Seniors 64+ in Canada: Are You Missing Out on $1,360 Per Month in Benefits?

If you’re 64 or older and living in Canada, you’re probably already thinking about how to make the most of your retirement. The good news is, there are several programs designed to help you financially. Whether you’ve worked for years or not, you could be eligible for key benefits like Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). These benefits are here to help make sure you can enjoy your later years without worrying too much about money.

Let’s break it all down in simple terms, so you can figure out what you’re eligible for and when you’ll start seeing those payments come in.

1. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is probably one of the first things you’ll think of when it comes to retirement income. It’s a program you’ve been paying into throughout your working life, and now it’s time to collect.

• Who’s Eligible?
  If you’ve worked and contributed to the CPP, you’re good to go. You can start receiving your CPP payments as early as 60, but if you wait until you turn 65 (or even later), you’ll receive a higher monthly amount.

• How Much Can You Expect?
  The maximum monthly payment for someone who’s been paying into CPP is about $1,433 in 2025. But don’t worry if you haven’t hit the maximum—you’ll still get something based on how much you’ve contributed.

• When Will You Receive It?
  CPP is paid monthly, and here’s when you can expect your payments in 2025:

  • April 28, 2025

  • May 28, 2025

  • June 26, 2025

  • July 29, 2025

  • August 27, 2025

  • September 25, 2025

  • October 29, 2025

  • November 26, 2025

  • December 22, 2025

2. Old Age Security (OAS)

If you’ve lived in Canada for a while and are 65 or older, you could also be eligible for Old Age Security (OAS). It’s a bit like a basic monthly payment to help you live comfortably in your later years.

• Who’s Eligible?
  You must be 65 or older, and you need to have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. If you’ve lived here longer, your monthly amount may be a little higher.

• How Much Will You Get?

  • If you’re 65–74 years old, you could get up to $727.67 per month.

  • After you turn 75, your monthly amount increases to $800.44.

• When Do Payments Come?
  OAS payments are also monthly, and here are the upcoming payment dates for 2025:

  • April 28, 2025

  • May 28, 2025

  • June 26, 2025

  • July 29, 2025

  • August 27, 2025

  • September 25, 2025

  • October 29, 2025

  • November 26, 2025

  • December 22, 2025

3. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

For those with limited income, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides an extra layer of financial help on top of OAS. It’s specifically for seniors who need a bit more assistance to cover the cost of living.

• Who’s Eligible?
  To get GIS, you must be already receiving OAS, and your income must be low enough to qualify. This is all about giving you extra support if you’re finding it tough to make ends meet.

• How Much Can You Get?
  The amount you receive depends on your income and whether you’re living alone or with a partner. For single seniors, the maximum GIS payment is around $1,086.88 per month. If you’re a couple, the total is the same, but it’s divided between you and your spouse.

• When Are Payments Made?
  GIS payments are monthly, and here are the 2025 dates:

  • April 28, 2025

  • May 28, 2025

  • June 26, 2025

  • July 29, 2025

  • August 27, 2025

  • September 25, 2025

  • October 29, 2025

  • November 26, 2025

  • December 22, 2025

How to Make Sure You Get Your Payments on Time

To make sure you’re getting the money you’re entitled to, here are a few tips:

1. File Your Taxes: It might not be the first thing on your mind, but filing your taxes is important. The government uses your tax returns to figure out how much you qualify for with OAS, GIS, and other benefits.

2. Set Up Direct Deposit: Skip the wait and have your payments go directly to your bank account by setting up direct deposit. It’s the fastest and safest way to get your benefits.

3. Keep Your Info Updated: If you move or change your bank account details, make sure you update your information with Service Canada. It’ll save you from unnecessary delays.

4. Check Your Eligibility: The government has a Benefits Estimator that can help you figure out exactly how much you could be getting, depending on your income and living situation.

Navigating retirement benefits doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re 64 or older and living in Canada, there are several programs—like CPP, OAS, and GIS—designed to support you. By knowing your eligibility, keeping your info up to date, and understanding when your payments are due, you can make sure you’re getting all the support you deserve.