The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is one of the three main retirement income sources for seniors in Canada.
Like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), OAS is paid out to eligible recipients monthly, with direct deposits hitting your bank account on specific dates.
Read on to learn about OAS payment dates and amounts for 2024.
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OAS Payment Dates 2024
Your OAS pension benefit is paid into your bank account on these dates in 2024:
- January 29, 2024
- February 27, 2024
- March 26, 2024
- April 26, 2024
- May 29, 2024
- June 26, 2024
- July 29, 2024
- August 28, 2024
- September 25, 2024
- October 29, 2024
- November 27, 2024
- December 20, 2024
If you haven’t yet set up a direct deposit and are currently getting your benefits by cheque, it may arrive on or after these dates.
Note that the Federal government is switching from cheques to direct deposit for all payments and benefits.
You can set up direct payments to a bank in Canada by calling 1-800-277-9914 or online through your My Service Canada Account.
For foreign banks, complete the foreign direct deposit enrolment form.
Here is a breakdown of CPP payment dates.
How Much To Expect For OAS in 2024
The maximum monthly OAS payment in 2024 is $713.34 (age 65 to 74) and $784.67 (age 75 and over).
This amount is revised every quarter in January, April, July, and October to account for increases in the cost of living.
For example, the OAS amount increased for the January to March 2024 quarter to reflect an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Old Age Security (OAS) in Canada
Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly pension payment available to most seniors from age 65.
It is designed to help seniors meet their retirement income needs and offers supplemental benefits (Guaranteed Income Supplement) to low-income retirees.
Unlike the CPP, you don’t need to make any contributions during your working years to qualify for the OAS pension.
Eligibility for OAS Payments
To qualify for the OAS, you must be at least 65 years of age and a resident of Canada at the time your application is approved. You must also have lived in Canada for at least ten years.
OAS recipients living abroad may qualify if they meet the age requirement and were citizens or legal residents before leaving Canada.
They must also have lived in Canada for at least 20 years since the age of 18.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still qualify for OAS if you lived in a country with a social security agreement with Canada and contributed to that country’s social security system.
OAS Clawback Explained
Your OAS pension amount is clawed back at a rate of 15% when your income exceeds a threshold ($81,761 for July 2023 to June 2024 payment period).
Also, for July 2023 to June 2024 payment period, you don’t qualify for OAS if your annual income exceeds $142,609 (age 65-74) or $148,179 (age 75 and over).
Learn more about the OAS recovery tax (aka OAS clawback).
How OAS is Calculated
You receive the full OAS pension amount if you have lived in Canada for at least 40 years since turning 18.
If you have lived in Canada for less than 40 years as an adult, you get a partial benefit based on how long you have resided in Canada.
For example, if you lived in Canada for 30 years after age 18, you get 30/40th of the maximum benefit, which is equivalent to $535 (i.e. $713.34 x 75%).
You can increase the OAS pension amount you qualify for by delaying your first payment past age 65.
OAS pension can be deferred for up to 5 years until age 70. For every month you delay, your pension payment increases by 0.60% for a maximum increase of 36% by age 70.
How To Apply For OAS
Service Canada may automatically enroll you for OAS or send you a letter asking you to apply.
If you haven’t received notification that you are enrolled after turning 64, you can apply online through My Service Canada Account or complete the paper application (Form ISP-3550) and mail it to the nearest Service Canada Centre.
For questions about your OAS benefit, contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 or TTY at 1-800-255-4786.
Is OAS Taxable?
OAS pension benefits are taxable, and you should report them on your annual income tax return.
The tax you pay depends on your income tax bracket. You can ask the CRA to withhold taxes at the source every month or pay quarterly.
Here are more details about OAS taxation.
Old Age Security Supplement
Lower-income seniors may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This tax-free monthly benefit increases their income so they can afford day-to-day living expenses.
The maximum monthly GIS amount in 2024 is $1,065.47, and GIS payments vary based on your marital status and income.
Seniors aged 60-64 years who are married (or common-law partners) to a GIS recipient may qualify for the Allowance benefit.
The maximum Allowance amount in 2024 is $1,354.69.
Lastly, if you are a low-income senior between the ages of 60 and 64 and your partner or spouse has died, you may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor benefit.
The maximum Allowance for the Survivor amount in 2024 is $1,614.89.
Is OAS Increasing in 2024?
The OAS payment amount is increasing in 2024. There is a 0.80% increase in the monthly OAS pension based on quarterly indexation to the CPI (for the January-March payment period).
The OAS benefit is expected to increase in 2024 in April, July, and October based on increases in the cost of living. OAS clawback cut-offs will also increase in 2024.
OAS Payment FAQ
What day does OAS get deposited?
OAS pension payments are usually paid to your bank account in the last week of each month, except for December. OAS cheques are sent out a bit earlier, so you receive them around the same time.
How much is the old age pension in Canada?
The maximum OAS payment amount in 2024 is $713.34 if you are aged 65 to 74 and $784.67 if you are 75 and older. If you defer OAS past age 65, your OAS benefit increases by 0.60% each month, for a maximum increase of up to 36%.
When do I get my first OAS payment?
Your first OAS pension is paid the month after you turn 65.
When is GIS paid?
GIS payments are deposited in your bank account in the last week of each month. The GIS payment dates for 2024 are January 29, February 27, March 26, April 26, May 29, June 26, July 29, August 28, September 25, October 29, November 27, and December 20, 2024.
On what dates are Canada pensions paid?
CPP and OAS are paid on the same monthly dates to your bank account via direct deposit.
What are the CPP payment dates in 2024?
CPP pension benefits are paid on the same day as the OAS. The CPP payment dates in 2024 areJanuary 29, February 27, March 26, April 26, May 29, June 26, July 29, August 28, September 25, October 29, November 27, and December 20.
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