The Old Age Security (OAS) benefit is one of Canada’s largest financial assistance programs for seniors. Every few months, the payment amounts are adjusted to reflect inflation and cost of living. Recently, there has been talk of a potential $1,860 OAS benefit for July 2025.
While this amount is not standard for all, it likely represents the maximum combined benefit one could receive under various programs, including OAS, GIS, and survivor allowances. But what’s true, what’s not, and who qualifies? Let’s break it all down.
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Payment
The $1,860 OAS benefit mentioned for July 2025 likely refers to the maximum monthly amount a senior could receive when different supports are combined. This includes the base OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and other top-ups such as the survivor’s allowance. Not every senior will receive this amount.
For example, a senior aged 75 or older receiving OAS plus maximum GIS support as a survivor or allowance recipient could reach the $1,860 total. However, if you’re only getting the standard OAS pension, your monthly amount will likely be much lower.
Here’s what the base OAS payments look like for July 2025:
| Age Range | Maximum Monthly OAS |
|---|---|
| 65–74 years | $734.95 |
| 75+ years | $808.45 |
Eligibility
To qualify for this potential maximum payment, seniors must meet the $1,860 OAS Benefit Requirement 2025. These requirements focus on age, income, residency, and relationship status. Here’s what you need:
- Be at least 65 years of age
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Have lived in Canada for 10+ years since age 18
- Must provide proof of employment and residence
- Be a survivor or a spouse of a qualifying OAS recipient (for allowance benefits)
It’s important to remember that these maximum amounts also depend on your personal income level, as benefits like GIS are income-tested.
Breakdown
To clarify where the $1,860 figure could come from, here’s a breakdown of monthly maximums across benefits in 2025:
| Benefit Type | Max Monthly Amount | Annual Income Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| OAS Pension (65–74) | $734.95 | – |
| OAS Pension (75+) | $808.45 | – |
| GIS – Single OAS Pensioner | $1,097.75 | $22,272 |
| Spouse/Common-law (not receiving OAS) | $1,097.75 | $53,376 |
| Allowance | $1,395.73 | $41,184 |
| Survivor Allowance | $1,663.81 | $29,976 |
As you can see, the total amount can reach up to or near $1,860 if someone qualifies for GIS and OAS or if they’re a survivor receiving allowance benefits.
How to Claim
Claiming the benefit is simple if you follow the correct steps:
- Go to www.canada.ca and look for the “Old Age Security” section
- Confirm your eligibility based on age, income, and residency
- Gather necessary documents like SIN and proof of residency
- Apply online using your My Service Canada Account or submit a physical form
- Ensure direct deposit is set up for faster payments
- Log in to monitor application status and payment history
Fact Check
So is the $1,860 OAS benefit real? The answer is partially true.
There is no one-size-fits-all payment of $1,860 for every OAS recipient. However, the maximum total a senior may receive through a combination of OAS, GIS, and allowances can reach or exceed that number—depending on age and income level.
The CRA and Government of Canada do review these payments quarterly based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and a confirmed 1% increase is expected starting July 2025.
That means more money in seniors’ pockets—but only those who meet all the criteria.
FAQs
Is $1,860 OAS a fixed amount?
No, it’s the estimated max from combined benefits.
Who qualifies for $1,860 OAS?
Low-income seniors 75+ with full GIS and allowance.
What is the OAS rate for 75+?
$808.45 per month starting July 2025.
Will OAS increase in July 2025?
Yes, it will rise by 1% due to inflation.
How to apply for OAS?
Apply online via My Service Canada or by form.
