The $1,450 Old Age Security (OAS) benefit in October 2025 has been the talk of many senior households across Canada. But while the number sounds impressive, it doesn’t mean that every senior automatically receives this amount. This figure typically represents a combined payment of OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)—the two key federal programs designed to support low-income seniors.
For millions of Canadians, this combined monthly benefit is a financial safety net — helping them afford essentials like food, rent, heating, and medication as inflation continues to climb nationwide.
What Is the Old Age Security (OAS) Program?
The Old Age Security (OAS) program is one of Canada’s core retirement pillars. It provides a monthly, taxable payment to individuals aged 65 and older, regardless of their employment history. Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which depends on lifetime contributions, OAS is funded by the federal government through general tax revenues.
To qualify, you must:
- Be 65 years or older,
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18, and
- Be a legal resident or citizen at the time of approval.
As of October–December 2025, the maximum OAS benefit for those aged 65–74 is $740.09/month, while seniors aged 75 and older receive slightly more due to a government top-up introduced in 2022.
The Role of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
While OAS is the foundation, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides an additional non-taxable payment to low-income seniors who already receive OAS. It is specifically designed to support individuals with little or no additional income.
Key GIS figures for October 2025 include:
- Single seniors: up to $1,105.43/month if their annual income is below $22,440.
- Couples: the amount depends on whether both partners receive OAS or GIS.
The GIS amount decreases as income rises, but for many Canadians with limited savings or no private pension, the OAS + GIS combination can total between $1,400 and $1,800 monthly — which is where the “$1,450 benefit” figure comes from.
How the $1,450 OAS Benefit Is Calculated
It’s important to understand that $1,450 is not a flat rate. It represents an average combined benefit for low-income seniors. Let’s look at real-world examples to understand how it works:
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| Scenario | OAS | GIS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary, 68, living alone, no income | $740.09 | $700.00 | ~$1,440 |
| Tom, 72, with $400 CPP income | $740.09 | $510.00 | ~$1,250 |
| Jean & Paul, 70, married, both on OAS | $1,480 (joint) | $1,200 (joint) | ~$2,680 |
Thus, most single seniors with limited income can expect around $1,450 per month from these combined benefits in October 2025.
OAS and GIS Payment Dates — October 2025
For the October–December 2025 quarter, the OAS and GIS payments will be made on:
October 29, 2025
Payments are typically issued on the last business day of the month. Seniors enrolled for direct deposit will receive their money instantly, while mailed cheques may take a few days longer.
The next scheduled payment dates are:
- November 28, 2025
- December 30, 2025
Eligibility Checklist for $1,450 OAS Monthly Benefit
To qualify for OAS and GIS in October 2025, seniors must meet these requirements:
- Age: Must be at least 65 years old.
- Residency: Have lived in Canada for 10+ years after turning 18.
- Income: Must fall below the GIS income threshold based on marital status.
- OAS Enrollment: Must already be receiving OAS or be approved for it.
- Tax Filing: Must have filed a 2024 tax return with the CRA (used to assess GIS eligibility).
- Residency Status: GIS is only paid to seniors living in Canada, though OAS can continue abroad in certain cases.
The Difference Between OAS, CPP, and GIS
Many Canadians confuse these three retirement benefits. Here’s how they differ:
| Program | Eligibility | Funding Source | Taxable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAS | Age + residency | General tax revenue | Yes |
| CPP | Based on work contributions | Employee + employer payroll deductions | Yes |
| GIS | For low-income OAS recipients | General tax revenue | No |
Why the $1,450 OAS Monthly Benefit Matters
In a time when the cost of living is skyrocketing, the OAS and GIS programs provide vital relief for seniors facing financial strain. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 1 in 5 seniors lives below the poverty line without these supports.
Inflation and rising consumer prices—particularly in housing, groceries, and healthcare—have made these benefits indispensable. Every quarter, OAS and GIS payments are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring they rise in line with inflation.
However, even with these adjustments, many advocacy groups argue that benefits still fall short in high-cost regions such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for OAS and GIS
While many seniors are automatically enrolled, some must apply manually. Here’s how:
- Visit: canada.ca/oas
- Login: Use your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
- Complete: Fill out the OAS/GIS application form online.
- Attach Documents: Provide proof of age, residency, and income.
- Submit: Applications can be filed online or mailed to your local Service Canada Centre.
- Track: Use MSCA to check your application status.
Once approved, payments begin the following month, and you may receive retroactive payments for up to 11 months.
Common Mistakes That Delay Payments
Many seniors miss out on timely benefits due to small errors. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Forgetting to file taxes annually.
- Submitting incomplete documents or expired ID.
- Failing to update address or bank details.
- Assuming you’re automatically enrolled.
- Ignoring Service Canada letters or updates.
Provincial Top-Ups and Additional Support
In addition to OAS and GIS, many provinces offer their own top-up programs for low-income seniors, including:
- Ontario: Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS).
- British Columbia: Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER).
- Quebec: Old Age Assistance Program.
- Alberta: Special Needs Assistance for Seniors.
These programs can add hundreds of dollars per month, depending on your income and housing situation.
How Inflation Impacts Your OAS and GIS Payments
Every three months—January, April, July, and October—the government adjusts OAS and GIS payments based on inflation trends. This process, called indexation, ensures benefits keep pace with living costs.
For example, in 2025, strong CPI growth led to a 2.6% increase in OAS and GIS payments. This adjustment directly impacts the average “$1,450 OAS benefit” seniors will see in October 2025.
Can You Receive OAS and GIS Outside Canada?
While OAS can continue if you move abroad (provided you lived in Canada for 20+ years), GIS payments stop once you leave the country for more than six months.
If you plan to retire abroad, it’s crucial to notify Service Canada to avoid overpayments or penalties.
The Future of OAS and GIS in Canada
Canada’s population is aging faster than ever—by 2030, one in four Canadians will be over 65. This puts pressure on government resources and raises questions about the sustainability of OAS and GIS programs.
Policy discussions are already underway about:
- Increasing GIS maximums to match inflation faster.
- Adjusting OAS eligibility age to reflect longer life expectancy.
- Introducing new provincial supplements for housing and medical care.
Experts emphasize that staying informed through government updates and planning your retirement finances proactively will remain essential.
Practical Tips for Seniors and Families
- File taxes every year, even if you have no income.
- Use direct deposit to avoid lost cheques and delays.
- Check your MSCA account regularly for updates.
- Delay OAS until 70 if you can afford it — payments grow by 0.6% per month deferred.
- Consult a financial advisor about optimizing your CPP, OAS, and GIS together.
FAQs on the $1,450 OAS Benefit (October 2025)
Q1. Who is eligible for the $1,450 OAS monthly benefit?
Seniors aged 65+, living in Canada for at least 10 years, and earning a low annual income qualify for OAS and GIS. Combined, they can receive around $1,450/month.
Q2. When is the next OAS payment date?
The next OAS and GIS payments will be deposited on October 29, 2025.
Q3. Is the $1,450 benefit taxable?
The OAS portion is taxable, but GIS payments are non-taxable. Only low-income seniors qualify for the full combined benefit.
Q4. Can I get OAS while living abroad?
Yes, if you have lived in Canada for 20+ years after age 18. However, GIS stops once you are outside Canada for over 6 months.
Q5. How do I check my payment status?
Log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to view your payment schedule, benefit breakdown, and deposit history.