Welcome to your definitive August 2025 guide on the Old Age Security (OAS) boost, featuring the eye-catching $1,860 monthly figure.
In this comprehensive breakdown, you’ll discover what that number really means, exact payment timing, eligibility criteria, and helpful insights for maximizing your income.
The Old Age Security (OAS) program is one of Canada’s most important retirement benefits, providing monthly income to eligible seniors.
In August 2025, many Canadians are looking forward to a boosted payment—with some low-income seniors set to receive up to $1,860 when OAS is combined with the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
This increase reflects recent inflation adjustments and the government’s commitment to supporting older adults with rising living costs.
In this article, we break down the exact August 2025 payment date, current benefit rates, eligibility requirements, and how you can make sure you’re receiving the maximum amount possible.
What’s Up With That $1,860 Figure?
On its own, OAS isn’t $1,860. That number comes from combining maximum OAS benefits with the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income single seniors.
Together, this combination can approach—or even exceed—the mid-$1,800s for those aged 65–74, and near or above $1,900 for seniors 75+.
August 2025 OAS Payment Date
- Deposit Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
- Method: Direct deposit ensures fast delivery; cheques may take a few additional business days.
Boost from Indexation
- OAS is adjusted every three months based on inflation.
- For July–September 2025, OAS has increased by +1.0%, boosting payouts to reflect current cost of living.
OAS Maximum Rates for August 2025
- Ages 65–74: $734.95 per month
- Ages 75 and up: $808.45 per month (includes automatic 10% senior boost)
Actual payments may be lower if a senior has fewer than 40 years of Canadian residence after age 18.
GIS for Low-Income Seniors
- Single seniors (low income): up to $1,097.75 per month
- Couples, each spouse may receive up to $660.78, depending on household income.
GIS is means-tested: the less your other income, the higher your GIS payment—up to the maximum.
Total Potential Payouts at a Glance
Here’s a quick reference table for August 2025:
Scenario (August 2025) | OAS Max / month | GIS Max / month | Estimated Total / month |
---|---|---|---|
Single, aged 65–74 | $734.95 | $1,097.75 | $1,832.70 |
Single, aged 75+ | $808.45 | $1,097.75 | $1,906.20 |
Couple (each low-income) | $734.95 / $808.45 | $660.78 each | Varies by total income |
These totals highlight how the $1,860-ish figure is achievable when combining maximum OAS + GIS for low-income individuals—not the amount every senior receives.
Eligibility
- ** OAS starts at age 65**
- At 75 and older, you automatically receive a 10% OAS boost
- ** Full OAS** requires 40 years of Canadian residence after age 18—fewer years means reduced benefits
- ** GIS is income-tested**, so the less other income you have, the closer you get to the maximum benefit
OAS Recovery Tax
- If your net world income exceeds a certain threshold, OAS may be partially or fully recovered through taxation.
- For the July 2025–June 2026 payment year, the threshold is around $91,000. Income above that triggers a 15% repayment on excess—so high-income seniors may see reduced OAS.
Payment Logistics & Financial Planning Tips
- ** Payments happen at month-end**—August’s arrives on August 27
- Prefer direct deposit to avoid delays from mailed cheques
- OAS is indexed quarterly—it’ll never drop, even if inflation eases
- If your current-year income drops (due to job loss, retirement, etc.), ask Service Canada to reassess your GIS using projected income to possibly increase your benefit sooner
Key Figures at a Glance
- OAS (65–74): $734.95/month
- OAS (75+): $808.45/month
- GIS (single, max): $1,097.75/month
- GIS (each, couple): up to $660.78/month
- August 2025 Payment Date: August 27, 2025
- Indexation Rate: +1.0% (July–September quarter)
- Clawback Threshold (2025 year): ~$91,000 annual income, at 15% repayment rate
If you saw that “$1,860 OAS” headline, remember it’s an aggregate figure—maximum OAS + GIS for a low-income single senior. The reality is that OAS alone pays around $735 (65–74) or $808 (75+) this quarter.
Adding maximum GIS can push totals into the mid-$1,800s or higher.
August 27, 2025 is your payday. Whether you receive the full amount depends on your residency, income, and whether you qualify for GIS. Seniors with incomes above the threshold may face clawback, reducing benefits.
If your income has recently dropped, request a GIS reassessment—you may qualify for more. Stay informed, track your payment schedule, and make sure you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.
FAQs
Does every senior get $1,860 in August 2025?
No—only low-income single seniors receiving maximum OAS and maximum GIS reach that figure. Most seniors get less, depending on income and residency.
When will the August 2025 OAS/GIS be paid?
Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Direct deposit gives the fastest access. If you’re on mailed cheques, expect a slight delay.
Will OAS be reduced if I earn too much?
Yes—if your annual net income exceeds around $91,000, you may face a 15% clawback on the excess amount, reducing or erasing your OAS benefit.