For many seniors in Canada, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension is one of the most important parts of their retirement income. So when news started going around online that a $969 OAS payment would arrive in July 2025, people naturally got curious—and confused. Is this true for everyone? Not quite.
Let’s set the record straight: yes, the $969 figure is real, but no, it’s not something all seniors will receive. There’s no new bonus or program. It’s simply the result of careful planning and delayed payments by a small number of retirees.
No Bonus
First things first—there is no new one-time bonus from the CRA or Service Canada. Some viral posts have misled people into thinking a special payment is coming, but this is false.
The $969 number isn’t a bonus—it’s a possible outcome for those who delayed their OAS to age 69 or 70 and earned deferral bonuses.
Breakdown
So how does someone get a $969 monthly OAS payment in July 2025? It all comes down to two key things:
- A 1% inflation-based increase that takes effect in July 2025
- A deferral bonus from postponing OAS beyond age 65
Here’s a quick breakdown of what monthly payments will look like:
| Scenario | Base OAS (July 2025) | Deferral Bonus | Final Monthly OAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 65–74 | $734.94 | None | $734.94 |
| Age 75+ | $808.44 | None | $808.44 |
| Deferred to Age 69 | $734.94 | +29.4% | $950.61 |
| Deferred to Age 70 | $734.94 | +36% | $999.52 |
As you can see, only seniors who delay receiving their OAS to age 69 or 70 reach or exceed the $969 mark.
Inflation
Each quarter, OAS payments get adjusted to keep pace with inflation, thanks to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In July 2025, there’s a 1% CPI bump:
- Ages 65–74: from $727.67 → $734.94
- Ages 75+: from $800.44 → $808.44
While this helps with rising costs, it’s not enough on its own to raise OAS to $969 unless it’s combined with a deferral bonus.
Reality
Most seniors won’t receive $969. Why? Because the majority start collecting OAS right at age 65. Many need the income immediately or just don’t know about the advantages of deferring. So, most retirees will see these typical amounts:
- $734.94/month for ages 65–74
- $808.44/month for those 75+
Only a small group—those who postponed and qualified for maximum increases—will receive $950+.
Criteria
To qualify for OAS at all, you must:
- Be 65 or older
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18
- Meet income and residency rules
To reach that $969 monthly amount, you’ll also need to:
- Defer OAS to age 69 or 70
- Qualify for the base rate and deferral bonus
- Not be automatically enrolled—you must actively choose to defer
Those who already started at 65 are locked into lower amounts.
Schedule
The next OAS payment date is fixed: July 29, 2025. This is the same across Canada, regardless of your age or how much you receive.
| Month | OAS Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July | July 29, 2025 |
So yes, a payment is coming—but not everyone will see a big increase.
Delay
If you haven’t applied yet and want to maximize your pension, deferring could be smart. Here’s how it works:
- For every month you wait after age 65, you earn 0.6% more
- Wait up to 60 months and earn 36% extra by age 70
- You must contact Service Canada to defer and stop automatic enrollment
Deferral makes the most sense if you’re financially secure now and expect to live longer than average.
Myths
Let’s bust some common OAS myths:
| Claim | Truth |
|---|---|
| All seniors get $969/month | False – only with deferral |
| CRA announced new OAS bonus | False – no such bonus exists |
| OAS rose by 1% in July 2025 | True – due to CPI |
| Everyone can receive $999+ | False – only age 70 deferrals |
| New program launched in July 2025 | False – regular CPI adjustment only |
Don’t fall for the noise online—always check official CRA or Service Canada updates.
The bottom line? While some seniors will indeed receive $969 (or even more) in July 2025, it’s not because of a new benefit.
It’s because they delayed collecting OAS and stacked up deferral bonuses. For everyone else, the regular inflation-adjusted payment will land in your account on July 29, just as expected.
FAQs
Is the $969 OAS payment real?
Yes, but only for those who deferred to age 69 or 70.
Did CRA announce a new OAS bonus?
No, there is no new one-time OAS bonus or program.
Who qualifies for $969 OAS monthly?
Only seniors who delayed OAS and earned full deferral bonus.
When is the July 2025 OAS payment?
July 29, 2025, for all eligible recipients.
Can I defer my OAS payments?
Yes, up to age 70 to increase your monthly amount.
