The highest Old Age Security (OAS) pension payment depends on your age and the payment period. For October to December 2026, the maximum monthly OAS pension is $742.31 for people aged 65 to 74 and $816.54 for people aged 75 or older; these are gross maximums before any tax withholding or OAS recovery tax.
How the maximum is set
OAS is a taxable monthly pension administered by the Government of Canada. Its maximum is not one permanent amount: the pension is adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the cost of living, using the Consumer Price Index. The figures above apply only to October, November and December 2026. The maximum can change again in January, April or July, so check the official OAS payment-rate page for the amount applying to a different period.
Age matters. The higher maximum begins at age 75, but turning 75 does not necessarily mean the payment instantly changes on the birthday. The increase is applied starting with the month after the recipient turns 75. The rate is also not a promise that every recipient will receive the full maximum: residence history, eligibility and income-related reductions can affect the amount.
- Age 65–74: maximum $742.31 per month in October–December 2026.
- Age 75 and older: maximum $816.54 per month in October–December 2026.
What the maximum means over a year
Multiplying each monthly rate by 12 gives a simple annualized comparison, assuming the rate stayed unchanged for all 12 months. At $742.31 per month, that is $8,907.72; at $816.54, it is $9,798.48. These are not guaranteed annual totals, because quarterly indexation can change the monthly rate during a calendar year, and a person may receive less than the maximum.
The quoted rates are before income tax and any recovery tax. OAS is taxable income. The amount deposited into a bank account can therefore be lower if tax is withheld, while the recipient’s final tax position depends on their circumstances. Do not confuse the published maximum with a net, after-tax payment.
Who can receive the full OAS pension?
OAS eligibility generally depends on age, legal status, and residence in Canada, including residence after age 18. A full pension is typically associated with at least 40 years of Canadian residence after age 18. People with fewer years may qualify for a partial pension, calculated in relation to their residence period, if they meet the applicable eligibility conditions. Special rules and international social security agreements can affect some cases, so individual eligibility should be verified with Service Canada.
OAS is not based on employment contributions in the way the Canada Pension Plan is. It is also separate from the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which is an income-tested benefit for eligible lower-income OAS pensioners. GIS is not included in the OAS maximum figures above. A person’s combined government benefits may be higher if they qualify for other programs, but that does not change the stated maximum OAS pension itself.
Why an actual payment may be lower
Several factors can make a recipient’s OAS deposit differ from the headline maximum:
- Partial pension: fewer qualifying years of residence can mean a reduced amount.
- Income recovery tax: OAS may be reduced or repaid when net income exceeds the recovery threshold applicable to the tax year.
- Tax withholding: requested or otherwise applicable withholding can reduce the amount paid directly.
- Age and payment timing: the under-75 and 75-or-older rates differ, and the age-related increase takes effect after the 75th birthday.
- Payment period: quarterly adjustments mean rates from an earlier period may no longer apply.
The recovery tax is commonly called the OAS clawback. It is based on income, not simply on whether someone has savings or owns a home. The government determines the applicable threshold for each tax year, and the recovery is generally handled through tax assessments or deductions. Consult current official information or a tax professional for an individual calculation rather than assuming the full published amount will be retained.
How to check your own amount
For a reliable estimate, look at your OAS notice or online Service Canada account and identify the benefit period, age category and gross monthly amount. Then check whether the amount reflects a partial pension, any recovery-tax deduction or tax withholding. If the figures do not match what you expected, contact Service Canada to confirm your residence record and benefit calculation.
It is useful to keep gross entitlement separate from the deposit received. For example, a person eligible for the $816.54 maximum may have a lower deposit because of withholding or a recovery-tax deduction; that does not mean the published age-75 maximum is incorrect. Conversely, a qualifying GIS payment is a separate benefit and should not be added when answering the question, “What is the highest OAS payment?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest OAS payment per month?
The maximum for October to December 2026 is $816.54 per month for people aged 75 or older. The maximum for ages 65 to 74 is $742.31.
Does everyone receive the maximum OAS amount?
No. The full maximum depends on eligibility and residence history, and an individual may receive a partial pension. Income-related recovery tax and tax withholding can also reduce the amount deposited.
Does OAS increase when I turn 75?
The higher age-based maximum applies from the month after a recipient turns 75. The amount is subject to the rate in effect for that payment period.
Is GIS included in the maximum OAS payment?
No. GIS is a separate, income-tested benefit for eligible OAS recipients. It is not part of the OAS maximum shown here.
Is the OAS maximum amount before or after tax?
The published maximum is a gross amount before income tax and any OAS recovery tax. The net payment can be lower.
Will the 2026 maximum stay the same all year?
Not necessarily. OAS rates are reviewed quarterly and can be adjusted, so the October–December 2026 figures should not be treated as the rate for every month of the year.
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