There’s been a lot of buzz about a “$2,200 OAS increase” coming in 2025. Let’s clear things up—this isn’t a sudden Old Age Security (OAS) raise or a one-time payment.
Instead, the $2,200 figure refers to the total monthly benefits a qualifying Canadian senior could receive by combining OAS, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
In this guide, we’ll break down what’s really going on, who qualifies, and how you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your retirement benefits.
Table of Contents
Overview
That $2,200 number you may have seen? It’s the combined monthly payout of key federal programs, not a standalone OAS benefit. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Monthly Potential | Up to $2,200 for qualifying seniors |
| OAS (75+) | $800.44/month as of early 2025 |
| GIS (Single) | $1,065–$1,086.88/month |
| CPP | Varies by contributions |
| Eligibility Requirements | OAS: residency; GIS: low income; CPP: work |
| Adjustment Frequency | Quarterly based on inflation (CPI) |
| Official Info | Canada.ca – OAS, GIS, CPP info |
Meaning
The “$2,200 OAS increase” isn’t a new policy or a bump in one benefit. It’s what some seniors can receive monthly if they qualify for all three major federal programs—OAS, GIS, and CPP. Usually, this applies to older, low-income Canadians who have contributed to CPP during their working years.
Breakdown
Let’s go look into each part of that $2,200 monthly benefit.
Old Age Security (OAS)
OAS is available to seniors aged 65+ who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18. It’s not income-based, but high earners may see a clawback through the OAS Recovery Tax.
| Age Range | Monthly Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| 65–74 | $727.67 |
| 75+ | $800.44 |
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit for low-income OAS recipients. Your eligibility depends on your marital status and yearly income.
| Recipient Type | Monthly GIS Max (2025) |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,065–$1,086.88 |
| Married (both on OAS) | $641.35 each |
| Married (only one on OAS) | $1,065 (for the recipient) |
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
CPP is based on how much and how long you contributed while working. The more you paid into it, the more you’ll receive.
| CPP Type | Monthly Amount (2024) |
|---|---|
| Average | ~$758 |
| Maximum | $1,364.60 |
Eligibility
To reach the full $2,200 monthly benefit in 2025, you’ll typically need to:
- Be age 75 or older
- Live in Canada
- Have lived in Canada for 10+ years since age 18
- Qualify for OAS
- Be low-income for GIS eligibility
- Have contributed to CPP during your career
If you’re single, without much other income, and contributed to CPP in your working life, you could be near or at that $2,200 mark.
Increases
Here’s some good news—OAS and GIS amounts adjust every three months to match inflation using the Consumer Price Index. That means your monthly payments could rise slightly every quarter to keep pace with rising costs.
Even modest quarterly bumps—$5 to $15—can add up significantly over time.
Apply
Want to make sure you’re getting everything you’re eligible for? Here’s how to apply:
OAS
- You may be auto-enrolled, but not always
- Apply through My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Apply up to 11 months before turning 65
GIS
- Apply alongside your OAS application
- File your taxes annually to stay eligible
CPP
- Not automatic—you must apply
- Apply online through MSCA or with a paper form
Examples
Let’s look at how these benefits might look in real life.
Eleanor, 77, Lives Alone
- OAS: $800.44
- GIS: $1,065
- CPP: $335
- Total Monthly Income: $2,200.44
Sam & Lila, Both 72
- OAS (each): $727.67
- GIS (each): $641
- CPP: Sam ($600), Lila ($450)
- Combined Income: Around $3,787/month
Peter, 68, Retired Early
- OAS: $727.67
- GIS: Not eligible (income too high)
- CPP: $1,100
- Total: $1,827.67/month
Maximize
Here’s how to make sure you’re getting every dollar you’ve earned:
- File taxes on time every year (even if you have no income)
- Use the OAS and CPP estimators on Canada.ca
- Keep your My Service Canada Account up to date
- Talk to a financial advisor or Service Canada officer if you’re unsure
Planning ahead is key. With just a little effort, you can maximize your retirement income and enjoy more peace of mind in your golden years.
FAQs
Is the $2,200 OAS increase real?
No, it’s a combined total from OAS, GIS, and CPP.
How much is OAS at 75+?
As of 2025, it’s $800.44 per month.
Do I have to apply for CPP?
Yes, CPP is not automatic—you must apply.
Can high income affect OAS?
Yes, high-income seniors may face OAS clawbacks.
Does GIS require tax filing?
Yes, you must file your taxes each year to get GIS.
