OAS payments for September 2026 were scheduled for Friday, September 25, and the next regular deposit is set for Wednesday, October 28.
The October payment will also reflect a scheduled 1.4% increase to Old Age Security benefits for the October-to-December 2026 quarter.
The payment schedule applies to the Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor.
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When is the next OAS payment?
For recipients using direct deposit, the next OAS payment date listed by the federal government is October 28, 2026.
The remaining 2026 payment dates are November 26 and December 22.
| Payment month | Scheduled date |
|---|---|
| September 2026 | September 25, 2026 |
| October 2026 | October 28, 2026 |
| November 2026 | November 26, 2026 |
| December 2026 | December 22, 2026 |
People who receive cheques should allow additional delivery time because cheques are mailed during the last three business days of the month.
Service Canada says eligible recipients receive OAS payments monthly, either by direct deposit or cheque.
How much could OAS payments rise in October?
For July through September 2026, the maximum monthly OAS pension was $751.97 for people aged 65 to 74 and $827.17 for people aged 75 and over.
The federal government says OAS benefits will increase by 1.4% for the October-to-December 2026 quarter because of changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Applying that increase to the current maximums produces approximate amounts of $762.50 per month for recipients aged 65 to 74 and $838.75 for recipients aged 75 and over.
Those figures are estimates based on the announced percentage increase and should not be treated as a personal payment quote.
Actual OAS payments depend on factors including age, income, residency in Canada after age 18 and whether the recipient receives a full or partial pension.
GIS and other senior benefits will also be adjusted
The quarterly adjustment applies to OAS-related benefits, including the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance programs.
For July through September, the maximum GIS payment for a single, widowed or divorced recipient was $1,123.17 per month.
The maximum GIS amount for a recipient whose spouse or common-law partner receives a full OAS pension was $676.09 per month.
Using the announced 1.4% adjustment as a guide, those amounts would be approximately $1,138.89 and $685.56, respectively, before considering a recipient’s individual circumstances.
The Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor are also included in the OAS payment program and are subject to the same quarterly indexation process.
Why individual OAS amounts can be different
The maximum OAS amount is not automatically paid to every recipient.
A person who lived in Canada for at least 10 years but fewer than 40 years after turning 18 may receive a partial pension.
Recipients can also receive a higher monthly pension if they delayed starting OAS after age 65.
The pension rises by 0.6% for each month it is delayed, up to a maximum increase of 36% when payments begin at age 70.
OAS is taxable income, and some higher-income recipients may have part of the benefit recovered through the OAS recovery tax, commonly known as the clawback.
For the 2025 tax year, the federal government lists $93,454 as the income level above which OAS recovery may apply when the benefit is assessed for the July 2026-to-June 2027 period.
What recipients should check before October
- Confirm that banking information is current in My Service Canada Account.
- Review the September payment amount against the OAS notice or payment record.
- Check whether tax deductions or OAS recovery-tax deductions affect the deposited amount.
- Use the official OAS estimator if a personal payment estimate is needed.
My Service Canada Account allows recipients to view payment information for OAS and related benefits and manage their payment destination.
Anyone who does not see an expected direct deposit after the scheduled payment date should first check their banking information and account notices before contacting Service Canada.
The next major change for most OAS recipients is therefore expected with the October 28, 2026 payment, when the announced 1.4% quarterly adjustment is scheduled to take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next OAS payment in Canada?
The next scheduled OAS payment is October 28, 2026. The remaining 2026 dates are November 26 and December 22.
Did OAS payments increase in October 2026?
The federal government announced a 1.4% increase for OAS benefits for the October-to-December 2026 quarter.
What is the maximum OAS payment in 2026?
For July through September 2026, the maximum was $751.97 monthly for ages 65 to 74 and $827.17 for ages 75 and over. October amounts are expected to be higher after the 1.4% adjustment.
Does the OAS increase apply to GIS?
Yes. The quarterly indexation process also applies to the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance programs.
Why is my OAS payment lower than the maximum?
Your payment may be lower because of a partial pension, your income, recovery-tax deductions or other personal circumstances. Delaying OAS after age 65 can increase the monthly amount.
Fact-Checked: Key payment dates, adjustment details, benefit amounts and eligibility factors were checked against current Government of Canada and Service Canada information.
Disclaimer: Approximate October amounts are illustrative calculations and do not replace the personal payment information shown in My Service Canada Account.