Some seniors in Canada are scratching their heads this summer, wondering if they’re about to get a surprise $1,860 Old Age Security (OAS) payment in August 2025. Social media posts, forwarded emails, and even a few “financial tip” videos are fueling the buzz. Sounds nice, right? Unfortunately, the truth is a bit less exciting — but still worth understanding. The $1,860 figure is a mix-up, not an official government number. Here’s what’s actually happening, why your OAS might still be going up, and how the rumor likely started.
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What OAS Really Is — and Isn’t
Old Age Security is Canada’s foundational retirement income program for people aged 65 and older. It’s funded by general tax revenues, so you don’t need a work history to qualify. Instead, your eligibility depends mostly on your age, years of residence in Canada after age 18, and your annual income.
Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which is based on how much you contributed during your working life, OAS is a flat-rate benefit that can be topped up for lower-income seniors through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). And here’s the kicker — OAS is paid monthly, not as one-off lump sums.
The Current Maximum OAS Rates (August 2025)
Here’s where the numbers get clearer. According to the latest official figures from Service Canada, as of August 2025, the maximum monthly payments are:
| Age Group | Maximum Monthly Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 65–74 | $727.67 | Before income recovery tax, if applicable |
| 75+ | $800.44 | Includes permanent 10% age-related boost |
These amounts are automatically adjusted quarterly to reflect inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The August 2025 adjustment is a 1% increase from May, contributing to a total 2.3% rise for the year.
The $1,860 Rumor — Where It Came From
So why is $1,860 floating around? Most likely, it’s the combined total of multiple government benefits — such as OAS, CPP, and GIS — which some seniors do receive. For example:
| Benefit Type | Approx. Monthly Amount | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| OAS (75+) | $800.44 | Max rate |
| CPP | ~$900 | Depends on lifetime earnings |
| GIS | ~$160 | For low-income seniors |
Put them together, and you’re hovering around $1,860 — but that’s not OAS alone. No official source has announced a stand-alone OAS payment at that amount.
Eligibility and How to Maximize Your OAS
To receive the maximum OAS, you generally need to have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after turning 18. If you haven’t, you may still qualify for a partial pension. You can also defer starting OAS up to age 70, which increases the monthly amount by 0.6% for each month of delay.
If your net annual income is above a certain threshold ($90,997 in 2025 for ages 65–74, slightly higher for 75+), the OAS recovery tax will reduce your payments.
Payment Dates for the Rest of 2025
OAS payments typically land on the last weekday of each month. Here’s the remaining 2025 schedule:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July | July 31, 2025 |
| August | August 29, 2025 |
| September | September 30, 2025 |
| October | October 31, 2025 |
| November | November 28, 2025 |
| December | December 31, 2025 |
Fact Check
There is no evidence from Employment and Social Development Canada or Service Canada of a $1,860 single OAS payment for August 2025. The figures circulating online combine multiple benefit sources or reflect total household income from federal programs.
The confirmed maximum OAS rates in August 2025 remain $727.67 (ages 65–74) and $800.44 (ages 75+), with automatic inflation-linked increases.
FAQs
Is there a one-time $1,860 OAS payment in August 2025?
No. That number is not from an official government announcement and likely combines multiple benefit programs.
How much will my OAS payment increase in August 2025?
OAS rates are increasing by 1% in August, following CPI inflation adjustments.
Can I get both OAS and CPP at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs, and you can receive both if eligible.
What if I lived outside Canada for part of my life?
You may receive a partial OAS pension, depending on your years of Canadian residence after age 18.
How can I check my exact OAS amount?
Log into your My Service Canada Account or contact Service Canada directly.
