For many Canadian seniors, Old Age Security (OAS) is a vital source of income during retirement. So, when headlines and social media posts started circulating about a $969 OAS pension arriving in July 2025, it naturally sparked a wave of questions and confusion.
Is this a new federal benefit? Is everyone getting this increased amount? Has the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced a significant upgrade to OAS payments?
The short answer: not quite. That $969 figure is real—but it’s not new, and it certainly isn’t for everyone.
No New OAS Program or Bonus from CRA
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception first: there is no universal $969 monthly payment coming in July. The CRA and Service Canada have not launched a new benefit or one-time bonus.
Instead, the $969 amount is achievable—but only under specific conditions:
- A 1% inflation adjustment, effective July 2025.
- A deferral bonus earned by delaying OAS until age 69 or 70.
If you’re already receiving OAS at age 65, you won’t see this higher figure.
How the $969 OAS Number Breaks Down
OAS payments vary depending on your age and whether you deferred your benefits. Seniors who delay collecting OAS beyond age 65 receive a monthly bonus of 0.6%, maxing out at 36% at age 70.
Here’s a breakdown of potential OAS amounts starting in July 2025:
| 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 |
So yes, seniors who delayed OAS to age 69 or 70 can reach or exceed $969/month, but this is not a baseline amount for all recipients.
Understanding the 1% Inflation Adjustment
Each quarter, the government adjusts OAS payments to match the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In July 2025, a 1% CPI-linked increase will apply, nudging the base OAS payments up:
- Age 65–74: From $727.67 to $734.94
- Age 75+: From $800.44 to $808.44
This modest increase helps protect the purchasing power of seniors, but on its own, it doesn’t explain the $969 number. Only when combined with deferred benefits can payments reach that high.
Why Most Seniors Won’t See $969
While deferring OAS has benefits, most Canadians start collecting at age 65, either out of necessity or lack of awareness about the deferral program. As a result:
- The majority of recipients will continue to receive $734.94 or $808.44, depending on their age.
- Only a small percentage of retirees, who intentionally waited until age 69 or 70, will see $950+ in monthly benefits.
So, unless you’ve made a strategic choice to delay your OAS, you’re likely not eligible for the $969 payment circulating online.
Eligibility Rules for OAS and Enhanced Payments
To qualify for standard OAS payments, you must meet the following criteria:
Basic OAS Eligibility:
- Be 65 years or older
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18
- Meet income and legal residency requirements
To Reach $969+:
- Must meet all of the above basic criteria
- Must have delayed receiving OAS until at least age 69 or 70
- Must qualify for the maximum base rate and full deferral bonus
If you began receiving OAS at 65, you are not eligible for the $969 amount.
When Is the July 2025 OAS Payment Deposited?
The next OAS payment is scheduled for July 29, 2025, in line with the CRA’s official 2025 pension payment calendar. This date applies to all recipients, regardless of how much they receive.
| Month | OAS Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July | 29th July 2025 |
Payment amounts vary based on eligibility and deferral status, but the schedule remains fixed.
How to Defer OAS and Maximize Benefits
If you haven’t yet applied for OAS and are considering deferring, here’s how it works:
- For every month you delay OAS past age 65, you earn an extra 0.6% per month.
- This can continue up to 60 months, or age 70, maxing out at a 36% total increase.
- To apply later, you must opt out of automatic enrollment if applicable.
Delaying OAS can be beneficial for those who have additional income or expect to live longer, but it depends on personal circumstances.
The Root of the Confusion: Fact vs. Viral Claims
Here’s what’s true—and what’s not:
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| $969 is a new OAS payment for all | False — Only applies to deferred recipients |
| CRA issued a one-time bonus | False — No such bonus has been announced |
| $969 OAS confirmed for July 2025 | Partially true — But only for select, deferred seniors |
| OAS increased 1% in July 2025 | True — Due to CPI inflation adjustment |
| Everyone can get $999+ | False — Only with full 36% deferral bonus |
