If you receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, knowing when your monthly payment will arrive can make budgeting easier and help you plan your finances. The Government of Canada issues OAS payments once each month, and most recipients receive their funds by direct deposit on the scheduled payment date.

In this guide, you’ll find the complete Old Age Security (OAS) payment dates for 2026, learn who qualifies for OAS, how much you may receive, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Old Age Security (OAS) Payment Dates for 2026

The official Old Age Security payment dates for 2026 are:

Month	OAS Payment Date
January	January 28, 2026
February	February 25, 2026
March	March 27, 2026
April	April 28, 2026
May	May 27, 2026
June	June 26, 2026
July	July 29, 2026
August	August 27, 2026
September	September 25, 2026
October	October 28, 2026
November	November 26, 2026
December	December 22, 2026

These payment dates also apply to:

• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Allowance
• Allowance for the Survivor

Payments are issued on the scheduled date, although mailed cheques may take several business days longer to arrive than direct deposits.

What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?

Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly pension paid by the Government of Canada to eligible seniors. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), OAS is not based on your employment history or contributions. Instead, eligibility is generally based on your age, legal status in Canada, and the length of time you have lived in Canada after turning 18.

Many Canadians receive both CPP and OAS during retirement because they are separate government benefit programs.

Who Qualifies for OAS?

To qualify for the Old Age Security pension while living in Canada, you generally must:

• Be at least 65 years old;
• Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident when your application is approved; and
• Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.

Individuals living outside Canada may also qualify if they meet additional residency requirements.

How Much Is the OAS Pension in 2026?

Old Age Security payments are reviewed every quarter and may increase based on inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Benefits never decrease because of deflation.

For the July to September 2026 quarter, the maximum monthly OAS pension is:

• Age 65 to 74: up to $751.97 per month
• Age 75 and older: up to $827.17 per month

Your actual payment may be lower depending on:

• Your years of Canadian residency;
• Whether you receive a partial pension; and
• Whether your income exceeds the OAS recovery tax (commonly known as the “clawback”) threshold.

Can You Delay Receiving OAS?

Yes.

You do not have to begin receiving OAS at age 65. You can delay your pension for up to 60 months (five years).

For every month you delay, your pension increases by approximately 0.6%, for a maximum increase of 36% if you wait until age 70. Delaying may be beneficial if you continue working or expect to be in a lower tax bracket later in retirement.

What Is the OAS Clawback?

Higher-income seniors may have to repay part or all of their Old Age Security pension through the OAS recovery tax, commonly referred to as the OAS clawback.

Whether the clawback applies depends on your annual net income. The applicable thresholds are updated each year by the Government of Canada. If your income exceeds the threshold, your OAS benefits may be reduced or eliminated.

What Time Does OAS Get Deposited?

If you receive your pension by direct deposit, your bank will generally post the payment on the official payment date.

The exact time varies by financial institution. Some banks make deposits available shortly after midnight, while others process government payments later in the morning.

If you receive a cheque by mail, allow additional time for delivery

What If Your OAS Payment Does Not Arrive?

If your payment has not arrived:

1. Confirm the official payment date.
2. Check your bank account if you use direct deposit.
3. Allow several business days if you receive payment by mail.
4. Contact Service Canada if your payment is still missing after the recommended waiting period.

The Government advises waiting 5 to 10 business days before reporting a missing payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OAS paid every month?

Yes. Eligible recipients receive Old Age Security once each month according to the Government of Canada’s official payment calendar.

Are OAS and CPP paid on the same day?

Yes. The Government of Canada issues CPP and OAS payments on the same monthly payment dates.

Do I have to apply for OAS?

Not always. Some Canadians are automatically enrolled, while others must submit an application before they begin receiving benefits. If you are not automatically enrolled, Service Canada will generally notify you.

Is OAS taxable?

Yes. Old Age Security pension payments are considered taxable income and must generally be reported on your annual income tax return.

Can I receive Old Age Security Pension if I still work?

Yes. Employment does not prevent you from receiving OAS. However, higher employment income may affect whether some or all of your OAS pension is subject to the recovery tax (clawback).

Final Thoughts

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension provides an important source of retirement income for millions of Canadians. Knowing the official 2026 OAS payment dates can help you manage your monthly finances and ensure you know when to expect your pension.

If you are approaching age 65, it is also worthwhile to understand your eligibility, whether delaying your pension makes financial sense, and whether your income could affect your benefits through the OAS recovery tax. For the most up-to-date payment dates and benefit amounts, always refer to the Government of Canada’s official OAS resources.