OAS Payment Dates 2026 — Full Schedule
OAS payments are issued on the same schedule as CPP — the third-to-last business day of each month. Direct deposit ensures same-day payment:
| Month | OAS Payment Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| January | January 29, 2026 |
| February | February 26, 2026 |
| March | March 27, 2026 |
| April | April 28, 2026 |
| May | May 27, 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 |
OAS Monthly Amounts for 2026
OAS is adjusted quarterly for inflation (Consumer Price Index). Amounts for January–March 2026:
| Benefit | Maximum Monthly (Jan–Mar 2026) | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| OAS pension (ages 65–74) | $727.67 | $8,732 |
| OAS pension (ages 75+, 10% increase) | $800.44 | $9,605 |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement — Single | $1,086.88 | $13,043 |
| GIS — Spouse/partner on OAS | $654.23 | $7,851 |
| GIS — Spouse/partner not on OAS | $1,086.88 | $13,043 |
| Allowance (ages 60–64) | $1,381.90 | $16,583 |
| Allowance for the Survivor | $1,647.34 | $19,768 |
Note: GIS is income-tested and is reduced if you have other income. OAS pension amounts update every quarter (January, April, July, October) based on CPI.
The 75+ OAS Increase: Are You Eligible?
Since July 2022, Canadians aged 75 and older automatically receive a 10% permanent increase to their OAS pension — no application required. If you turned 75 on or after July 1, 2022, the increase applies to you.
- Ages 65–74: $727.67/month (Jan–Mar 2026)
- Ages 75+: $800.44/month — the 10% boost is automatic
OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax) 2026
If your net income exceeds the OAS clawback threshold, Service Canada reduces your OAS pension. For 2026:
2026 OAS Clawback Thresholds
- Clawback begins: Net income above ~$93,454 (2026 estimate)
- Full OAS eliminated: Net income above ~$151,668 (ages 65–74)
- Recovery rate: 15 cents clawed back per dollar of income above threshold
- Reporting: Filed with your T1 tax return; repaid via monthly withholding or lump sum
Strategies to Reduce the OAS Clawback
- Withdraw RRSP/RRIF before age 65 — draw down your registered accounts before OAS starts to reduce future taxable income
- Income split with a spouse — pension income splitting can shift income below the threshold
- Delay OAS to age 70 — you receive a 36% increase (0.6%/month × 60 months), but with higher income each month
- Use TFSA income — TFSA withdrawals don't count as income for clawback purposes
Should You Delay OAS to Age 70?
You can defer OAS up to age 70 for a 0.6% increase per month of deferral. If you defer all 5 years (60 months), you receive 36% more per month:
- At 65: $727.67/month
- At 70: $989.63/month (36% more)
- Breakeven age: approximately 74–75
Deferring makes sense if you're healthy, still working, and don't need the income immediately. It's especially powerful combined with RRSP drawdown in your early 60s to reduce future OAS clawback risk.
GIS: The Hidden Benefit
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is the most underutilized senior benefit in Canada. It's paid on top of OAS to low-income seniors with no application barrier beyond your annual tax return. If your income is under ~$22,000 (single) or ~$29,000 (couple), you likely qualify.
Critical: You must file your income tax return every year to continue receiving GIS. Many seniors lose GIS benefits by not filing their taxes.
How to Apply for OAS
Service Canada automatically enrolls most Canadians for OAS — they'll send you a letter 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you don't receive a letter:
- Apply online at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions
- Apply by mail using Form ISP-3000
- Call Service Canada: 1-800-277-9914
Apply at least 6 months before you want to start receiving OAS.
Estimate Your Total Retirement Income
Combine your OAS with CPP to see your total government retirement income:
Disclaimer: OAS amounts are adjusted quarterly. Always verify current payment dates and amounts at canada.ca. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.