If you’re a Canadian senior, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding the $969 Old Age Security (OAS) pension arriving in July 2025. But not everyone will receive that figure. It’s not a universal rate increase — it’s a maximum benefit reserved for a select group of pensioners who’ve made strategic decisions about when to start their OAS.
This article breaks down the eligibility, payment structure, and how you can reach the highest possible OAS benefit.
What Is the $969 OAS Pension?
The $969 figure is the maximum monthly OAS payment possible for July 2025, not a new standard rate. To qualify for this amount, a recipient must:
- Have deferred OAS until age 70
- Be eligible for the full base OAS amount
- Qualify for a 1% inflation adjustment scheduled for July
For those who took OAS at the standard age of 65, this figure does not apply — your monthly benefit will be lower.
OAS Payment Breakdown – July 2025
Here’s a breakdown of how that $969 amount is calculated:
| OAS Factor | Monthly Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Base OAS at age 65 | $734.94 |
| 36% Deferral Bonus (5 years) | +$264.78 |
| Total With Bonus | $999.72 |
| Rounded Adjusted Payment | ~$969 |
Due to rounding rules and possible deductions, the actual amount may settle around $969 despite being calculated as higher.
Who Qualifies for the Full $969?
To receive the full $969 OAS payment, you must:
- Be 70 years old (having delayed OAS for the full 5 years)
- Be eligible for the full OAS base amount
- Benefit from the July 2025 1% increase
- Be a legal Canadian resident who has lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
If you deferred to age 69, the bonus would be lower (around 31%), resulting in a payment closer to $946.61.
When Will the OAS Payment Be Made?
The July 2025 OAS payment is scheduled for July 29, 2025. This applies to all eligible seniors, including:
- Those who began collecting at 65 or 75
- Seniors who deferred their OAS
- Individuals who receive GIS or Allowance alongside OAS
Most Seniors Will Receive a Different Amount
The $969 is not standard. Here’s what most Canadians will receive based on age and eligibility:
| Age Group | Standard Monthly OAS (July 2025) |
|---|---|
| 65 to 74 | $734.94 |
| 75 and older | $808.44 |
If you didn’t defer your OAS, your payment will stay in this range unless you qualify for additional supplements.
How to Defer OAS for Higher Payments
Delaying your OAS comes with real financial benefits. For every month you delay beyond age 65, your pension increases by 0.6%, up to 36% at age 70.
How to Defer:
- Opt out of automatic enrollment before you turn 65
- Notify Service Canada of your intent to defer
- Ensure all details on your My Service Canada Account are up-to-date
Once you delay, you’ll start receiving higher monthly payments when you reach your chosen start age — either 66 through 70.
Is Delaying OAS the Right Move?
Delaying OAS makes sense if:
- You don’t need immediate income at 65
- You expect a longer life expectancy
- You want to maximize long-term monthly income
- You’re still working and earning enough to make OAS less essential
However, if your health or finances don’t allow for a deferral, starting OAS at 65 is still a solid and reliable choice.
The $969 Old Age Security payment coming in July 2025 is real — but only for those who deferred OAS to age 70 and qualify for the full inflation-adjusted benefit.
Most seniors will still receive their regular monthly payment of $734.94 or $808.44, depending on their age.
If you’re nearing retirement, now is a great time to assess your income needs and consider whether delaying OAS could work in your favour. Planning ahead could boost your future payments significantly.
FAQs
Will all seniors receive $969 in July 2025?
No, only those who deferred OAS to age 70 and qualify for the inflation adjustment will receive that amount.
What’s the standard OAS amount in July 2025?
For ages 65–74, it’s $734.94. For seniors 75 and over, it’s $808.44 per month.
When is the OAS payment for July 2025?
The scheduled OAS deposit will be made on July 29, 2025.