The Old Age Security (OAS) pension remains a cornerstone of financial support for seniors in Quebec and across Canada. It is designed to provide a basic income for older adults, ensuring financial security throughout their retirement years. For 2026, this benefit continues to adapt to meet the needs of recipients. Discover the essential information about the 2026 Old Age Security pension, including payment amounts, the official schedule, and other practical details.
Download and Print the 2026 Payment Schedule
2026 Payment Schedule for Old Age Security Pension and Canada Pension Plan
In 2026, the Old Age Security pension is paid via direct deposit, generally during the last three business days of each month.
Here is the official payment calendar for the year 2026:
 Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Includes COPP retirement and disability benefits, child and survivor benefits |  Old Age Security pension (Québec) Includes OAS pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance, and Survivor's Allowance |
Payment schedule
| January 28, 2026 |
| February 25, 2026 |
| March 27, 2026 |
| April 28, 2026 |
| May 27, 2026 |
| June 26, 2026 |
| July 29, 2026 |
| August 27, 2026 |
| September 25, 2026 |
| October 28, 2026 |
| November 26, 2026 |
| December 22, 2026 |
Click here to view the payment schedule for 2025 (last year).
These dates are highly important for senior recipients, as they determine exactly when benefits will be received. It is recommended to consult them regularly. For those who have chosen direct deposit, it is essential to ensure that your banking information is up to date to avoid any payment delays. If you still receive your benefits by paper check, please allow a few additional business days for postal delivery.
What payment amounts can you expect in 2026?
OAS monthly amounts increase automatically based on age: the maximum is $740.09 per month for seniors aged 65 to 74, and it climbs to $814.10 per month starting at age 75.
OAS benefit amounts vary based on several factors, including age and income. Here are the details of the maximum monthly amounts for the different benefits in 2026:
Old Age Security Pension:
Ages 65 to 74: The maximum monthly amount is $740.09.
Ages 75 and older: This amount permanently increases to $814.10 per month.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS):
Single, widowed, or divorced: The maximum monthly amount is $1,105.43.
With a spouse/common-law partner receiving the full OAS pension: The maximum monthly amount is $665.41.
If the spouse does not receive an OAS pension or the Allowance: The amount can reach up to $1,105.43 per month.
Allowance (for individuals aged 60 to 64):
If the spouse receives the GIS and the full OAS pension, the maximum monthly amount is $1,405.50.
Allowance for the Survivor (for individuals aged 60 to 64):
For a surviving spouse or common-law partner, the maximum monthly amount is $1,675.45.
These amounts are adjusted periodically (every quarter) to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring that benefits remain aligned with the economic needs of recipients.
How does the Old Age Security pension work?
The OAS pension is a universal monthly benefit funded by public tax revenues, accessible to all Canadians aged 65 and older who meet the residence requirements, regardless of their employment history.
The OAS pension is a non-earnings-based benefit funded through the government's general tax revenues. It differs significantly from the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) or the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which are strictly based on mandatory contributions made by workers and employers throughout their careers.
Automatic Enrollment and Deferral Options
For most recipients, enrollment in the OAS pension is entirely automatic, and you will receive a notification letter by mail the month following your 64th birthday. If you are not automatically enrolled, you will need to submit an application online or by mail.
It is also valuable to know that you can choose to defer the start of your payments for up to a maximum of five years (until age 70). Doing so increases your monthly benefit amount by 0.6% for each month you delay it. Furthermore, you can continue to receive your OAS pension even if you choose to remain actively in the workforce.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Old Age Security pension?
To receive the OAS pension, you must be at least 65 years old and have accumulated a minimum of 10 years of residence in Canada after turning 18 if you currently live here (20 years if you live abroad).
For residents living in Canada:
Age: You must be at least 65 years old.
Residence: You must be a legal resident of Canada at the time your pension application is approved and have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.
Citizenship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents are fully eligible.
For residents living abroad:
Age: The minimum age is also 65 years old.
Period of residence in Canada: You must have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18.
Legislative and policy updates affecting the pension
The two most notable recent changes include the permanent 10% increase for seniors aged 75 and older, as well as the mandatory automatic quarterly indexation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The Old Age Security pension, like any government program, is subject to updates based on legislative changes.
The enhancement for ages 75 and up: Permanently introduced into law, this measure offers increased financial breathing room to older seniors to help face the rising cost of living.
It is also important to correct a popular misconception that still causes worry for many future retirees: the official age to start receiving the Old Age Security (OAS) pension remains firmly set at 65 in Canada. In 2012, a piece of legislation planned to gradually raise this age to 67 between 2023 and 2029. However, this reform was officially cancelled by the federal government in 2016, restoring the standard back to age 65.
While demographic and economic realities may prompt future governments to reopen this debate one day, current law maintains eligibility at age 65. This stability allows Quebec seniors to plan their transition to retirement or to a private residence with total peace of mind for the time being.
Guaranteed Income Supplement: A valuable help for low-income seniors
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a non-taxable monthly benefit intended for seniors aged 65 and older who already receive the OAS pension and have a low income. Designed to support low-income seniors, the GIS provides an essential financial supplement to help cover daily living costs and expenses.
Other benefits you might be entitled to receive
The Old Age Security pension can be combined with several other financial benefits and tax credits to maximize your retirement budget. Here are a few options you should explore:
For more detailed information on maximizing your retirement budget, you can read our specialized articles: Am I Eligible for Seniors Tax Credits and Allowances? and Tax credit for seniors in private residences in Quebec.
How Bonjour Résidences Accompanies You in Your Search?
Our role is to become your trusted ally to simplify every single step of your seniors' residence search in Quebec, offering you free, objective, and fully personalized guidance.
Choosing to change your living environment is a major milestone, and harmonizing your government benefits with the cost of a private residence is the key to experiencing this transition worry-free. Now that you have the 2026 Old Age Security Pension Payment Calendar handy and know the exact dates of your upcoming payments, you can plan your long-term budget with total peace of mind.
Entrusting your search to Bonjour Résidences ensures you will discover a living environment perfectly adapted to your lifestyle and your real budget, thanks to our streamlined formula:
An objective analysis: We do not favor any specific establishment. We analyze the entire market to present you with the facts transparently.
A choice based on your needs: We filter options according to your priorities regarding care, services, atmosphere, and budget to ensure an informed decision.
Simplified logistics: From booking appointments for tours to final reflections, we provide you with the tools and resources so that your transition remains a smooth and positive journey.
By aligning your budget forecasts with your health and comfort needs today, you open the door to an exciting future while giving your loved ones the certainty that you are safe. Contact us online or by phone at 1-844-918-1020 today to start your project with confidence.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Old Age Security Pension
Q: At what age can I start receiving the Old Age Security pension?
A: You can start receiving your OAS pension payments as early as age 65, whether you are still in the workforce or already retired. If your budget allows, you can also choose to defer your pension until age 70. This voluntary deferral is highly advantageous, as it permanently increases your monthly payment by 0.6% for each month you delay receiving it.
Q: Do I absolutely have to apply to receive my benefits?
A: No, enrollment is automatic for the vast majority of seniors in Quebec, but you will need to submit a manual application if Service Canada does not have enough information to confirm your eligibility. If the government enrolls you automatically, you will receive a notification letter in the mail the month after your 64th birthday. Otherwise, it is recommended to submit your application about six months before turning 65 to avoid any delays.
Q: What is the maximum Old Age Security pension amount in Canada for 2026?
A: The maximum monthly amount is currently $740.09 for seniors aged 65 to 74, and it automatically increases to $814.10 once you reach age 75. These figures represent the maximum caps set by the federal government. Your actual monthly payment may vary based on your personal income and the number of full years you have resided in Canada after turning 18.
Q: When do the Old Age Security pension increases take place?
A: Pension amounts are reviewed four times a year (in January, April, July, and October) to adjust accurately to the rising cost of living. These quarterly indexations are calculated directly using Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the cost of living goes up, your benefits follow suit. Conversely, if the economy remains stable or slows down, your payments simply stay the same.
Q: Is my Old Age Security pension taxable?
A: Yes, the Old Age Security pension is considered fully taxable income that must be declared on both your Quebec and Canadian tax returns. Every year, during the month of February, Service Canada will send you an official tax slip (the T4A-OAS) showing the total amount paid to you during the previous year so you can complete your income tax returns.
Q: What happens if I haven't lived in Canada my whole life?
A: If you haven't accumulated the 40 years of residence required to obtain the full pension, you may still be eligible for a partial pension, provided you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18. The calculation is then established pro-rata based on your years of residence. For example, if you have lived here for 20 years after reaching adulthood, you will receive half (or 20/40ths) of the maximum OAS benefit.
Q: What is the difference between OAS and the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)?
A: Old Age Security is a universal federal program funded by public tax revenues, whereas the QPP is a Quebec provincial plan based strictly on the contributions you made during your working life. The maximum OAS amount is the same for everyone within your age bracket. On the QPP side (managed by Retraite Québec), your pension depends directly on the salary you earned and the duration of your professional career.
Q: Will my pension be reduced if I move into a private seniors' residence (RPA)?
A: Not at all. Choosing to leave your home to move into a private seniors' residence has absolutely no impact on the calculation or the amount of your OAS benefits. Your government income remains exactly the same. Better yet, choosing a living environment in a Quebec RPA often allows you to combine your pensions with highly advantageous direct financial assistance, such as the Independent Living Tax Credit for Seniors.
