When October 2025 rolls around, many Canadia seniors will be looking forward not only to crisp autumn weather but also to their monthly Old Age Security (OAS) benefit arriving in their accounts.
This benefit helps millions of older Canadians maintain financial stability through regular, inflation-adjusted, taxable monthly payments.
In this deep-dive article, you’ll find all the exact dates, payment amounts, and eligibility changes you need to plan ahead—and ensure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.
October 2025 OAS Payment Date
The OAS payment for October 2025 is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. That’s the standard practice: payments are issued on the last business day of the month, making budgeting predictable and reliable.
What You’ll Receive- OAS Base Amounts for October 2025
For the July–September 2025 quarter, OAS received a 1% increase to reflect the latest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). That means for the October 2025 payment:
- Ages 65–74: Up to $734.95 per month
- Age 75 and older: Up to $808.45 per month (this includes the permanent 10% senior top-up introduced at age 75)
How Much Can You Get? The Breakdown
| Age Group | Monthly OAS (Base) | Additional Top-ups Possible |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | $734.95 | Possible OAS deferral bonus, partial pension if residency < 40 years |
| 75+ | $808.45 | Includes 10% top-up; further boosted by deferral options |
- Deferral Bonus: If you delay your first OAS payment after age 65, your monthly payment increases by 0.6% per month, up to a maximum of 36% (by age 70).
- Partial Pension: If you haven’t lived in Canada for the full 40 years after age 18, your pension is prorated by your years of residence (e.g., 20 years = 50% of full amount).
- Income Clawback: High-income seniors may see their OAS reduced or completely phased out if they exceed the recovery tax thresholds (e.g., approx. $148,500 for ages 65–74, slightly higher for 75+).
Eligibility Notes (October 2025)
To receive the October 2025 OAS payment:
- You must be 65 years or older, a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 (longer to receive full pension).
- To get the full payment, you typically need 40 years of residency after age 18.
- High-income earners may face OAS recovery tax if their net world income exceeds the threshold.
Why October 2025 Matters for Seniors
- October’s payment is the final quarter’s first installment following the July–September COLA, locking in fresh inflation increases.
- If you’re delaying your OAS start to boost future benefit amounts, you’ll want to calculate how much your deferral has enhanced your payout.
- Seniors approaching 75 will receive the 10% top-up starting in July of that year, making October an important marker in your benefit income chart.
Canada OAS October 2025 at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Date | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 |
| Base OAS (65–74) | $734.95/month |
| Base OAS (75+) | $808.45/month (incl. 10% top-up) |
| COLA Applied | 1% increase (July–September quarter) |
| Deferral Bonus | Up to 36% (0.6% per month, max by age 70) |
| Partial Pension Factor | Years of Canadian residence ÷ 40 |
| Recovery Tax Threshold | ~$148,500+ (65–74), higher for 75+ |
Pro Tips to Maximize Your OAS Income
- Check your Residency Years: Log into your Service Canada account to confirm how many qualifying years you’ve accrued—this determines full vs. partial OAS.
- Consider Deferral Strategy: Every month you defer past age 65 increases your payment by 0.6%, up to a 36% boost—valuable for long-term financial planning.
- Monitor Income Levels: If your income is near the clawback threshold, explore income-splitting or other strategies to reduce tax exposure.
- Stay Updated on COLA: OAS is adjusted quarterly based on CPI; October reflects those changes—watch for announcements in January, April, July, and October.
In October 2025, seniors across Canada will receive their Old Age Security payment—set precisely for October 29, 2025—reflecting the latest 1% COLA increase.
For those aged 65–74, that’s up to $734.95/month, and for those 75 and older, up to $808.45/month, including the 10% top-up.
Whether you’re just starting OAS at 65, strategically deferring it to boost your monthly income, or watching your income levels to avoid clawbacks, October’s payment is a critical checkpoint in your retirement planning.
Use the deferral and residency info to calculate your maximum benefit, keep an eye on your income bracket, and plan smartly to make the most of the OAS program—because every dollar counts.
FAQs
What if I just turned 75 by October 2025—will the 10% top-up apply immediately?
Yes. The 10% senior top-up is automatic starting in July once you turn 75. By October, your pension reflects that increased rate.
How much more can I get if I defer starting OAS?
You gain 0.6% per month deferred, up to 36% maximum (i.e., if you defer until age 70). Example: someone originally entitled to $735 could get up to roughly $1,000 per month at full deferral.
Will my OAS be reduced if I have other income?
Yes, if your net world income exceeds the federal clawback threshold (approx. $148,500 for those aged 65–74), part or all of your OAS may be recovered through taxation. The same applies to seniors 75+, with a slightly higher threshold.