The increase. The federal government has raised Old Age Security (OAS) benefits by 1.4% for the October to December 2026 quarter. Over the year from October 2025 to October 2026, the increase comes to 3.0%. It's a federal measure, so it applies everywhere in Canada, Quebec included.
Why it changes. OAS amounts are reviewed four times a year, in January, April, July and October, based on the Consumer Price Index. If the cost of living goes up, payments rise. If it goes down, payments don't decrease.
The new maximum amounts. For October to December 2026, the monthly pension can be up to $762.50 for people aged 65 to 74, and up to $838.75 at 75 and over. The gap comes from a permanent 10% increase given in July 2022 to people 75 and older. For a single person with a low income, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) can be added, up to $1,138.90 a month, if their annual income is under $23,112.
These are maximums. The actual amount depends on your age, your income and how many years you've lived in Canada after age 18. For a personal estimate, the government offers an online OAS Benefits Estimator.
Good to know for newcomers. A full pension generally requires 40 years in Canada after age 18. If you've lived here at least 10 years but fewer than 40, you receive a partial pension, and the government says its tables don't apply to you: you need to contact Service Canada. OAS is also separate from the Quebec Pension Plan, paid by Retraite Québec based on your working years. Our guide to the Quebec Pension Plan explains the difference.
