Canadian seniors are set to receive a small increase in Old Age Security (OAS) payments starting in April 2026, as the second quarterly adjustment of the year comes into effect. The Government of Canada has confirmed a 0.1% rise for the April to June 2026 period, bringing the total annual increase to 2.1% compared to April 2025.
Although modest, this adjustment reflects the inflation-indexed structure of the OAS program, ensuring that seniors’ income keeps pace with the cost of living. With nearly seven million Canadians relying on OAS, understanding how these changes affect monthly income is essential for effective financial planning.
This guide explains updated payment amounts, eligibility rules, key dates, and additional benefits, helping seniors maximize their entitlements.
April 2026 OAS Payment Overview
Here are the key details for the upcoming quarterly adjustment:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Q2 Payment Date | April 28, 2026 |
| Quarterly Adjustment | +0.1% (April–June 2026) |
| Year-over-Year Increase | +2.1% (since April 2025) |
| Previous Quarter Increase | +0.3% (Jan–March 2026) |
| Next Review | July 2026 |
| Eligibility | Canadians aged 65+ meeting residency rules |
The smaller 0.1% increase compared to January’s 0.3% rise reflects easing inflation. Importantly, OAS payments never decrease, meaning seniors will still see a slight increase in April.
Updated OAS Payment Amounts for Q2 2026
The following figures represent maximum monthly OAS payments for individuals with at least 40 years of Canadian residency after age 18.
OAS Maximum Payments by Age
| Age Group | Q1 2026 | Q2 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | $742.31 | $743.05 |
| 75+ | $816.54 | $817.36 |
- Monthly increase: $0.74 to $0.82
- Annual increase: $8.88 to $9.84
Seniors aged 75 and older continue receiving a permanent 10% boost, introduced in 2022 to reflect higher living and healthcare costs.
Even though the increase appears small, it accumulates over time through ongoing quarterly adjustments.
Partial OAS Payments Based on Residency
Not all seniors receive full OAS benefits. Payments are prorated based on years lived in Canada after age 18.
| Years in Canada | % of Maximum | Q2 Amount (65–74) |
|---|---|---|
| 40+ years | 100% | $743.05 |
| 30 years | 75% | $557.29 |
| 20 years | 50% | $371.53 |
| 10 years | 25% | $185.76 |
New immigrants often receive partial pensions, but international social security agreements may allow foreign residency periods to count toward eligibility.
How OAS Quarterly Adjustments Work
Unlike CPP, which adjusts once annually, OAS is reviewed every quarter to respond faster to inflation changes.
Adjustment Process
- Reviews occur in January, April, July, and October
- Based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) data
- Payments increase if inflation rises
- Payments never decrease, even if inflation drops
2026 Adjustment Timeline
| Quarter | Months | Adjustment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan–Mar | +0.3% | Completed |
| Q2 | Apr–Jun | +0.1% | Confirmed |
| Q3 | Jul–Sep | TBD | Pending |
| Q4 | Oct–Dec | TBD | Pending |
The July 2026 update is especially important, as it includes GIS recalculations based on 2025 income.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Updates
Low-income seniors receiving OAS may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which provides additional tax-free support.
Maximum GIS Payments for Q2 2026
| Category | Monthly GIS |
|---|---|
| Single / Widowed / Divorced | $1,086.88 |
| Spouse receives full OAS | $654.23 |
| Spouse receives no OAS | $1,086.88 |
| Spouse receives Allowance | $654.23 |
GIS payments decrease as income increases, with a general cutoff around $21,624 annually for single seniors.
July 2026 GIS Recalculation
GIS amounts are recalculated annually based on previous year’s income. Filing taxes on time is critical—delays may result in payment suspension.
OAS Clawback (Recovery Tax) in 2026
Higher-income seniors may face a reduction in OAS payments, known as the clawback.
Clawback Thresholds
| Age Group | Starts At | Fully Eliminated At |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | $95,323 | $154,708 |
| 75+ | $95,323 | $160,647 |
- Clawback rate: 15% of income above threshold
- Includes net world income, including OAS itself
Strategies to Reduce OAS Clawback
Seniors can reduce clawback impact through:
- Spreading RRSP withdrawals over multiple years
- Income splitting with a spouse
- Using TFSAs for tax-free income
- Planning retirement income timing strategically
Provincial Benefits for Seniors
Many provinces offer additional financial support:
Examples by Region
- Ontario: GAINS, Trillium Benefit, drug coverage
- Quebec: Solidarity Tax Credit, housing assistance
- British Columbia: Senior’s Supplement, rental aid
- Alberta: Seniors Benefit, no provincial sales tax
- Prairies & Atlantic: Income supplements, tax relief, housing support
These programs can significantly increase total retirement income.
OAS Payment Dates for 2026
OAS payments are typically issued at the end of each month:
| Month | Date |
|---|---|
| April | April 28 |
| May | May 27 |
| June | June 26 |
| July | July 29 |
| August | August 27 |
| September | September 25 |
| October | October 28 |
| November | November 26 |
| December | December 22 |
Direct deposit ensures faster access to funds, while cheque payments may take longer.
Eligibility Requirements for OAS
Basic Criteria
- Must be 65 years or older
- Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Minimum 10 years residency in Canada after age 18
- 20 years residency required if living abroad
Deferring OAS for Higher Payments
Seniors can delay OAS up to age 70 for increased payments.
Deferral Impact
| Start Age | Increase | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 0% | $743.05 |
| 66 | +7.2% | $796.55 |
| 67 | +14.4% | $850.05 |
| 68 | +21.6% | $903.55 |
| 69 | +28.8% | $957.05 |
| 70 | +36% | $1,010.55 |
Deferral benefits those expecting to live beyond age 81–82, but may not suit low-income seniors who rely on GIS.
How to Verify Your April 2026 Payment
To confirm your payment:
- Log into My Service Canada Account
- Compare March vs April payments
- Check for:
- income updates
- tax deductions
- GIS changes
Contact Service Canada if discrepancies remain unresolved.
Conclusion
The April 2026 OAS increase, though modest at 0.1%, plays an important role in protecting seniors against inflation. Combined with quarterly adjustments, GIS support, and provincial programs, OAS continues to provide a stable financial foundation for millions of Canadians. By understanding eligibility rules, payment schedules, and strategies to optimize benefits, seniors can make informed decisions and strengthen their financial security throughout retirement.
FAQs
How much will OAS increase in April 2026?
OAS payments will rise by 0.1% for the April to June 2026 quarter.
Do OAS payments ever decrease?
No, OAS payments never decrease, even if inflation declines.
Can I increase my OAS payments?
Yes, delaying OAS until age 70 can increase payments by up to 36%.