As April 2025 approaches, many Canadian seniors hear buzz about a possible $2,120 Old Age Security (OAS) payment. With so many figures and programs in play, it’s easy to get confused. Is this a new one-time payment?
Or a change to regular monthly benefits? Old Age Security (OAS) pension is one of Canada’s most important social benefit programs for seniors. It offers a monthly payment to eligible Canadians aged 65 and older, regardless of their work history.
Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), you don’t need to have worked or contributed to receive OAS. Instead, it’s based on age, citizenship or legal residency, and how long you’ve lived in Canada. To be eligible for OAS, you must:
– Be 65 years of age or older
– Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
– Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18
– If living outside Canada, you need at least 20 years of Canadian residency after the age of 18
OAS payments are adjusted quarterly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect the cost of living.
For April to June 2025, the monthly OAS benefit remains unchanged from the previous quarter:
– For seniors aged 65 to 74: $727.67
– For seniors aged 75 and older: $800.44
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a non-taxable monthly benefit for low-income seniors who receive OAS.
OAS eligibility and payment details
It’s calculated based on your annual income (or household income if you’re married).
Maximum GIS amounts for April 2025:
– Single Seniors: $1,086.88
– Couples (both receiving OAS): $577.43 per person
– Couples (one receiving OAS): $1,086.88 for the OAS recipient
This means a single senior aged 75+ could receive up to:
– OAS: $800.44
– GIS: $1,086.88
– Total: $1,887.32/month
No official announcement has been made by the Canadian government confirming a one-time $2,120 OAS payment for April 2025. However, certain combinations of benefits—including OAS, GIS, and other supplemental programs—could add up to that amount in specific cases. The Government of Canada issues OAS payments on the third-last banking day of each month.
For April 2025, the payment date is Tuesday, April 29, 2025. If you receive direct deposit payments, the funds may be available within 1–2 business days, depending on your bank. If you haven’t received a notification from Service Canada about automatic enrollment, here’s how to apply:
- Check Eligibility on Canada.ca
- Apply Online through My Service Canada Account
- Apply by mail using the paper application (available online or at Service Canada centers)
- Track your application through your account or contact Service Canada for updates.
Staying informed about your benefits is key to financial peace of mind in your senior years, whether planning for retirement or helping a loved one.
Image Credits: Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash
