Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

How to Apply for OAS in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly federal pension benefit available to most Canadians aged 65 and older. It's one of the cornerstones of Canadian retirement income. Applying for OAS is straightforward, but there are important timing decisions to understand — especially whether to start at 65 or defer to as late as 70 for a permanently higher monthly amount.

What Is OAS?

OAS is a monthly payment from the federal government for Canadians 65 and older who meet residency requirements. Unlike CPP, OAS is not based on your work history or contributions — it's based on how long you've lived in Canada after age 18. You don't need to have worked to receive OAS.

Who Is Eligible for OAS?

To receive OAS, you must:

• Be 65 years of age or older
• Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada at the time your application is approved
• Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18 (to receive any OAS)
• Have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after turning 18 to receive the full benefit

If you lived in Canada for fewer than 40 years after age 18 but more than 10, you receive a partial pension (1/40th of the full amount for each year of Canadian residence).

Canadians living abroad may still qualify if they lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18, or if Canada has a social security agreement with the country they live in.

Are You Automatically Enrolled?

Service Canada automatically enrolls some Canadians for OAS at age 65. You'll receive a notification letter if you're automatically enrolled, typically 6 months before your 65th birthday. If you receive this letter and want to start OAS at 65, you don't need to do anything. If you want to defer, you must actively tell Service Canada.

Not everyone is automatically enrolled. You'll need to apply manually if:

• You have not received a letter of automatic enrollment
• You haven't consistently filed Canadian taxes or received government benefits
• You've spent significant time outside Canada

Should You Take OAS at 65 or Defer?

This is one of the most important decisions for your retirement income. OAS increases by 0.6% for every month you defer past 65, up to a maximum of 36% at age 70. The questions to consider:

• Do you need the money now? If yes, start at 65. OAS is real money — over $8,700/year at current maximum rates.
• Are you still working and earning above the clawback threshold? If your income exceeds approximately $90,997, you'll be paying a recovery tax on OAS anyway. Deferring to when income is lower can avoid partial or full clawback.
• What is your health and life expectancy? The break-even point for deferral is approximately 83 years old. If you expect to live past 83, deferring to 70 pays off more in total lifetime OAS. If you have serious health concerns, starting earlier may be better.
• What are your other income sources? The more other income you have, the less you need OAS early — and the more clawback risk there may be.

How to Apply for OAS

Option 1: Apply Online via My Service Canada Account

1. Go to canada.ca and sign in to My Service Canada Account (MSCA). If you don't have one, you can register online with a GCKey or through your bank's sign-in partner.
2. Select "Apply for CPP/OAS Benefits" from the menu.
3. Choose Old Age Security.
4. Complete the online application — takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
5. Submit and note your confirmation number.

Option 2: Apply by Mail

1. Download the OAS application form (ISP-3000) from canada.ca or pick one up at a Service Canada Centre.
2. Complete all sections. Common sections include personal information, residence history, and banking information for direct deposit.
3. Gather any required supporting documents (proof of identity, proof of residency if applicable).
4. Mail to the address shown on the form or deliver to a Service Canada Centre.

Option 3: Visit a Service Canada Centre

Staff at Service Canada centres can assist you in completing the application in person. Find locations at servicecanada.gc.ca. Bring your Social Insurance Number and identification.

When to Apply

Apply up to 11 months before you want your payments to start. Processing takes approximately 1-3 months, so submitting early gives time to resolve any issues. If you're starting at 65, apply when you're 64 years and 1 month old. If you plan to defer to 70, notify Service Canada when you'd like to start receiving payments.

What Information You'll Need

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Date and place of birth
• Legal name and mailing address
• Banking information for direct deposit (strongly recommended)
• Residency history in Canada and abroad (dates in and out of Canada since age 18)
• Marital status and information about spouse/common-law partner

After You Apply

Service Canada will send a decision letter confirming whether you're approved, the amount you'll receive, and when payments start. If approved, set up direct deposit if you haven't already. Check your MyServiceCanada Account regularly — it's the fastest way to see your benefit status. OAS payments are deposited on the third-to-last banking day of each month.

OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

When you apply for OAS, you may also be assessed for GIS — an additional monthly benefit for lower-income OAS recipients. GIS is based on your income (and that of your spouse or common-law partner). If your income is low enough to qualify, GIS can add hundreds of dollars per month. You don't need to apply separately — GIS eligibility is assessed automatically when you apply for OAS and file your annual tax return.

Reconsideration and Appeals

If your OAS application is denied or you disagree with the benefit amount, you have the right to request a reconsideration within 90 days of receiving the decision. Submit a written request to Service Canada explaining why you disagree and including any supporting documentation. If reconsideration is also denied, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada.