Stick to the Facts
Add Nbsla.ca as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results.
Canadian seniors are set to receive a slightly higher Old Age Security payment this month, with deposits scheduled for April 28, 2026. The increase may look small, but it reflects ongoing cost-of-living adjustments that continue to impact retirement income across the country.
What Is Old Age Security and Who Manages It?
Old Age Security is one of Canada’s core retirement income programs, providing monthly payments to eligible seniors aged 65 and older. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan, OAS does not depend on employment history or contributions. Instead, eligibility is based on age, legal status, and how long a person has lived in Canada.
The program is administered by Service Canada, which typically enrolls individuals automatically and sends confirmation before payments begin. OAS income is taxable and must be reported on annual tax returns.
New CPP and OAS Payments Coming April 28 With Higher Amounts
April 2026 Increase: What Changed?
Starting in April, OAS payments increased by 0.1 percent for the April to June quarter. While modest, this adjustment reflects a 2.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
These quarterly changes are tied to inflation through the Consumer Price Index, ensuring that seniors’ benefits keep pace with rising living costs. The next update is expected in July 2026.
Updated OAS Payment Amounts for April to June 2026
Here are the maximum monthly amounts seniors can expect this quarter:
- Ages 65 to 74: $743.05
- Ages 75 and over: $817.36
Additional benefits are available for lower-income seniors:
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (single): $1,108.74
- GIS (partner receives OAS): $667.41
- Allowance: $1,409.76
- Allowance for the Survivor: $1,681.69
Actual payments vary depending on income and years of residence in Canada. To receive the full OAS pension, individuals must have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18. Partial payments are available with a minimum of 10 years of residency.
Who Qualifies for the April Payment?
To receive OAS in April 2026, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 65 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
Income thresholds also apply:
- Ages 65 to 74: under $148,451
- Ages 75 and over: under $154,196
Seniors living outside Canada may still qualify if they lived in the country for at least 20 years as adults before leaving.
What to Do If You’re Not Enrolled
Most Canadians are automatically enrolled around age 64. However, if no confirmation has been received, individuals can apply through the Service Canada online portal or by submitting a paper application.
It’s important to note that benefits like the Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor require separate applications.
Extra Support Through GIS
The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional monthly support to low-income seniors receiving OAS. Eligibility depends on income thresholds, which are reviewed regularly.
For April 2026, the approximate income limits are:
- Single seniors: below $22,512
- Couples (both on OAS): below $29,712
- Couples (one receiving Allowance): below $41,616
- Couples (one not receiving OAS): below $53,952
When Will You Get Paid?
The April OAS payment is scheduled for April 28, 2026. Future payment dates for the rest of the year include:
- May 27
- June 26
- July 29
- August 27
- September 25
- October 28
- November 26
- December 22
Should You Delay Your OAS?
For those who don’t need immediate income, delaying OAS past age 65 can significantly increase monthly payments. The benefit grows by 0.6 percent for each month of delay, up to a maximum increase of 36 percent at age 70.
This strategy can be valuable for seniors looking to maximize long-term retirement income, especially if they expect to rely heavily on OAS in later years.