May 2025 Old Age Security (OAS) Payments- When Will Seniors Receive Their Money?
The Old Age Security (OAS) program is a vital financial support system for Canadian seniors, providing monthly payments to eligible individuals aged 65 and over.
For May 2025, the scheduled payment date is Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Seniors who have opted for direct deposit can expect the funds to appear in their bank accounts on this date.
Those receiving paper cheques may experience slight delays depending on postal service delivery times.
Understanding the Old Age Security Program and Eligibility
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. Eligibility criteria include:
- Age Requirement: Must be 65 years or older.
- Residency: Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
- Citizenship: Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time of application approval.
For individuals residing outside Canada, eligibility requires having lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18.
Additionally, Canada has international social security agreements with certain countries, which may help individuals qualify for OAS benefits based on combined periods of residence.
May 2025 Old Age Security Payment Amounts
The OAS payment amounts are reviewed quarterly and adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect changes in the cost of living. For the quarter of April to June 2025, the payment amounts remain unchanged from the previous quarter. The maximum monthly payment amounts are as follows:
| Age Group | Maximum Monthly OAS Payment | Income Threshold for Full OAS |
|---|---|---|
| 65 to 74 years | $727.67 | Less than $142,609 |
| 75 years and over | $800.44 | Less than $148,179 |
Note: Actual payment amounts may vary based on individual income levels and years of residency in Canada. Higher-income seniors may be subject to the Old Age Security recovery tax, commonly referred to as the “clawback.”
Additional Benefits: Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowances
In addition to the standard OAS pension, eligible seniors may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which provides additional non-taxable monthly payments to low-income Old Age Security recipients. The maximum monthly GIS amounts for April to June 2025 are:
| Marital Status | Maximum Monthly GIS Payment | Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $1,086.88 | Less than $22,056 |
| Married/common-law partner receiving OAS | $654.23 | Combined income less than $29,136 |
Note: GIS amounts are also reviewed quarterly and adjusted based on the CPI.
Other related benefits include the Allowance for low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 who are spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, and the Allowance for the Survivor for low-income widowed individuals aged 60 to 64.
How to Ensure Timely Old Age Security Payments
To receive your Old Age Security payments without delays:
- Direct Deposit: Ensure your banking information is up to date with Service Canada. Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure method to receive payments.
- Mailing Address: If you receive payments by cheque, confirm that your mailing address is current to avoid delays.
- Automatic Enrollment: Most seniors are automatically enrolled in the Old Age Security program. If you do not receive a notification letter from Service Canada by age 64, contact them to apply manually.
- My Service Canada Account (MSCA): Use your MSCA to update personal information, view payment details, and manage your OAS benefits.
Upcoming Old Age Security Payment Dates for 2025
Here is the schedule for OAS payments for the remainder of 2025:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| June | June 26 |
| July | July 29 |
| August | August 27 |
| September | September 25 |
| October | October 29 |
| November | November 26 |
| December | December 22 |
Note: Payments are typically issued on the last week of each month.
The Old Age Security (OAS) program continues to provide essential financial support to Canadian seniors. For May 2025, eligible recipients can expect their payments on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
By ensuring your personal information is current and understanding the available benefits, you can make the most of the support provided through OAS and related programs.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m automatically enrolled in Old Age Security?
Most individuals are automatically enrolled and will receive a notification letter from Service Canada by age 64. If you do not receive this letter, contact Service Canada to apply manually.
Can I receive OAS payments while living outside Canada?
Yes, if you have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18, you may qualify for OAS payments while residing abroad. Canada also has international social security agreements that may help you qualify based on combined periods of residence.
Are OAS payments taxable?
Yes, OAS payments are considered taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your monthly payments or pay the amount owed when filing your annual tax return.