OAS is Canada’s universal retirement pension — but “universal” comes with conditions. The actual amount you receive depends on how long you lived in Canada, when you start collecting, and whether the clawback reduces your benefit.
Maximum OAS Pension in 2026
| Age Group | Monthly Maximum | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 65–74 | $727.67 | $8,732 |
| Ages 75+ | $800.44 | $9,605 |
The 10% increase at age 75 was introduced in 2022 and is permanent for all seniors 75 and older.
OAS is indexed quarterly to the Consumer Price Index — amounts are reviewed every January, April, July, and October and adjusted upward if inflation requires it.
Who Receives the Full Maximum?
To receive 100% of the maximum OAS:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 or older |
| Residency | 40+ years in Canada after age 18 |
| Canadian citizenship or legal resident status | At time of application |
| Apply on time | Or defer to increase |
If you have fewer than 40 years of Canadian residency after age 18, your OAS is prorated:
Partial OAS Formula:
OAS amount = (Years of residency ÷ 40) × Full OAS maximum
Partial OAS Examples
| Years of Canadian Residency | % of Maximum | Monthly Amount (65–74) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 years | 100% | $727.67 |
| 30 years | 75% | $545.75 |
| 20 years | 50% | $363.84 |
| 10 years | 25% | $181.92 |
Minimum: You need at least 10 years of residency after age 18 to qualify for any OAS while living in Canada (or 20 years if living outside Canada).
OAS Deferral: When Waiting Pays More
Like CPP, you can defer collecting OAS past age 65 to increase your monthly benefit.
| Deferral | Monthly Increase | Monthly Amount (65–74 base) |
|---|---|---|
| Start at 65 | 0% | $727.67 |
| Start at 66 | +7.2% | $780.07 |
| Start at 67 | +14.4% | $832.47 |
| Start at 68 | +21.6% | $884.86 |
| Start at 69 | +28.8% | $937.26 |
| Start at 70 (max deferral) | +36% | $989.63 |
You cannot defer past age 70.
Does Deferring OAS Make Sense?
| Situation | Defer Likely Worth It |
|---|---|
| Good health, family longevity | ✅ Yes |
| Income near or above clawback threshold at 65 | ✅ Yes — defer to reduce clawback years |
| Have other income to bridge the gap | ✅ Yes |
| Poor health or short life expectancy | ❌ Likely not |
| Need the income at 65 | ❌ Take it now |
The break-even for deferring to age 70 is approximately age 83–84 — if you live past that age, deferring gives you more money over your lifetime. See can you work while getting OAS and when to apply for OAS for decision scenarios.
OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax)
OAS is a universal benefit, but high-income seniors repay part or all of it through the OAS Recovery Tax.
| Income Level | OAS Impact |
|---|---|
| Below $90,997 | No clawback — full OAS |
| $90,997–$148,514 (65–74) | 15% recovery tax on income above threshold |
| Above ~$148,514 | Full OAS clawed back |
Calculation: If your net income is $110,997, you repay 15% of ($110,997 − $90,997) = 15% × $20,000 = $3,000 clawback per year ($250/month).
The clawback is assessed based on your prior year’s income and is paid through a reduction in your monthly OAS cheque.
OAS Clawback Threshold History
| Year | Clawback Starts At |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $86,912 |
| 2025 | $90,997 |
| 2026 | $90,997 |
OAS Payment Schedule 2026
OAS is paid on the third-to-last business day of each month. 2026 payment dates:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 29, 2026 |
| February | February 26, 2026 |
| March | March 27, 2026 |
| April | April 28, 2026 |
| May | May 28, 2026 |
| June | June 26, 2026 |
| July | July 29, 2026 |
| August | August 27, 2026 |
| September | September 25, 2026 |
| October | October 29, 2026 |
| November | November 26, 2026 |
| December | December 22, 2026 |
Other OAS Program Maximums (2026)
| Benefit | Monthly Maximum |
|---|---|
| OAS pension (65–74) | $727.67 |
| OAS pension (75+) | $800.44 |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (single) | $1,086.88 |
| GIS (couples, both receiving OAS) | $654.23 each |
| Allowance (60–64, low income) | $1,381.90 |
| Allowance for Survivor | $1,647.34 |
How to Apply for OAS
Service Canada auto-enrolls many Canadians at age 65. If you have not received an enrollment letter by age 64, apply through My Service Canada Account or by paper form (ISP-3000).
First year of OAS: what to expect
When you first receive OAS, Service Canada uses your income from two years prior to determine whether the OAS Recovery Tax will apply. In your first year of OAS, this means:
- If you retired in 2025 but your 2023 net income was high (still working), you may have OAS withholding in 2025–26
- Notify Service Canada if your income has dropped significantly and you believe excess withholding is being applied
- You can request a reduction in Recovery Tax withholding if your current-year income will be materially lower than the prior year used to calculate the deduction
CRA reconciles the final Recovery Tax amount on your T1 return each spring.