New OAS Payment Increase Coming In April 2026

Last Updated On 22 March 2026, 8:37 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Canadian seniors will see a modest boost to their Old Age Security payments beginning in April 2026 when the second quarterly adjustment of the year takes effect.

The Government of Canada has confirmed that OAS benefits will rise by 0.1% for the April to June 2026 quarter, bringing the year-over-year increase to 2.1% compared to April 2025, according to the official OAS payment amounts page.

This quarterly bump follows the 0.3% increase that seniors received during the January to March period, continuing the inflation-protection mechanism built into the OAS program.

For the nearly seven million Canadians receiving OAS, understanding how this April increase affects their monthly deposits helps with financial planning throughout the spring and summer months.

This guide covers the updated payment amounts, important dates, provincial considerations, and eligibility rules that determine what you will actually receive.

For related updates on federal benefits, see our coverage of CRA payment dates for 2026.

April 2026 OAS Payment Overview

The essential details for the upcoming quarterly adjustment appear in the reference table below.

Detail	Information
First Q2 Payment Date	Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Quarterly Adjustment	0.1% increase for April-June 2026
Year-Over-Year Change	2.1% increase from April 2025
Previous Quarter Rate	0.3% increase (January-March 2026)
Next Quarterly Review	July 2026
Eligible Recipients	Canadians aged 65 and older meeting residency requirements

The 0.1% quarterly bump is smaller than the 0.3% increase applied in January, reflecting moderated inflation during the measurement period.

However, OAS never decreases even when inflation falls, meaning your April payment will be slightly higher than your March payment regardless of economic conditions.

For comparison with CPP adjustments, see our article on the 2026 CPP payment increase.

Updated Maximum Payment Amounts for Q2 2026

The following amounts represent the maximum monthly OAS pension for recipients who qualify for full benefits based on 40 or more years of Canadian residence after age 18.

OAS Pension by Age Group

Seniors aged 75 and older continue receiving the permanent 10% enhancement introduced in July 2022, which recognizes higher healthcare costs and reduced earning capacity among older Canadians.

Age Group	Q1 2026 Maximum	Q2 2026 Maximum
Ages 65 to 74	$742.31	$743.05
Ages 75 and older	$816.54	$817.36
Monthly Increase	—	$0.74 to $0.82
Annual Difference	—	$8.88 to $9.84

While the monthly increase appears modest, it compounds over time alongside future quarterly adjustments.

Seniors turning 75 during 2026 will see a more substantial jump when the age-based enhancement kicks in for their first payment after their birthday.

These amounts align with figures published on the official Service Canada statistics page.

Partial OAS Pension Amounts

Not everyone receives the maximum OAS amount. Your payment is prorated based on how many years you lived in Canada after turning 18.

Years of Residence	Percentage of Maximum	Q2 2026 Amount (65-74)
40+ years	100%	$743.05
30 years	75%	$557.29
20 years	50%	$371.53
10 years (minimum)	25%	$185.76

Newcomers who arrived in Canada later in life often receive partial pensions.

However, international social security agreements with over 50 countries may allow foreign residence periods to count toward eligibility.

How the Quarterly Indexation System Works

Unlike the Canada Pension Plan which adjusts once annually in January, OAS uses a quarterly review cycle that responds more quickly to inflation changes.

This system was designed to protect seniors from rapid cost-of-living increases.

Our coverage of January 2026 OAS payments explains how the Q1 increase was calculated.

Service Canada reviews OAS amounts in January, April, July, and October each year using Consumer Price Index data from Statistics Canada.

The adjustment calculation compares two three-month CPI periods: the most recent available data against the last period that triggered an increase.

When the newer period shows higher prices, OAS increases by the percentage difference.

When prices fall or remain flat, payments stay the same rather than decreasing.

2026 Quarterly Adjustment Timeline

Quarter	Payment Months	Adjustment	Status
Q1 2026	January-March	+0.3%	Completed
Q2 2026	April-June	+0.1%	Confirmed
Q3 2026	July-September	TBD	Pending CPI data, but most probably based on 2.1% again
Q4 2026	October-December	TBD	Pending CPI data, but most probably based on 2.1% again

The July 2026 adjustment is particularly significant because it coincides with the annual GIS recalculation based on the previous year’s tax returns, potentially affecting combined OAS and GIS amounts for low-income seniors.

Guaranteed Income Supplement Updates

Low-income seniors receiving OAS may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, a tax-free monthly benefit that provides additional support beyond the basic pension.

GIS amounts also adjust quarterly alongside OAS, though eligibility depends on your income level from the previous tax year.

Maximum GIS Amounts for Q2 2026

Recipient Category	Maximum Monthly GIS
Single, widowed, or divorced	$1,086.88
Spouse receives full OAS pension	$654.23
Spouse receives no OAS or Allowance	$1,086.88
Spouse receives Allowance	$654.23

Your actual GIS amount decreases as your income rises. For every two dollars of income above certain thresholds, your GIS is reduced by one dollar until it phases out entirely.

The annual income threshold for receiving any GIS as a single person is approximately $21,624 for the 2025-2026 benefit year.

Couples have different thresholds based on their combined income.

GIS Recalculation in July 2026

Each July, Service Canada recalculates GIS amounts based on your previous year’s tax return.

If your 2025 income was lower than 2024, your July 2026 GIS payment may increase beyond the standard quarterly adjustment.

This makes timely tax filing essential for GIS recipients. If you have not filed your 2025 taxes by April 30, 2026, your GIS payments may be suspended until Service Canada receives your income information.

Our article on the new Canada tax law for 2026 covers filing requirements and deadlines.

OAS Recovery Tax Thresholds for 2026

Higher-income seniors may have a portion of their OAS pension clawed back through the OAS recovery tax.

This mechanism ensures that OAS provides the greatest support to those who need it most while gradually reducing benefits for wealthier retirees.

The recovery tax equals 15 cents for every dollar of net world income above the minimum threshold.

Full repayment occurs when income reaches the maximum threshold.

2026 Clawback Thresholds by Age

Age Group	Repayment Begins	Full Repayment
Ages 65 to 74	$95,323	$154,708
Ages 75 and older	$95,323	$160,647

The higher full-repayment threshold for seniors 75 and older reflects their larger maximum OAS pension.

Both age groups start repayment at the same income level, but older seniors can earn more before losing their entire OAS benefit.

Net world income includes your OAS pension itself, which means your OAS payment can push you into the clawback zone even if your other income falls just below the threshold.

Strategies to Minimize OAS Clawback

Seniors with income near the clawback thresholds often use several strategies to reduce their recovery tax burden.

Timing RRSP withdrawals strategically can smooth income across years and avoid spikes that trigger higher clawback rates.

Some retirees front-load withdrawals before OAS begins or spread them across lower-income years.

Income splitting with a spouse through pension sharing can reduce the higher earner’s income below the clawback threshold while staying within the household’s overall tax bracket.

Contributing to TFSAs rather than RRSPs during working years creates tax-free retirement income that does not count toward net income for OAS clawback purposes.

Provincial Supplement Programs by Region

Each province and territory offers supplementary programs that can significantly boost total income for seniors receiving OAS and GIS.

These programs vary widely in eligibility requirements and benefit amounts.

Ontario

Ontario provides the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) for low-income seniors already receiving OAS and GIS.

This provincial top-up arrives automatically without separate application.

The Ontario Drug Benefit program covers prescription costs for all Ontarians aged 65 and older regardless of income level.

Additionally, the Ontario Trillium Benefit combines property tax, energy, and sales tax credits into monthly payments for eligible households.

Quebec

Quebec administers its own pension system through Retraite Québec, but OAS remains a federal program for all Canadian residents including Quebecers.

The province offers the Solidarity Tax Credit combining sales tax relief, housing assistance, and northern region supplements.

Quebec’s Shelter Allowance Program helps low-income seniors with rental costs beyond what GIS provides.

British Columbia

British Columbia provides the BC Senior’s Supplement to low-income seniors already receiving federal GIS.

This automatic top-up requires no separate application. The SAFER program (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) helps seniors with rental costs, while the BC Bus Pass Program offers discounted transit for seniors.

Our coverage of PWD payments for BC residents details additional provincial disability supports.

Alberta

Alberta seniors benefit from no provincial sales tax, reducing overall cost of living compared to most other provinces.

The Alberta Seniors Benefit provides monthly cash support to low-income seniors, while the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program covers emergency expenses.

Our article on AISH payments for Alberta residents covers disability-related provincial benefits.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Manitoba offers the 55 PLUS program providing quarterly cash benefits to lower-income residents aged 55 and older.

Saskatchewan provides the Seniors Income Plan with monthly supplements for low-income seniors receiving GIS.

Both provinces operate provincial drug plans with reduced costs for seniors and property tax deferment programs allowing seniors to delay property taxes until their home is sold.

Atlantic Provinces

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador each maintain senior supplement programs with varying eligibility criteria.

Property tax relief, pharmaceutical coverage, and home heating assistance are common offerings across the Atlantic region.

Contact your provincial government directly for current program details, as amounts and eligibility change annually.

OAS Payment Dates 2026

OAS payments arrive near the end of each month, typically on the same date as CPP deposits.

Plan your monthly budget around these confirmed dates.

Month	Payment Date	Quarter
April	April 28, 2026	Q2 begins
May	May 27, 2026	Q2
June	June 26, 2026	Q2 ends
July	July 29, 2026	Q3 begins + GIS recalc
August	August 27, 2026	Q3
September	September 25, 2026	Q3 ends
October	October 28, 2026	Q4 begins
November	November 26, 2026	Q4
December	December 22, 2026	Q4 (early for holidays)

Direct deposit recipients typically see funds in their accounts on the morning of the payment date.

Cheque recipients should allow additional time for postal delivery.

Verify your banking information through your My Service Canada Account to avoid payment delays.

Eligibility Requirements and Residency Rules

OAS eligibility differs fundamentally from CPP because it is based on residency rather than employment contributions.

Understanding these rules helps newcomers and returning Canadians determine when they can access benefits.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

You must be 65 years of age or older to receive OAS. There is no option to start early like with CPP, though you can defer payments until age 70 for increased amounts.

Canadian citizenship or legal resident status is required at the time your application is approved. Temporary residents generally do not qualify.

You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 to receive any OAS pension while living in Canada.

Receiving OAS while living outside Canada requires 20 years of residence after age 18.

Deferring Your OAS for Higher Payments

Canadians approaching 65 face an important decision: start OAS immediately or defer for a permanently higher payment.

For each month you delay OAS past age 65, your eventual payment increases by 0.6%.

Waiting the full five years until age 70 results in a 36% permanent increase.

Deferral Impact on Monthly Payments

Start Age	Deferral Period	Increase Percentage	Q2 2026 Amount
65	None	0%	$743.05
66	1 year	+7.2%	$796.55
67	2 years	+14.4%	$850.05
68	3 years	+21.6%	$903.55
69	4 years	+28.8%	$957.05
70	5 years	+36%	$1,010.55

The break-even point where total lifetime benefits equal out occurs around age 81 to 82 for most scenarios. Canadians who expect to live past this age generally benefit from deferral.

However, deferral is not right for everyone. Low-income seniors who qualify for GIS should generally start OAS at 65 because GIS is not available before that age and cannot be deferred.

Similarly, those needing immediate income or facing health concerns may prefer starting earlier.

Verifying Your April 2026 OAS Amount

The most reliable way to confirm your April payment amount is through your My Service Canada Account.

Your account shows your gross OAS entitlement, any GIS or Allowance amounts, tax withholding deductions, and the net amount deposited to your account.

Compare your March 2026 payment to your April payment. The difference should reflect approximately a 0.1% increase to your OAS pension and GIS if applicable.

If your payment differs more significantly, check for changes to your file such as updated income information affecting GIS, changes to tax withholding, or adjustments to your residence calculation.

Contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 if discrepancies remain unexplained.

Fact-Checked: All payment amounts and quarterly adjustment figures verified against official Government of Canada sources as of March 2026.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Contact Service Canada or a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I receive both OAS and CPP at the same time?

Yes, OAS and CPP are separate programs with different eligibility criteria, and most Canadian seniors receive both. CPP is based on employment contributions during your working years, while OAS is based on residence in Canada after age 18. They deposit on the same monthly dates but are calculated independently. Receiving one has no effect on your eligibility or amount for the other.

What happens to my OAS if I leave Canada after starting payments?

If you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18, your OAS payments continue indefinitely regardless of where you live. If you have between 10 and 20 years of residence, payments continue for six months after you leave Canada, then stop until you return. Tax treaty implications vary by country, so consult a cross-border tax specialist before relocating permanently.

How does receiving OAS affect my income taxes?

OAS is fully taxable income that must be reported on your annual tax return. You can request voluntary tax withholding through Service Canada to avoid owing money at filing time. High-income seniors also face the OAS recovery tax if their net world income exceeds $95,323, which can effectively claw back some or all of their pension.

Can my spouse receive the Allowance if I am on OAS?

The Allowance is a monthly benefit for 60 to 64 year old spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients. If you receive OAS and GIS, your younger partner may qualify for the Allowance based on your combined income. The Allowance for the Survivor is available to widowed individuals aged 60 to 64 who have not remarried. Both benefits end when the recipient turns 65 and becomes eligible for OAS.

Will OAS continue increasing every quarter indefinitely?

OAS increases when the Consumer Price Index rises between measurement periods but never decreases when inflation falls. In deflationary or stable price environments, OAS payments simply remain unchanged until the next CPI increase triggers an adjustment. This one-way ratchet ensures that seniors’ purchasing power is protected against inflation without the risk of benefit cuts during economic downturns. The July 2026 and October 2026 adjustments will depend on CPI data available closer to those dates.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.