For more than 7 million Canadians, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension is the foundation of retirement income. Alongside the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), it ensures seniors can manage daily expenses even during times of inflation and rising living costs.
For October 2025, the official OAS payment date is Wednesday, October 29, 2025 — the same day as the CPP deposit. This makes it one of the key autumn disbursements before the government reviews the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026.
As social policy analyst David Friesen from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives notes:
“The OAS payment isn’t just another cheque. It’s a symbol of stability for older Canadians who face increasing rent, food, and healthcare costs each winter. Knowing exactly when it’s coming helps millions plan their monthly budgets.”
Let’s unpack the payment schedule, eligibility, average amounts, and what’s coming next for seniors.
OAS Payment Dates October 2025: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Old Age Security (OAS) |
| Administered By | Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) |
| October 2025 Payment Date | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 |
| Payment Type | Direct deposit or mailed cheque |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Tax Status | Taxable benefit |
| Next Scheduled Payment | November 27, 2025 |
| COLA Adjustment Review | January 2026 |
| Official Portal | www.canada.ca/oas |
Interactive Tip: Mark October 29, 2025 in your digital calendar — OAS and CPP arrive together that day, ideal for balancing recurring expenses.
What is the Old Age Security Pension?
The Old Age Security (OAS) program is Canada’s largest public pension, funded through general tax revenues rather than individual contributions. Unlike CPP, you do not have to pay into OAS during your working years to qualify.
The OAS provides a monthly taxable payment to seniors aged 65 and over, and the amount is adjusted quarterly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect inflation.
Components of OAS
- Base OAS Pension – Monthly payment for eligible seniors aged 65+.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – For low-income seniors receiving OAS.
- Allowance & Allowance for the Survivor – For 60–64-year-old spouses or widowed individuals with limited income.
Expert Insight – Janet Lau, Senior Policy Advisor, ESDC:
“The OAS system provides predictable, inflation-protected income. Even small quarterly adjustments protect purchasing power and maintain the dignity of older Canadians living on fixed incomes.”
Eligibility for OAS Payment October 2025
To receive your October 2025 OAS payment, you must meet the eligibility requirements. Most seniors are enrolled automatically when they turn 65, but some need to apply.
| Eligibility Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 years or older as of October 2025 |
| Legal Status | Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time your application is approved |
| Residency | Lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 (40 years for full pension) |
| Application Method | Automatic if notified by Service Canada; otherwise, apply online or by mail |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit into Canadian or approved international bank account |
Interactive Note: Check your My Service Canada Account to confirm your OAS enrollment status and banking details before the next payment.
OAS Payment Calendar 2025
Here’s the complete OAS payment calendar for 2025, which aligns with the CPP payment schedule.
| Month (2025) | OAS Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 29 (Wednesday) |
| February | February 26 (Wednesday) |
| March | March 27 (Thursday) |
| April | April 29 (Tuesday) |
| May | May 29 (Thursday) |
| June | June 27 (Friday) |
| July | July 29 (Tuesday) |
| August | August 28 (Thursday) |
| September | September 27 (Saturday) – issued Sept 26 if banks closed |
| October | October 29 (Wednesday) |
| November | November 27 (Thursday) |
| December | December 20 (Saturday, early deposit before holidays) |
Pro Tip: OAS payments are consistent across Canada. If you’re abroad, confirm that your country has a social security agreement with Canada to continue receiving OAS.
OAS Payment Amounts for October 2025
The amount you receive depends on your age, residency years, and income level.
Estimated OAS Amounts (October 2025)
| Age Group | Maximum Monthly Payment | Average Monthly Payment | Income Threshold (Before Clawback) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65–74 years | $713.34 | $642 | $90,997 |
| 75+ years | $784.67 | $715 | $148,065 |
| GIS (Single)** | Up to $1,072.93 | $900 | N/A – income-tested |
| Allowance (60–64)** | Up to $1,350.66 | $1,000 | Household-based |
Reminder: The OAS clawback (OAS Recovery Tax) applies if your net annual income exceeds the threshold above — the excess amount is recovered at 15% through the tax system.
Expert Voice – Economist Victor Henry (Toronto School of Economics):
“With inflation cooling but not disappearing, OAS remains one of the most important anti-poverty tools for older Canadians, especially those without employer pensions.”
What to Do if You Don’t Receive Your October Payment?
Most OAS payments arrive on time, but if October 29, 2025 passes without a deposit:
- Wait one business day — some banks post payments overnight.
- Check your account for entries labeled ‘Canada OAS (PEN)’ or ‘ESDC OAS’.
- Verify your banking information in My Service Canada Account.
- Contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
Expert Tip: If you receive payments by cheque, allow up to 10 business days for mail delivery, especially in rural or remote areas.
Budgeting Tips for Seniors
- Check your OAS and CPP payment histories under My Service Canada Account.
- Compare your October 2025 deposit with July 2025’s to see if any COLA or GIS change occurred.
- If your income has dropped, apply for GIS reassessment immediately — you could qualify for higher payments before January 2026.
Other Related Programs to Boost Your OAS Income
| Program | Who Qualifies | How It Helps | Payment Date (Oct 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) | Low-income OAS recipients | Adds monthly top-up | October 29 (automatic with OAS) |
| Allowance | 60–64-year-olds with OAS spouse | Early income bridge | October 29 |
| Allowance for the Survivor | 60–64-year-old widows/widowers | Income-tested monthly aid | October 29 |
| CPP | 60+ contributors | Earnings-based pension | October 29 |
| GST/HST Credit | Low/moderate income | Quarterly credit | October 3, 2025 |
Policy Note:
Many seniors receive OAS, GIS, and CPP together, forming a steady monthly income cycle across federal benefits.
How to Check OAS Payment Online?
You can monitor your payments through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA):
- Go to www.canada.ca/oas.
- Sign in using GCKey or a Sign-In Partner (bank).
- Choose ‘Old Age Security (OAS)’ → ‘Payment Information’.
- View your October 2025 payment details and amount.
- Download statements for your tax or budgeting records.
Pro Tip: You can enroll for email alerts when OAS deposits are issued — perfect for those managing multiple accounts.
Final Takeaway
The OAS payment for October 2025 will be deposited on Wednesday, October 29, directly into bank accounts of eligible seniors. Stay proactive, verify your bank details, confirm enrollment, and track upcoming changes to your OAS or GIS benefits.
As the winter season approaches, this October payout helps ensure stability and comfort for millions of seniors — a cornerstone of Canada’s social security promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day will OAS be paid in October 2025?
The payment date is Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Is the OAS amount increasing in October 2025?
No. Increases happen during the quarterly CPI review or the annual COLA in January 2026.
Will I receive CPP and OAS on the same day?
Yes — both are scheduled for October 29, 2025.
How do I check my OAS status or payment amount?
Log in to My Service Canada Account → “Old Age Security” → “Payment Information.”
Can I receive OAS outside Canada?
Yes, if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18, or if your country has a social security agreement with Canada.
