounts are paid on the third-last business day of each month. In 2025:
- July payment: July 29
- Other dates: August 27, September 25, etc.
([Questrade][7], [qtrade.ca][8])
Planning Around Taxes & Recapture Rules
- OAS is taxable and must be declared in your tax return.
- Income over certain thresholds (\$90997+) triggers a clawback (OAS Recovery Tax). Full recovery starts at higher income levels.
([Government of Canada][2])
Strategies to Maximize Your Benefits
- File your taxes every year to ensure eligibility for GIS.
- Enroll in direct deposit to get payments efficiently.
- If still under 65, delay OAS up to five years to boost payments (0.6% per month).
- Check for provincial top-ups in your region.
Summary Table
| Program | Max Monthly (2025) | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| OAS (65–74) | \$734.95 | Age 65+, residency, income below threshold |
| OAS (75+) | \$808.45 | Includes 10% senior bump, income below threshold |
| GIS (Single) | \$1097.75 | OAS recipient, income < \$22,272 |
| GIS (Couple) | \$660.78 per person | OAS + GIS case, combined income < thresholds |
| Allowance (60–64 spouse) | \$1395.73 | GIS recipient’s spouse, low household income |
| Allowance for Survivor | \$1663.81 | Widowed 60–64, no remarriage, low income |
| Provincial Top-ups | \$90+ | Varies by province (e.g., Ontario GAINS) |
Q1: What is the new OAS amount for seniors in July 2025?
A: Age 65–74: \$734.95/month; Age 75+: \$808.45/month (1.0% cost-of-living increase).
([kmsdrama.org][9], [Government of Canada][2], [Government of Canada][1], [ATB Financial][10], [Ontario][3])
Q2: Can GIS push my monthly income to \$1,900?
A: Yes. With OAS and GIS combined for low-income seniors, payments may reach ~\$1,906/month.
([Government of Canada][1], [Province of British Columbia][4])
Q3: Is OAS taxable?
A: Yes. OAS is taxable and needs to be reported on your annual return. GIS is non-taxable.
([Wikipedia][5], [Government of Canada][1])
Q4: When will OAS payments be made?
A: Monthly, usually on the third-last business day—for July 2025, that’s July 29.
([qtrade.ca][8])
Q5: How do I qualify for full OAS?
A: You need to be age 75+, a resident of Canada, and have at least 40 years of residency after age 18 to receive the full OAS amount.
([Wikipedia][5], [Government of Canada][2])
