Seniors Could Get Extra OAS Money in April: As we head into spring 2025, many Canadian seniors are asking: “Will I get extra OAS money in April 2025?” The short answer is—possibly, depending on your age, residency history, and income level. The Old Age Security (OAS) program, a foundational element of Canada’s retirement income system, continues to support millions of seniors through monthly payments that are tied to inflation and adjusted by age.
For many seniors, this question isn’t just about a few extra dollars—it’s about managing a fixed income in an environment where food prices, rent, and healthcare expenses continue to rise. If you’re already receiving OAS or are about to turn 65, it’s crucial to understand how this program works, what changes (if any) are coming in April 2025, and how you can make sure you’re receiving the full amount you’re entitled to. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements to tips for maximizing your payments.
Seniors Could Get Extra OAS Money in April
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| OAS April 2025 Payment | No increase this quarter; rates remain the same as January-March 2025 |
| Monthly OAS (Age 65-74) | $727.67 |
| Monthly OAS (Age 75+) | $800.44 |
| Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) | Reviewed quarterly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) |
| GIS Status (April 2025) | No change for April-June 2025 |
| OAS Eligibility | Age 65+, legal resident/citizen, lived in Canada for 10+ years after age 18 |
| Official Website | OAS Info – Canada.ca |
Although there’s no new OAS boost for April 2025, understanding your current entitlements, ensuring your information is up to date, and exploring options like GIS and delayed OAS can go a long way in maximizing your retirement income. The financial landscape may not change every quarter, but that doesn’t mean your strategy shouldn’t evolve.
Stay informed, check your eligibility regularly, and consult a professional when necessary. The more you know about how Old Age Security works, the better you can position yourself for a secure and dignified retirement.
What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly benefit paid to eligible Canadians aged 65 and older. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), you don’t need to have worked or made contributions to receive OAS. Instead, it’s funded through general federal tax revenues and designed to provide a modest but reliable base income for seniors in retirement.
OAS plays a critical role in Canada’s three-part retirement system, which also includes the CPP and personal savings vehicles like RRSPs and TFSAs. Combined, these elements help ensure Canadians have a mix of public and private income sources in retirement. OAS is especially crucial for low- and moderate-income seniors who may not have contributed enough to CPP or saved significantly through private accounts.
This benefit is adjusted quarterly to keep pace with inflation, and extra supports such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are available for seniors with low income.
What Happened in April 2025?
For the April to June 2025 quarter, the Government of Canada confirmed that there would be no change to OAS or GIS payment amounts. This decision follows a quarterly review of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation. Since the CPI remained steady in the previous quarter, payment amounts for OAS and GIS will remain unchanged.
While that may sound disappointing, it’s worth noting that the current benefit levels are still historically high. Seniors aged 75 and older continue to receive a 10% permanent increase in OAS payments—an enhancement introduced in July 2022 to help older seniors cope with longer life expectancy and rising living costs.
For seniors managing tight budgets, the continuation of these higher amounts—though not increased in April—offers some stability and predictability in uncertain economic times.
Who Is Eligible for OAS?
The eligibility requirements for OAS are relatively straightforward, but it’s important to understand the details so you don’t miss out.
Age Requirement
- You must be 65 years or older.
Legal Status
- You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
Residency Requirement
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 to qualify for a partial pension.
- To qualify for the full OAS pension, you must have lived in Canada for 40 years after age 18.
Even if you’ve moved abroad, you may still be eligible for OAS if you:
- Lived in Canada for 20+ years after age 18, or
- Qualify under a social security agreement between Canada and another country.
How Much OAS Can You Receive in 2025?
As of April 2025, the maximum monthly amounts are:
- $727.67 for those aged 65 to 74
- $800.44 for those aged 75 and older
These amounts are reviewed every quarter and adjusted based on the CPI. OAS payments can increase if inflation rises but cannot decrease, offering a form of protection against economic volatility.
However, it’s important to remember that OAS payments are taxable income. If your annual net income exceeds a certain threshold, a portion—or all—of your benefit may be subject to a clawback under the OAS Recovery Tax.
Understanding the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
If your income is low and you’re already receiving OAS, you may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This program provides an additional, non-taxable monthly benefit to seniors who need extra financial help.
GIS Income Thresholds for 2025:
- Single seniors: annual income under $21,624
- Married/common-law (both receive OAS): income under $28,560
- Married/common-law (only one receives OAS): income under $51,840
Like OAS, GIS is reviewed quarterly but remained unchanged in April 2025. GIS is designed to supplement income, so even small amounts from CPP or employment can affect eligibility. It’s important to report income changes to Service Canada promptly to avoid overpayments.
Seniors Could Get Extra OAS Money in April Apply for OAS Guide
- Determine If You’re Automatically Enrolled: About six months before your 65th birthday, Service Canada may send you a letter indicating whether you’ve been automatically enrolled. If you receive this letter, you do not need to apply.
- Apply Online or By Mail (If Needed):
- If you haven’t received a letter:
- Visit My Service Canada Account
- Submit an application online or download and mail the form.
- Choose When to Start Receiving OAS:
- You can begin receiving OAS at age 65, or delay up to age 70.
- For each month you delay, your payment increases by 0.6%—up to a maximum 36% increase at age 70.
- Set Up or Update Direct Deposit:
- This ensures you receive payments quickly and securely.
- Direct deposit is especially useful if you live abroad.
OAS Recovery Tax: What High-Income Seniors Need to Know
If your net annual income is above $90,997 (for 2025), you may need to repay part or all of your OAS through the Recovery Tax.
- The repayment rate is 15 cents per dollar of income above the threshold.
- Full repayment happens at approximately $148,000 in annual income.
Tips to Reduce or Avoid OAS Clawback:
- Use TFSAs instead of RRSPs for tax-free income.
- Consider pension income splitting with your spouse.
- Work with a financial advisor to plan tax-efficient withdrawals.
Why April 2025 Still Matters for Seniors
Even though OAS and GIS payments didn’t increase this quarter, April remains a smart time to re-evaluate your finances:
- Check your eligibility for OAS and GIS.
- Review your income and how it may impact your benefits.
- Update your banking information for direct deposit.
- Use tools like the Retirement Income Calculator to forecast your benefits.
This is also a good opportunity to explore provincial senior benefits, such as Ontario’s GAINS or BC’s Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), which can work alongside federal programs.
FAQs On Seniors Could Get Extra OAS Money in April
Will I get a $500 OAS bonus in April 2025?
No. That one-time payment was issued in 2021. There is no extra payment in April 2025.
Do I need to reapply for OAS every year?
No. Once you are approved, payments continue automatically.
Can I get OAS if I live outside of Canada?
Yes, if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18 or qualify under an international agreement.
How do I know how much I’ll receive?
Check your My Service Canada Account or contact Service Canada for an estimate.
When are OAS payments issued?
Payments are made monthly, typically around the third to last business day of each month.
