Who is eligible for Old Age Security?

OAS eligibility is based on age and Canadian residency rather than employment history. You generally need to be 65 or older and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 to qualify for a partial pension, or 40 years for the full pension.

What is the OAS clawback?

The OAS clawback, officially the OAS recovery tax, reduces your OAS payment once your net income passes an annually indexed threshold. High-income retirees can see their OAS reduced to zero above the upper threshold for their age group.

Can I delay OAS past 65?

Yes. You can delay OAS up to age 70, and your payment increases for each month you wait past 65. Whether delaying makes sense depends on your health, other income sources, and how close your income is to the clawback threshold.

Old Age Security (OAS) — Complete Guide 2026

Old Age Security (OAS) Hub

Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly benefit available to most Canadians aged 65 and older, funded through general tax revenue rather than direct contributions. Unlike CPP, your OAS eligibility depends on residency, not your work history, but higher-income retirees can see their OAS reduced through the recovery tax, commonly called the clawback.

Whether you need a high-level overview or details on a specific rule, explore our dedicated guides below:

Complete OAS Guide for Canadians — Our full breakdown of how OAS works, from eligibility to payment amounts.
Am I Eligible for OAS? — A 2026 eligibility checklist based on age and residency.
Old Age Security (OAS) Calculator — Estimate your monthly OAS payment.

Timing Your OAS

Topic	Guide
65 vs 70 Comparison	OAS at 65 vs 70
When to Submit Your Application	When Should I Apply for OAS?
Delaying for a Higher Payment	OAS Deferral Guide

The OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax)

The recovery tax is one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement income planning. These guides break down how it works and how to plan around it.

Topic	Guide
How the Clawback Works	OAS Clawback Guide
Current Thresholds	OAS Clawback Thresholds
Estimate Your Reduction	OAS Clawback Calculator

Payment Amounts, Taxes, and Working

Topic	Guide
The Maximum Payment	Maximum OAS Payment Amount
Why Your Payment Looks Low	Why Is My OAS Less Than the Maximum?
Tax Treatment	Is OAS Taxable in Canada?
Deposit Schedule	OAS Payment Dates 2026
Working in Retirement	How Much Can I Earn and Still Collect OAS?

For low-income seniors, OAS is often paired with the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to top up monthly income.

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