Kim
You may have heard that Canadian seniors will receive $969 in July 2025 through Old Age Security (OAS)—but this figure doesn’t apply to everyone. There’s no new government bonus, hidden payout, or surprise deposit.
Instead, the $969 applies only to those seniors who delayed their OAS payments and are now collecting enhanced monthly benefits due to deferral bonuses. It’s a calculated reward, not a new benefit.
How the OAS Payment Works
Most Canadians become eligible for OAS at age 65. However, seniors can delay receiving OAS for up to five years—until age 70—to receive a monthly bonus of 0.6% for each month deferred, up to a maximum of 36%.
In July 2025, standard OAS payments are also being increased due to inflation indexing. These inflation adjustments apply to all recipients, whether they deferred or not.
OAS Payment Amounts in July 2025
Here’s a table that outlines the actual payment amounts seniors can expect based on age and whether they deferred their benefits:
| Scenario | Base OAS (July 2025) | Deferral Bonus | Final Monthly OAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 65–74 (no deferral) | $734.94 | None | $734.94 |
| Age 75+ (with age increase) | $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, $969 is real, but only if you delayed OAS and qualified for the deferral bonuses.
The July 2025 Increase
Every quarter, OAS payments are adjusted using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect changes in inflation. The July 2025 adjustment brings a 1% increase to the previous quarter’s rates.
- Ages 65 to 74: Increased from $727.67 to $734.94
- Ages 75 and older: Increased from $800.44 to $808.44
This helps seniors keep pace with inflation, but does not drastically increase their monthly income unless they deferred OAS.
OAS Eligibility Requirements
To receive OAS benefits, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be 65 years or older
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18
- Have income below the OAS recovery threshold (for most seniors, over $85,000 triggers a clawback)
To receive an amount close to or above $969, you must:
- Meet regular eligibility requirements
- Delay your OAS payments until age 69 or 70
- Ensure you’re not already collecting benefits before initiating a deferral
Once you’ve started receiving OAS at 65, it cannot be retroactively increased by delaying later.
Payment Date: When Will You Receive It?
The next scheduled OAS payment date is:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July | July 29, 2025 |
Everyone who qualifies—regardless of the amount they receive—will get their OAS on this day. If your OAS amount includes a deferral bonus, you will already see that in your monthly deposit.
Should You Defer Your OAS?
Delaying OAS can be a smart financial decision under certain circumstances. Here’s why:
- You gain 0.6% extra per month of delay after turning 65
- You can delay up to 60 months (5 years) for a total 36% increase
- It’s ideal for seniors who have other sources of income during early retirement and expect to live beyond the national life expectancy
To delay, you must opt out of automatic enrollment and specify your start date before you turn 65.
Common Myths – Busted
| Claim | Truth |
|---|---|
| All seniors will get $969 in July | Only those who deferred to age 69+ do |
| It’s a one-time OAS bonus | No new bonus or temporary top-up exists |
| $969 is the new standard OAS rate | Regular payments are $735–$808 |
| You can delay after starting OAS | Once you start, deferral isn’t possible |
The $969 OAS payment in July 2025 is not a bonus or government windfall—it’s the result of strategic deferral combined with inflation adjustments.
While most seniors will receive between $734.94 and $808.44, those who delayed their OAS until age 69 or 70 can cross the $950+ monthly mark.
If you’re already receiving OAS, you won’t be able to retroactively defer. But if retirement is still ahead, it’s worth evaluating the benefits of waiting, especially if you expect to live longer or have other financial resources during your mid-60s.
The good news? Every senior will see a modest increase in July 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect purchasing power amid inflation.
FAQs
Will every senior receive $969 in July 2025?
No. Only those who deferred their OAS to age 69 or 70 will receive payments close to or above $969.
What’s the regular OAS amount for most people in July 2025?
For those aged 65–74, it’s $734.94. For those 75 and older, it’s $808.44, reflecting the 10% senior boost.
Can I still delay my OAS if I’m already receiving it?
No. Deferral must be arranged before benefits begin. Once you start receiving OAS, you cannot defer for higher payments later.