Old Age Security (OAS)

Old Age Security (OAS) is one of the cornerstones of the Canadian retirement income system. It includes the basic OAS pension available to most Canadians aged 65 and older, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, the Allowance for 60–64-year-old spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, and the Allowance for the Survivor for 60–64-year-old surviving spouses or common-law partners.

The Old Age Security (OAS) is one of the key income-support programs administered by Service Canada for Canadians. Understanding exactly when your OAS payment will be deposited helps you plan your monthly budget, avoid unnecessary overdraft fees, and ensure bills are paid on time. On this page you will find the complete 2026 payment schedule along with guidance on what to do if a payment is late.

In 2026, there are 12 scheduled payment dates for the OAS. The Government of Canada publishes these dates in advance so that recipients can plan accordingly. Payments are deposited directly into your bank account if you have enrolled in direct deposit. If you receive payments by cheque, allow additional time for mail delivery. We strongly recommend signing up for direct deposit through your My Service Canada Account or CRA My Account to receive your money on the earliest possible date.

Each scheduled payment date listed on this page represents the date on which the Government of Canada issues the payment. Depending on your financial institution, funds may appear in your account on the same business day or the following business day. If a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday, the payment is generally issued on the last business day before the holiday. The dates shown on this page already reflect those adjustments as published by the Government of Canada.

The OAS payment schedule covers the following components: OAS pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Allowance, Allowance for the Survivor. All of these components are issued on the same date, so you do not need to track separate schedules for each.

If you have not received your OAS payment by 5 business days after the scheduled date, you should contact Service Canada. If you have not received your OAS payment after 5 business days, contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914. Before calling, make sure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN) handy, along with details about your bank account and the specific payment you are inquiring about.

Common reasons for a missed or delayed OAS payment include: a change in your banking information that was not updated with the government, a change in your eligibility status, an outstanding balance with the CRA, or a processing delay due to high volume. If you recently changed banks, make sure to update your direct deposit information well before the next payment date to avoid any disruption.

The OAS is related to other Canadian benefit programs including Canada Pension Plan and Canada Disability Benefit. While these programs share some similarities, each has its own eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and schedule. Make sure you are looking at the correct schedule for the specific benefit you receive.