OAS payments are increasing by 1.4% for the October to December 2026 quarter, giving eligible seniors and other Old Age Security benefit recipients higher monthly maximums.
Employment and Social Development Canada updated its official payment tables on September 29, 2026, with the adjustment tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index.
The increase applies to the Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor.
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New OAS payment amounts for October to December 2026
The maximum monthly OAS payment for recipients aged 65 to 74 is now $762.50.
For recipients aged 75 and over, the maximum monthly OAS payment is $838.75.
These are maximum amounts, not guaranteed payments for every recipient.
| Benefit | Maximum monthly amount | Income condition |
|---|---|---|
| OAS, age 65 to 74 | $762.50 | 2025 net world income below $152,062 |
| OAS, age 75 and over | $838.75 | 2025 net world income below $157,923 |
| GIS, single, widowed or divorced | $1,138.90 | Annual net income below $23,112 |
| GIS, spouse receives full OAS | $685.56 | Combined income below $30,528 |
| Allowance | $1,448.06 | Combined income below $42,768 |
| Allowance for the Survivor | $1,726.18 | Annual net income below $31,152 |
The official tables also list separate GIS income limits for couples whose spouse receives the Allowance or does not receive an OAS pension or Allowance.
GIS and related benefit amounts also increase
The maximum GIS payment for a single, widowed or divorced recipient is $1,138.90 per month during the quarter.
The maximum GIS amount is $685.56 per month for a recipient whose spouse or common-law partner receives a full OAS pension.
The same $685.56 maximum applies when the spouse or common-law partner receives the Allowance.
For a recipient whose spouse or common-law partner does not receive an OAS pension or Allowance, the maximum GIS amount is $1,138.90 per month.
The Allowance maximum is $1,448.06 per month, while the Allowance for the Survivor maximum is $1,726.18.
GIS, Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor payments are not taxable income, according to the federal government.
Why OAS payments increased in October 2026
The federal government reviews OAS payment rates in January, April, July and October to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index.
For the October to December 2026 adjustment, officials compared the average CPI for May, June and July 2026 with the average for February, March and April 2026.
The average CPI rose from 167.1 in the earlier period to 169.5 in the later period, producing a 1.4% increase in benefit amounts.
Monthly OAS rates can increase when the cost of living rises, but the government says rates will not decrease when the cost of living falls.
What recipients should know about their payments
The amount an individual receives can be lower than the published maximum because OAS depends on factors including age, years of residence in Canada after age 18 and income.
People who lived in Canada for at least 10 years but less than 40 years after turning 18 may receive a partial OAS pension and should not use the maximum-payment tables to calculate their personal amount.
GIS, Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor amounts are recalculated each July using income from the previous calendar year.
Those benefits can rise, fall or stop if a recipient’s income or family circumstances change.
OAS is taxable income and may be subject to the recovery tax when a recipient’s income is above the applicable threshold.
Recipients who need a personalized estimate can use the federal Old Age Security Benefits Estimator or contact Service Canada.
What happens next
The October to December rates apply for the final quarter of 2026.
Service Canada will review the rates again as part of the regular quarterly adjustment process.
Recipients should check their payment details through their official government account or contact Service Canada if the amount deposited does not match their personal notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the maximum OAS payment from October to December 2026?
The maximum is $762.50 per month for recipients aged 65 to 74 and $838.75 for recipients aged 75 and over.
How much is the maximum GIS payment in late 2026?
The maximum is $1,138.90 per month for a single, widowed or divorced recipient. Other maximums apply based on marital status and the spouse’s benefits.
Why did OAS and GIS payments increase by 1.4%?
The increase reflects the change in the Consumer Price Index used for the October to December 2026 quarterly adjustment.
Are GIS, the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor taxable?
No. The federal government says these payments are not considered taxable income. OAS itself is taxable income.
Will every recipient receive the new maximum amount?
No. Personal payments depend on factors such as age, income, marital status and, for some recipients, years of residence in Canada.
Fact-Checked: Key payment amounts, income thresholds, adjustment calculations and eligibility context were checked against the official Employment and Social Development Canada payment tables.
Disclaimer: Payment amounts can differ from the published maximums, so recipients should confirm their individual rate through Service Canada or the official benefits estimator.