OAS Increase in March 2025? The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a cornerstone of financial support for Canadian seniors, helping them cover essential expenses during retirement. Recently, there has been speculation about a significant increase in OAS payments, with rumors suggesting seniors could receive up to $1,576 per month starting in March 2025 . However, according to official sources, this claim remains unconfirmed.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of OAS payments in 2025, including payment dates, eligibility criteria, and how the program works. We’ll also clarify the confusion surrounding the rumored $1,576 raise and explore strategies to maximize your benefits.
Table of Contents
- 1 Key Details About OAS Payments in 2025
- 2 Will OAS Payments Increase to $1,576 Per Month in March 2025?
- 3 OAS Payment Dates for 2025
- 4 Who Is Eligible for OAS in 2025?
- 5 Chart: Estimated OAS Payments Based on Age and Income
- 6 How to Apply for OAS
- 7 Strategies to Maximize Your OAS Benefits
- 8 OAS Clawback: Will You Lose Benefits?
- 9 Conclusion
Key Details About OAS Payments in 2025
| CATEGORY | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Rumored OAS Raise | No confirmed increase to $1,576/month |
| Maximum OAS Payment (Ages 65–74) | Up to$727.67/month |
| Maximum OAS Payment (Ages 75+) | Up to$800.44/month |
| Next OAS Payment Date | March 27, 2025 |
| Other 2025 OAS Payment Dates | April 28, May 28, June 26, July 29, etc. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be 65+, Canadian citizen/legal resident, lived in Canada for 10+ years |
| Official Source | Government of Canada |
Also Read: March 2025 Canada Child Benefit – When Are Payments Coming?
Will OAS Payments Increase to $1,576 Per Month in March 2025?
There have been widespread rumors about a significant increase in OAS payments, suggesting seniors could receive $1,576 per month starting in March 2025 . However, these claims are not supported by official government announcements or documentation.
Current OAS Payment Amounts (2025)
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is adjusted quarterly based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) . As of January to March 2025 , the maximum OAS payments are:
- Ages 65 to 74: Up to $727.67/month
- Ages 75 and over: Up to $800.44/month
While these amounts may increase slightly due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), there is no confirmed jump to $1,576 per month . Seniors should rely on official updates from the Government of Canada for accurate information.
OAS Payment Dates for 2025
OAS payments are issued monthly, typically on the last business day of the month. Below is the official OAS payment schedule for 2025:
| MONTH | PAYMENT DATE |
|---|---|
| January | January 29, 2025 |
| February | February 26, 2025 |
| March | March 27, 2025 |
| April | April 28, 2025 |
| May | May 28, 2025 |
| June | June 26, 2025 |
| July | July 29, 2025 |
| August | August 27, 2025 |
| September | September 25, 2025 |
| October | October 29, 2025 |
| November | November 26, 2025 |
| December | December 22, 2025 |
Payments are delivered via direct deposit or cheque (if applicable). To check your OAS status, visit My Service Canada Account .
Who Is Eligible for OAS in 2025?
To qualify for OAS, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Age Requirement
- You must be at least 65 years old .
2. Residency
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your OAS pension is approved.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18.
3. For Those Outside Canada
- You may still qualify if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18.
4. Income Thresholds
- Higher-income seniors may receive reduced OAS payments due to the OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax) . If your annual income exceeds $90,997 (2024 threshold), your OAS pension will be gradually reduced by 15% of the excess amount .
- If your income reaches $148,179 or more, your OAS is fully clawed back.
Chart: Estimated OAS Payments Based on Age and Income
| AGE GROUP | MAXIMUM MONTHLY OAS (2025) | INCOME THRESHOLD FOR CLAWBACK | FULL CLAWBACK THRESHOLD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 65–74 | $727.67 | $90,997 | $148,179 |
| Ages 75+ | $800.44 | $90,997 | $148,179 |
How to Apply for OAS
If you’re eligible, you can apply for OAS up to 6 months before your 65th birthday through one of the following methods:
1. Online
- Apply via My Service Canada Account .
2. By Mail
- Submit a paper application to Service Canada .
3. In-Person
- Visit a Service Canada Centre for assistance.
Strategies to Maximize Your OAS Benefits
Here are some tips to ensure you receive the maximum OAS benefits:
1. Defer OAS Until Age 70
- Delaying your OAS payments until age 70 increases your monthly benefit by 0.6% per month (up to 36% higher than the standard amount).
2. Avoid OAS Clawbacks
- Consider strategies like:
- Income splitting with your spouse to reduce taxable income.
- Withdrawing funds from a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) instead of taxable accounts.
- Deferring OAS until age 70 to qualify for higher benefits.
3. Combine with Other Benefits
- Pair OAS with other programs like the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to maximize your retirement income.
Also Read: Is the Canada CPP Death Benefit Increasing by $5,000? Bill Proposal Explained!
OAS Clawback: Will You Lose Benefits?
The OAS Clawback (officially known as the OAS Recovery Tax ) reduces payments for high-income seniors. Here’s how it works:
- If your 2024 net income exceeds $90,997 , your OAS pension will be reduced by 15% of the excess amount .
- If your income reaches $148,179 or more, your OAS is fully clawed back.
To minimize the impact of the clawback, consider tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
Conclusion
While rumors of a $1,576/month OAS raise in March 2025 have sparked excitement among Canadian seniors, there is no official confirmation of such an increase. The current maximum OAS payments remain at $727.67/month for ages 65–74 and $800.44/month for ages 75+. Payments are issued monthly, with the next payment scheduled for March 27, 2025 .
Understanding the eligibility criteria, payment schedule, and strategies to maximize your benefits can help you make the most of the OAS program. For the latest updates, visit the official Government of Canada website and use tools like My Service Canada Account to track your payments.
