Canada $1,450 OAS + GIS Monthly Payment Explained – Eligibility, Dates and Key Facts for Seniors

With rising food prices, rent, and utility costs, Canada’s Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) programs remain critical for seniors living on fixed incomes. Recently, many Canadians have heard about a $1,450 monthly OAS benefit coming in October 2025.

The truth? Not every senior will receive this exact amount — it’s an average combined OAS + GIS payment for low-income seniors. Still, for those who qualify, this benefit can make a meaningful difference in monthly budgets.

Understanding the $1,450 OAS Benefit Monthly

The $1,450 monthly figure is not a new government program. Instead, it represents the typical combined payment that many low-income seniors receive from the OAS pension and the GIS supplement.

OAS is a taxable monthly pension, while GIS is a non-taxable top-up for seniors with little to no other income. Combined, these programs create Canada’s core retirement safety net for those aged 65 and above.

A Brief History of OAS and GIS

The Old Age Security program was launched in 1952, replacing earlier provincial pension schemes. It aimed to provide a basic universal income for Canadians over 70, later lowered to 65.

In 1967, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) was added to support seniors with minimal income. This addition acknowledged that OAS alone wasn’t enough to cover essentials like rent, groceries, or heating.

Today, over 7 million Canadians receive OAS, and more than 2 million rely on GIS — proof of how vital these programs remain.

What Is Old Age Security (OAS)?

OAS is a monthly taxable benefit funded from general tax revenue — not from worker contributions like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be 65 or older.
• Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18.
• Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident at the time of approval.

Payment amount (October–December 2025):

• Ages 65–74: up to $740.09 per month.
• Ages 75+: slightly higher, due to the government’s 10% increase introduced in 2022.

Tax status:
OAS is taxable and may be partially or fully clawed back for higher earners — typically those with annual incomes above $90,000.

The Role of GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement)

GIS is the non-taxable income-tested benefit added on top of OAS. It’s designed for seniors whose income falls below a certain threshold.

Key details:

• Single seniors earning below $22,440 per year may get up to $1,105.43 per month in GIS.
• Couples receive variable amounts depending on whether their partner also gets OAS or GIS.
• The lower your income, the higher your GIS payment.

When OAS and GIS combine, many seniors see an average monthly total of around $1,450.

Breaking Down the $1,450 OAS Benefit

Here’s how that typical figure works in practice:

Example	OAS	GIS	Total Monthly Payment
Mary, 68, no other income	$740.09	$705	≈ $1,445
Tom, 72, receives $400 CPP	$740.09	$510	≈ $1,250
Jean & Paul, both 70	$1,480 (combined OAS)	$1,200 (combined GIS)	≈ $2,680 total

So while some may see as much as $1,845/month, many fall closer to $1,400–$1,500, depending on income and household composition.

OAS and GIS Payment Schedule for October 2025

The next OAS and GIS payment is scheduled for October 29, 2025.

Payments are made monthly, usually near the end of each month.

• Direct deposit: Funds typically arrive the same day.
• Cheques: May take several additional business days to arrive.

All payment dates are published quarterly on the Canada.ca OAS & GIS website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your OAS + GIS Eligibility

• Check your age: You must be 65 or older.
• Residency: Have at least 10 years of Canadian residency after age 18.
• Income: Use your 2024 tax return — GIS is recalculated annually based on reported income.
• Application: Many are auto-enrolled, but confirm via My Service Canada Account.
• Living in Canada: GIS is paid only while you reside in Canada. (OAS can follow you abroad in some cases.)

If you meet these conditions, you’re likely eligible for the OAS + GIS combination.

OAS vs CPP vs GIS: Key Differences

Program	Eligibility Basis	Taxable?	Funding Source
OAS	Age + Residency	Yes	General Taxes
CPP	Work Contributions	Yes	Payroll Deductions
GIS	Low Income + OAS	No	General Taxes

These programs can be combined — OAS and GIS for low-income support, and CPP for earnings-based retirement income.

Why the $1,450 Benefit Matters in 2025

The cost of living in Canada has climbed significantly in recent years, especially for seniors. Inflation has raised the price of food, housing, and healthcare — making OAS and GIS increases vital.

Without these programs, an estimated 1 in 5 seniors would live below the poverty line. Adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) help ensure payments maintain their real value — though critics argue the increases still lag behind rent and energy costs.

Practical Advice for Seniors and Families

File your taxes every year.

• No tax return = No GIS payment.

Consider delaying OAS to age 70.

• Increases payments by 0.6% per month deferred.

Plan withdrawals carefully.

• Large RRSP or RRIF withdrawals can reduce GIS next year.

Explore provincial top-ups.

• Programs like Ontario’s GAINS, BC’s SAFER, and Alberta Seniors Benefit can add extra support.

Use direct deposit.

• Faster, safer, and avoids lost cheques.

Review every quarter.

• OAS/GIS rates update every January, April, July, and October to reflect inflation.

The Future of OAS and GIS in Canada

Canada’s senior population is projected to hit 25% by 2030. Policymakers face the challenge of keeping OAS and GIS financially sustainable while ensuring payments keep pace with inflation.

Current proposals include:

• Raising the GIS maximum benefit for singles.
• Revising income clawback thresholds.
• Offering enhanced housing supplements for older renters.

For now, the government continues to index benefits quarterly and emphasize automatic enrollment to simplify access.

Expert Insight: Why Awareness Matters

According to financial planners, the biggest problem isn’t lack of support — it’s lack of awareness. Many low-income seniors miss out on GIS because they don’t file taxes or assume they’re ineligible.

Professionals encourage families to help seniors review:

• Eligibility letters from Service Canada.
• Annual tax slips (T4A(OAS)).
• Online accounts showing OAS/GIS status.

Being proactive ensures seniors get every dollar they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is everyone getting $1,450 per month in October 2025?
No. $1,450 is an average combined payment for many low-income seniors receiving both OAS and GIS. Individual amounts vary by income and marital status.

2. What is the maximum monthly payment possible?
A single senior with no other income could receive up to $1,845/month (OAS + GIS combined).

3. When is the next payment date?
The next scheduled deposit is October 29, 2025.

4. Is OAS taxable?
Yes. OAS is taxable, while GIS is non-taxable.

5. How can I apply for OAS or GIS?
Use My Service Canada Account or call Service Canada. Some people are automatically enrolled at 65, but confirming online is always best.