Service Canada has updated the federal Allowance payment amounts for the October to December 2026 quarter, with eligible recipients able to receive up to $1,448.06 per month.
The combined annual income threshold for a couple has been set at less than $42,768 when one spouse or common-law partner receives the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the full Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
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Allowance amount for October to December 2026
The Allowance is a monthly benefit for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives GIS and is eligible for the full OAS pension.
For the current quarter, the maximum monthly payment is $1,448.06.
The maximum applies only to recipients whose circumstances and income qualify for the full amount; the actual payment may be lower.
| Allowance detail | October to December 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly payment | Up to $1,448.06 |
| Combined annual income threshold | Less than $42,768 |
| Eligible recipient age | 60 to 64 |
| Spouse or partner requirement | Receives GIS and the full OAS pension |
Who may qualify for the Allowance
To qualify under the Allowance eligibility requirements, an applicant must generally be between 60 and 64 years old and have a spouse or common-law partner who receives the GIS and is eligible for the full OAS pension.
The applicant must also be a Canadian citizen or legal resident and must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18.
The applicant and their spouse or common-law partner must have a combined annual income of less than $42,768 under the current threshold.
Service Canada also lists restrictions related to sponsorship agreements.
In general, a person or their spouse or common-law partner cannot currently be under a sponsorship agreement to receive the benefit, although specific exceptions may apply.
Why the Allowance amount changed
The October update is part of the regular quarterly adjustment to Old Age Security benefits.
Service Canada reviews OAS-related payment amounts in January, April, July and October to reflect changes in the cost of living.
The government said OAS benefits increased by 1.4% for the October to December 2026 quarter.
The department calculated the adjustment using the change in the Consumer Price Index between the February-to-April 2026 period and the May-to-July 2026 period.
The average CPI rose from 167.1 in the earlier comparison period to 169.5 in the later period.
That difference produced the 1.4% quarterly increase.
OAS payment rates can rise when the cost of living increases, but the government says monthly rates do not decrease when the cost of living falls.
Income rules and actual payment amounts
The $42,768 figure is a combined income threshold for the couple, not an individual income limit.
Service Canada assesses the annual net income of the applicant together with the annual net income of their spouse or common-law partner.
The Allowance amount is based on income and family circumstances.
As a result, someone who meets the eligibility rules may receive less than the maximum monthly amount.
For GIS, the Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor benefit amounts are recalculated each July using income from the previous calendar year.
Payments can increase, decrease or stop if annual income changes.
People whose income has fallen because of retirement or because pension benefits were reduced or stopped can contact Service Canada.
In some cases, the department may estimate current-year income instead of relying only on the previous year’s income.
What recipients and applicants should do
- Check whether the combined annual income of both partners is below $42,768.
- Confirm that the spouse or common-law partner receives GIS and the full OAS pension.
- Review marital status, residency and sponsorship circumstances before applying.
- Use the government’s OAS Benefits Estimator or contact Service Canada if the household’s income has recently changed.
Allowance, GIS and Allowance for the Survivor payments are not considered taxable income, according to the federal OAS payment information.
The updated figures apply to the October to December 2026 quarter.
Service Canada will review the amounts again as part of the next scheduled quarterly adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum Allowance payment from October to December 2026?
The maximum Allowance payment is up to $1,448.06 per month, although the actual amount depends on income and personal circumstances.
What is the Allowance income threshold for October to December 2026?
The combined annual income of the applicant and their spouse or common-law partner must be less than $42,768.
Who can receive the Allowance?
The benefit is generally available to people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives the GIS and the full OAS pension, subject to residency, income and other eligibility rules.
Are Allowance payments taxable?
No. Allowance payments are not considered taxable income under the federal OAS payment rules.
What if household income is lower this year than last year?
The applicant or their spouse or common-law partner can contact Service Canada. The department may be able to assess current-year income in certain circumstances.
Fact-Checked: The payment amount, income threshold, eligibility rules and quarterly adjustment were checked against current Government of Canada Allowance and Old Age Security information published or updated in October 2026.
Disclaimer: Eligibility and payment amounts can vary by income and personal circumstances, so applicants should confirm their situation directly with Service Canada.