If you’re a Canadian senior, you might’ve heard the buzz around the $969 Old Age Security (OAS) payment in July 2025. It’s caused quite a stir — understandably so.
Many retirees are wondering if the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) quietly boosted OAS to almost $1,000 a month. Let’s clear the air right now: this is not a standard increase for all pensioners.
Here’s the real scoop behind that $969 number — and whether it applies to you.
Overview
The $969 monthly OAS figure floating around isn’t a new universal base rate. Instead, it’s the maximum possible amount some seniors can get in July 2025. To reach this amount, a person would need two things:
- A voluntary deferral of their OAS pension until age 70
- A 1% inflation-based increase (effective July 2025)
So no — if you started OAS at 65, you won’t see $969 on your cheque this month.
Breakdown
Let’s look into the math. Here’s how that high-end payment plays out, using current Service Canada numbers.
| OAS Factor | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Base OAS at age 65 (July 2025) | $734.94 |
| 36% Deferral Bonus (5 years) | +$264.78 |
| Total (after bonus and inflation) | $999.72 |
| Adjusted Rounded Payment | ~$969 |
Why the drop from $999.72 to $969? Because of CRA rounding rules and possible deductions.
If you delayed OAS until age 69, the bonus would be slightly lower — around 31% — bringing your monthly amount closer to $946.61.
Eligibility
To receive any Old Age Security payments, you need to:
- Be 65 years or older
- Live in Canada
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
Payment
Getting the maximum $969 involves a bit more:
- You’ve deferred OAS until age 69 or 70
- You qualify for the full base OAS amount
- You’re eligible for the 1% inflation adjustment from July 2025
In short, it’s not automatic — you had to plan for it years ago.
Dates
Wondering when that payment lands? For July 2025, OAS deposits go out on the 29th.
This includes:
- Standard payments for those aged 65+
- Higher payments for those aged 75+
- Inflation-adjusted and deferral-enhanced payments, if eligible
Mark your calendar if you’re expecting a deposit.
Clarification
It’s super important to repeat this: $969 is not the new OAS standard.
Here’s what most people will actually receive:
| Age | Monthly OAS (July 2025) |
|---|---|
| 65–74 | $734.94 |
| 75+ | $808.44 |
The $969 is only for those few who delayed their OAS long enough and qualified for the full inflation boost.
So if you started your OAS at 65, your monthly amount stays within the regular range unless you qualify for extra supplements or allowances.
Old Age Security remains a cornerstone of retirement income in Canada. But unless you intentionally delayed your payments, don’t expect a surprise $969 cheque this July. That headline figure is real — just not real for most.
FAQs
Is $969 the new OAS base rate?
No, it’s a max payment for those who delayed OAS until age 70.
Who gets the $969 OAS in 2025?
Seniors who deferred OAS to age 69 or 70 and qualify fully.
What’s the regular OAS amount at 65?
It’s $734.94 per month as of July 2025.
Does everyone get a 1% OAS increase?
Yes, all OAS recipients get the CPI adjustment.
When is the July 2025 OAS payment date?
The payment will be deposited on 29th July 2025.
