The buzz around a $969 Old Age Security (OAS) pension in July 2025 has created quite a stir among Canadian seniors. Social media posts and online discussions suggest that Service Canada has bumped up the OAS to $969 per month for everyone.
Sounds great, right? But here’s the truth: the $969 isn’t a new universal amount. Instead, it’s the result of a couple of tweaks — a small inflation bump and a deferral bonus for those who delayed their OAS. Let’s break it down.
Basics
Old Age Security is one of the core pillars of retirement income in Canada. Funded by the government and managed through Service Canada, it provides monthly payments to seniors who meet basic eligibility: age 65 and over, and at least 10 years of residency in Canada after turning 18.
But how much you receive depends on two main things — your age when you start collecting and periodic inflation adjustments.
Inflation
Starting July 2025, OAS recipients will see a 1% increase in their monthly payments. This is tied to Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), which reflects the rising cost of living. So if you were receiving $727.67 in June, that amount rises to $734.94 in July.
Here’s the updated base OAS for July 2025:
| Age Group | Base OAS (July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Age 65 – 74 | $734.94 |
| Age 75+ | $808.44 |
Deferral
Now here’s where the $969 comes in. The government offers an incentive if you delay taking your OAS past 65. For every month you defer, your payment increases by 0.6%, maxing out at a 36% bonus if you wait until age 70.
Let’s use a simple example. Say someone turned 65 in July 2020 and decided to defer their OAS until July 2025, hitting age 70. With the deferral bonus added to the updated July 2025 base rate, their payment would look like this:
| Calculation Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| July 2025 Base OAS (at 65) | $734.94 |
| Deferral Bonus (36% of base) | +$264.58 |
| Total Monthly OAS at age 70 | $999.52 |
If someone deferred to age 69, the payment would be around $946.61. So, that’s where the $969 figure fits in — it’s simply a rounded-off example for those nearing full deferral but not quite at age 70.
Reality
To be clear, the $969 OAS is not a flat amount that all seniors will receive in July 2025. There is no sweeping CRA announcement stating that everyone gets this amount. Instead, it’s only for seniors who:
- Delayed their OAS until at least age 69
- Are entitled to the full base OAS
- Benefit from the 1% CPI adjustment starting July 2025
Eligibility
To get any OAS, the rules are simple:
- Must be 65 or older
- Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18
To receive the $969 or higher:
- You must defer your OAS for at least four years
- Be eligible for the full OAS amount
- Have received no clawbacks due to high income
Dates
Mark your calendars: The next OAS payment is scheduled for 29th July 2025. If you qualify for the boosted amount due to deferral and CPI adjustment, that’s when you’ll see it.
Breakdown
To summarize the math:
| Scenario | Monthly OAS (July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Standard OAS at age 65 | $734.94 |
| With 36% deferral (age 70) | $999.52 |
| With partial deferral (age 69) | ~$946.61 |
The $969 figure sits comfortably between these two, depending on the exact deferral length.
So yes, $969 is real — but only for a specific group of seniors who strategically delayed their payments and are now reaping the benefits. It’s not some surprise gift from the government.
FAQs
Is $969 the new base OAS?
No, $969 is not a new base. It’s a result of deferral and inflation.
Who gets the $969 OAS?
Only seniors who deferred OAS to age 69 or 70.
Did CRA announce a new OAS plan?
No, there is no new universal plan or $969 flat increase.
What is the base OAS in July 2025?
It’s $734.94 for age 65–74 and $808.44 for 75+.
When is the next OAS payment?
It’s scheduled for July 29, 2025.
