Headlines about a “$735 monthly OAS increase” have confused many retirees. Here’s the fact: there is no one-time $735 increase to Old Age Security.
Instead, the maximum monthly OAS for ages 65–74 is $734.95 for July–September 2025, and for 75+ it’s $808.45 in the same quarter.
These amounts come from Canada’s regular quarterly indexation process that adjusts OAS to the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—not from a special windfall.
In addition, the government has confirmed another 0.7% increase to OAS for October–December 2025 under the CPI formula.
What That “$735 Increase” Headline Actually Means
Online posts often frame the figure as an “increase,” but the number $734.95 is the maximum monthly OAS payable in Q3 2025 for ages 65–74.
It is not an extra $735 added to your current amount; it’s the top monthly rate for that quarter.
Seniors 75 and over receive more due to the permanent 10% OAS boost at age 75 introduced in July 2022, which places their Q3 2025 maximum at $808.45.
How OAS Indexation Works (and Why It Matters)
OAS is reviewed every January, April, July, and October. If the CPI rises, OAS increases; if the CPI falls, OAS does not decrease (amounts hold steady).
For July–September 2025, OAS rose 1.0% year-over-year; for October–December 2025, it is scheduled to rise another 0.7% based on CPI calculations.
This automatic mechanism protects purchasing power without requiring seniors to apply for increases.
Current OAS Amounts (July–September 2025)
The table below summarizes the maximum monthly amounts payable in Q3 2025 and the income limits that determine whether any OAS is payable at all (due to the recovery tax “clawback”).
| Age band | Maximum monthly OAS (Q3 2025) | Income limit to still receive OAS (2024 net world income) |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | $734.95 | Less than $148,541 |
| 75+ | $808.45 | Less than $154,196 |
| Note: OAS recovery begins at $90,997 of 2024 net income; above the upper thresholds shown, OAS is fully clawed back. |
Eligibility at a Glance
To qualify for Old Age Security (OAS), you generally must:
- Be age 65 or older.
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time your OAS pension is approved.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 for a partial pension; 40 years for a full pension.
- Be under the income thresholds to avoid full recovery tax (clawback); recovery starts at $90,997 (2024 net income).
The 10% Boost at Age 75
Since July 2022, seniors 75 and older receive a permanent 10% increase in their OAS pension.
You receive this automatically in the month after you turn 75; you do not need to re-apply.
Deferring OAS Can Increase Your Monthly Amount
You can delay starting OAS up to 60 months (to age 70). Each month of deferral adds 0.6% to your OAS (up to 36% at age 70).
The government provides examples using the Q3 2025 base rate to illustrate how deferral lifts monthly payments.
2025 OAS Payment Dates (Direct Deposit/Cheque)
OAS is typically paid once per month on the following 2025 dates:
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- March 27, 2025
- April 28, 2025
- May 28, 2025
- June 26, 2025
- July 29, 2025
- August 27, 2025
- September 25, 2025
- October 29, 2025
- November 26, 2025
- December 22, 2025
Tip: Direct deposit is the fastest way to get paid. Keep your banking details up to date in My Service Canada Account to avoid delays.
Will the Maximum Change Again in 2025?
Yes. Because OAS is tied to CPI, amounts can change each quarter. After the July–September 2025 increase, the government has confirmed another 0.7% rise for October–December 2025.
While this won’t transform monthly budgets overnight, quarterly indexation helps preserve purchasing power as prices move.
OAS vs. GIS, Allowance, and Survivor Allowance
Remember that OAS is a taxable base pension. Low-income seniors may also qualify for non-taxable top-ups:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): for OAS recipients with low income; recalculated each July based on the prior year’s income.
- Allowance (ages 60–64): for spouses/common-law partners of GIS recipients who meet residency and income rules.
- Allowance for the Survivor (ages 60–64): for widowed individuals meeting eligibility and income thresholds.
Maximums and income thresholds for these benefits are published alongside OAS tables and are also indexed.
Common Misconceptions Debunked
“Everyone will get an extra $735 per month.”
Incorrect. The $734.95 figure is the maximum base OAS for ages 65–74 in Q3 2025, not an add-on. For 75+, the maximum base is $808.45 due to the age-75 boost.
“My OAS will drop if inflation cools.”
No. OAS never decreases when CPI falls; amounts hold until CPI rises enough to trigger another increase.
“I must re-apply to get each quarterly increase.”
No. Quarterly indexation is automatic. If you already receive OAS, your payment updates on its own.
How to Maximize Your OAS
- Check residency years: If you have fewer than 40 years in Canada after age 18, you receive a partial pension. Consider total years carefully if you’ve lived abroad.
- Consider deferral: If you can afford to wait, deferring to age 70 can lift your base by 36%, which compounds the benefit of the age-75 increase later.
- Manage taxable income: OAS is subject to a recovery tax starting at $90,997 (2024 net income). Strategic withdrawals, TFSAs, and timing RRSP/RRIF income can help keep you below thresholds (seek personalized advice).
- Keep details current: Use My Service Canada Account to update direct deposit or address info for smooth payments.
Quick Reference : OAS in Q3 2025 & What’s Next
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Quarter & Amounts (Q3 2025) | $734.95 (ages 65–74); $808.45 (ages 75+) |
| Indexation | OAS rose 1.0% in Q3 2025; will rise 0.7% in Q4 2025 |
| 75+ Boost | Permanent 10% increase added to base OAS at age 75 (since July 2022) |
| Clawback Start | $90,997 (2024 net world income) |
| Full Clawback Thresholds (Q3 2025) | $148,541 (65–74); $154,196 (75+) |
| Residency for Full OAS | 40 years in Canada after age 18 (partial with ≥10 years) |
| 2025 Pay Dates | Last week of each month (see list below; Sep 25, Oct 29, Nov 26, Dec 22 remaining in 2025) |
There is no special $735 monthly OAS increase—the widely circulated number reflects the maximum OAS for ages 65–74 in Q3 2025.
Thanks to quarterly CPI indexation, OAS rose in July–September 2025 and is slated to rise again by 0.7% in October–December 2025.
Your actual payment depends on your age, years of Canadian residency, and income (because of the recovery tax).
Seniors 75+ continue to benefit from the permanent 10% boost, and all eligible recipients are paid on the official 2025 OAS dates.
To get every dollar you’re entitled to, confirm your eligibility, watch your taxable income, consider deferral if it suits your plan, and keep your banking details current.