The Old Age Security (OAS) program is one of the cornerstones of Canada’s retirement system. With rising costs and a growing senior population, it’s no surprise that many Canadians are hoping for bigger OAS payments in 2025. In fact, one headline making the rounds claims that a $2,100 OAS payment is coming in June 2025—but is that true?
Let’s break it all down: what OAS is, how payments work, what’s changing (if anything), and whether seniors should expect a major windfall this summer.
Overview
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| OAS Monthly Amount (2023–2025) | Around $1,200 for full eligibility |
| Rumored June 2025 Payment | $2,100 – Not confirmed or supported by government sources |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly, not quarterly (Updated from previous outdated info) |
| OAS Eligibility | 65+ years old, Canadian citizen/resident, 10+ years residency |
| Clawback Threshold (2023) | Starts at $81,761 in annual income |
| Official Info Source | Government of Canada – OAS Page |
What Is the Old Age Security (OAS) Program?
The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment available to eligible Canadians aged 65 and older. Unlike the CPP, OAS doesn’t depend on your work history or contributions. Instead, it’s based on how long you’ve lived in Canada after turning 18.
You could qualify for a full monthly amount if you’ve lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18. If you’ve lived here less than that, your payment is pro-rated.
$2,100 OAS Payment in June
Let’s get right to it: there is no official $2,100 OAS payment planned for June 2025. This claim is most likely based on misinformation or misinterpretation of recent benefit increases and budget speculation.
The federal government has not announced any such payment. In fact:
- The maximum OAS amount as of early 2025 is about $800.44/month for those 75 and older and $727.67/month for those aged 65–74.
- A sudden jump to $2,100/month would be a 160%+ increase, which would require new legislation and a massive federal budget shift.
There is no official legislation, press release, or budget confirmation supporting this rumor.
What Increases Are Actually Happening?
OAS benefits are typically adjusted quarterly based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For example, in 2023, seniors saw a 6.3% increase, reflecting cost-of-living rises.
But these increases are incremental, not dramatic. Here’s what you might expect in 2025:
- Modest quarterly increases based on inflation
- Possibly small enhancements for specific low-income groups or age tiers (e.g., those 75+)
How Are OAS Payments Calculated?
Several factors affect how much you’ll receive:
1. Residency in Canada
- Full benefit: Lived in Canada for 40+ years after age 18
- Partial benefit: Minimum 10 years of residence
2. Income Level
- If your annual income exceeds $81,761, the OAS recovery tax (clawback) kicks in
- Clawback rate is 15% of income above that threshold
3. Age Group
- 65–74 years: Up to $727.67/month
- 75+ years: Up to $800.44/month (as of Q1 2025)
OAS Payment Frequency
Contrary to some reports, OAS is paid monthly, not quarterly. Payment dates in 2025 include:
- May 29, 2025
- June 26, 2025
- July 29, 2025
All payments are direct deposited if your banking info is on file. Otherwise, they’ll arrive by mail.
Will OAS Ever Be $2,100?
In the future? Possibly—but not in the immediate term. A boost to $2,100/month would require:
- A major overhaul of the OAS system
- Federal budget approval
- Legislative amendments
At this time, there’s no indication that such a dramatic change is coming. Seniors should be cautious of viral posts or misinformation not sourced from official government channels.
Other Federal Support
If your income is low, you may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which stacks on top of OAS.
GIS Maximum Monthly Amount (2025):
- Single seniors: Up to $1,086.88/month
- Married/common-law (both receiving OAS): Up to $654.23/month each
Together with OAS, this can bring a senior’s total income to over $1,800/month, which might explain confusion around the $2,100 rumor.
How to Maximize
Here are practical ways to make sure you get what you’re entitled to:
- Apply early: Apply 6 months before you turn 65
- Check your Service Canada account for updates
- Update your address and banking details to avoid delays
- Know the clawback and manage taxable income accordingly
- Use tax planning tools like RRSP withdrawals after age 71 or pension income splitting
FAQs
Is the $2,100 OAS payment confirmed?
No. There’s no official announcement or approval for such a payment.
What is the current max OAS payment?
Up to $800.44/month for seniors aged 75+, as of early 2025.
When are OAS payments sent?
Monthly—usually around the last week of each month.
Does OAS depend on income?
No, but high earners may face clawbacks starting at $81,761/year.
Can I get more support beyond OAS?
Yes. Low-income seniors may also qualify for GIS and provincial top-ups.
