Stick to the Facts
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Canada’s next Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments are officially scheduled for June 26, 2026. Millions of Canadian seniors will receive their monthly deposits on the same day as Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments, providing essential financial support to retirees across the country.
The June payment is particularly important because it marks the final deposit under the April-to-June 2026 benefit rates. Beginning in July, OAS payments will increase following a new quarterly adjustment tied to inflation, while GIS benefits will also be recalculated based on seniors’ 2025 income tax returns.
For many retirees, OAS and GIS represent a major portion of their monthly income. Depending on age, income level, and household status, some seniors may receive more than $1,850 per month through these combined federal benefits.
This comprehensive guide explains how OAS and GIS work, who qualifies, how much beneficiaries can receive in June 2026, the upcoming July increase, OAS clawback rules, payment dates, application procedures, and steps to take if a payment does not arrive.
Understanding Old Age Security (OAS)
Old Age Security is one of Canada’s largest retirement benefit programs. Administered by Service Canada, OAS provides monthly pension payments to eligible Canadians aged 65 and older.
Unlike the Canada Pension Plan, OAS is not based on employment history or contributions made during a person’s working years. Canadians do not pay into OAS through payroll deductions. Instead, the program is funded through general federal tax revenues.
Eligibility is primarily determined by age and the number of years a person has lived in Canada after turning 18.
To receive a partial OAS pension, individuals generally need at least 10 years of Canadian residence after age 18. Those who have accumulated 40 years of residence after age 18 qualify for the full OAS pension.
One of the most important features of OAS is that payment rates are adjusted four times each year. These quarterly adjustments occur in January, April, July, and October and are linked to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This system helps protect seniors from rising living costs by ensuring benefits keep pace with inflation.
Another significant protection is that OAS rates cannot decrease even if inflation falls. This safeguard ensures retirees never see their pension reduced because of temporary economic fluctuations.
What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is an additional monthly payment available to low-income seniors who already receive OAS benefits.
GIS is designed to help older Canadians with limited income meet everyday expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs.
Unlike OAS, GIS benefits are non-taxable. Eligible seniors receive GIS in addition to their monthly OAS pension.
A single senior with little or no other income can receive up to $1,109.85 per month in GIS payments. When combined with the maximum OAS pension for individuals aged 65 to 74, total monthly benefits can reach approximately $1,852.90.
GIS amounts are income-tested. As income rises, benefits gradually decrease. The general reduction rate is $1 of GIS lost for every $2 of income earned from sources other than OAS.
The federal government recalculates GIS payments every July based on information reported on income tax returns. As a result, filing taxes on time is crucial. Failure to submit a tax return can result in suspended GIS payments until income information is provided.
Additional Benefits Available Through the OAS Program
The OAS system includes additional support programs for lower-income Canadians between ages 60 and 64.
The Allowance
The Allowance provides financial assistance to individuals whose spouse or common-law partner receives GIS benefits.
Eligible recipients can receive up to $1,411.13 per month.
Allowance for the Survivor
Widowed individuals between ages 60 and 64 may qualify for the Allowance for the Survivor.
This benefit can provide monthly payments of up to $1,682.15.
These programs help bridge the financial gap before recipients become eligible for OAS at age 65.
Who Qualifies for OAS Benefits?
To receive OAS, individuals must satisfy several eligibility requirements.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 65 years old.
Residency Requirement
Those living in Canada must have accumulated at least 10 years of residence in the country after age 18.
Individuals residing outside Canada generally need at least 20 years of Canadian residence after age 18 to continue receiving OAS payments abroad.
Citizenship or Legal Status
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or legal residents when their application is approved.
International Social Security Agreements
Canada has social security agreements with more than 60 countries. These agreements may allow periods of residence or contributions in another country to help satisfy minimum eligibility requirements.
Who Qualifies for GIS?
GIS eligibility depends on both OAS entitlement and income.
Applicants must already be receiving OAS benefits and must reside in Canada.
Income thresholds vary depending on household circumstances.
For 2026, a single senior generally qualifies if annual income, excluding OAS, is below $22,512.
Couples where both partners receive OAS may qualify if their combined annual income remains below $29,760.
Sponsored immigrants face special restrictions. In most provinces, GIS is generally unavailable during the sponsorship period, which can extend for up to 20 years.
Individuals who choose to delay OAS benefits are also unable to receive GIS during the deferral period.
Maximum OAS and GIS Amounts for June 2026
The following maximum monthly benefit amounts apply for the April-to-June 2026 quarter.
OAS Pension for Ages 65 to 74
Maximum monthly payment: $743.05
OAS Pension for Ages 75 and Older
Maximum monthly payment: $817.36
The higher amount reflects the permanent 10 percent increase introduced for seniors aged 75 and over.
GIS for Single, Widowed, or Divorced Seniors
Maximum monthly payment: $1,109.85
GIS for Couples
Maximum monthly payment: $668.08 per person when a spouse receives full OAS.
Allowance
Maximum monthly payment: $1,411.13
Allowance for the Survivor
Maximum monthly payment: $1,682.15
Not every recipient receives the maximum amount. OAS pensions are prorated based on years of Canadian residence.
For example, someone who lived in Canada for 20 years after age 18 would generally qualify for half of the maximum OAS benefit.
Employment Income Exemptions for GIS Recipients
Many seniors continue working part-time during retirement. GIS rules contain earnings exemptions that help recipients maintain benefits.
The first $5,000 of annual employment or self-employment income is fully exempt.
Additionally, 50 percent of the next $10,000 earned is exempt from GIS calculations.
These exemptions allow seniors to supplement their retirement income without immediately losing GIS eligibility.
Complete OAS and GIS Payment Schedule for 2026
The federal government deposits OAS, GIS, and CPP benefits on the same dates each month.
January 28, 2026
February 25, 2026
March 27, 2026
April 28, 2026
May 27, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 29, 2026
August 27, 2026
September 25, 2026
October 28, 2026
November 26, 2026
December 22, 2026
The December payment is issued earlier than usual to ensure seniors receive funds before the holiday season.
Retirees should be aware that the gap between the December payment and the next January payment is typically the longest of the year, lasting approximately five weeks.
Should You Delay OAS Benefits?
Canadians have the option to postpone receiving OAS after turning 65.
For every month benefits are delayed, OAS increases by 0.6 percent.
This enhancement accumulates to a maximum increase of 36 percent if benefits are postponed until age 70.
A senior qualifying for the maximum OAS amount could potentially receive more than $1,000 per month after fully deferring benefits.
Advantages of Deferring OAS
Higher lifetime monthly payments.
Greater income security later in retirement.
Potentially larger survivor benefits.
Disadvantages of Deferring OAS
No OAS income between ages 65 and 70.
No eligibility for GIS during the deferral period.
Delayed access to government retirement support.
Deferral is generally most beneficial for individuals with alternative income sources who expect to live well into their later retirement years.
Understanding the OAS Clawback in 2026
The OAS recovery tax, commonly known as the clawback, affects higher-income retirees.
The government reduces OAS benefits when annual net world income exceeds specified thresholds.
For 2026, the clawback begins at $95,323 for seniors aged 65 to 74.
Benefits are reduced by 15 cents for every dollar of income above the threshold.
Full repayment of OAS occurs at approximately $154,753 for seniors aged 65 to 74.
For individuals aged 75 and older, complete repayment occurs around $160,696 because of their larger pension amount.
The recovery tax is not collected as a lump sum. Instead, reductions are spread evenly across monthly OAS payments throughout the year.
July 2026 OAS Increase Confirmed
Beginning July 1, 2026, OAS benefits will rise by approximately 1.2 percent.
This increase represents the largest quarterly adjustment of the year.
Projected OAS Amounts for July to September 2026
Ages 65 to 74: approximately $751.97 per month
Ages 75 and older: approximately $827.17 per month
Final figures will be officially published by Service Canada at the beginning of the new quarter.
GIS Recalculation Coming in July 2026
July is significant for GIS recipients because annual recalculations occur at that time.
Service Canada reviews 2025 income tax returns and adjusts GIS benefits accordingly.
Seniors whose income declined in 2025 may see larger GIS payments beginning in July.
Conversely, those whose income increased could experience lower GIS benefits.
Anyone who has not filed a 2025 tax return risks having GIS payments suspended until income information becomes available.
How to Apply for OAS and GIS
Many Canadians are automatically enrolled in OAS.
Individuals who qualify for automatic enrollment typically receive notification from Service Canada after turning 64.
If automatic enrollment does not occur, an application must be submitted.
Applying Online
Applicants can apply through their My Service Canada Account.
Applying by Mail
Paper applications can be completed and submitted directly to Service Canada.
Recommended Application Timing
Applicants should apply at least six months before they wish benefits to begin.
Processing times can vary, and early applications help avoid payment delays.
Documents Required
Social Insurance Number
Proof of Canadian residency
Recent tax information
Identification documents when requested
What to Do if Your OAS or GIS Payment Is Missing
Most payments arrive through direct deposit on the scheduled payment date.
If funds do not appear, the first step is verifying the official payment calendar.
Recipients receiving paper cheques should generally wait five to ten business days after the scheduled payment date before reporting a problem.
Check Your Banking Information
Incorrect direct deposit information is one of the most common causes of delayed payments.
Review account details through My Service Canada Account to ensure all information is current.
Confirm Tax Filing Status
For GIS recipients, delayed or unprocessed tax returns can interrupt benefits.
Checking CRA records can help determine whether tax-related issues are affecting payments.
Contact Service Canada
If all information is accurate and payments remain missing after the recommended waiting period, beneficiaries should contact Service Canada directly for assistance.
Final Thoughts
The June 26, 2026 OAS and GIS payment is an important milestone for Canadian seniors because it represents the final payment before July’s benefit adjustments take effect.
With a confirmed 1.2 percent OAS increase arriving in July and annual GIS recalculations based on 2025 income, many retirees could see noticeable changes in their monthly deposits beginning July 29, 2026.
For low-income seniors, GIS continues to provide critical financial assistance that can significantly increase monthly retirement income. Meanwhile, OAS remains a cornerstone of Canada’s retirement system, offering stable and inflation-protected support to millions of older Canadians.