The second Old Age Security payment of 2026 arrives on February 25, continuing the quarterly increase that took effect in January. For Canadians aged 65 and older receiving benefits under the Old Age Security, this month’s deposit reflects the same 0.3 percent quarterly increase applied at the start of the year.
Unlike the Canada Pension Plan, which adjusts once annually, OAS is reviewed every three months. That means the rates introduced in January remain in place for February and March.
If you received your January OAS payment without any changes to your file, your February and March amounts should match exactly. Below is a detailed breakdown of how the Q1 2026 increase works, maximum payment amounts, GIS details, clawbacks, eligibility rules for newcomers, and what to do if your payment is delayed.
February 2026 OAS Payment Overview
The February deposit represents the second payment under the Q1 2026 rates.
Payment date: February 25, 2026
Rate period: January to March 2026
Quarterly increase: 0.3 percent
Year-over-year increase: 2.0 percent
Next review: April 2026
Maximum Monthly OAS Amounts for Q1 2026
Age 65 to 74: $742.31
Age 75 and older: $816.54
These amounts represent the maximum payable for individuals who qualify for full OAS based on residence history in Canada.
Why Your February OAS Payment Matches January
Many seniors expect monthly adjustments, especially if they also receive CPP. However, OAS operates differently.
The January increase of 0.3 percent applies for the entire first quarter of 2026. That means:
January payment reflects new Q1 rate
February payment continues same Q1 rate
March payment remains unchanged
OAS does not recalculate payments monthly. Once a quarterly rate is set, it remains stable until the next scheduled review. This structure helps seniors plan their budgets because there are no surprises mid-quarter.
The next potential change will occur in April 2026 when Q2 rates are assessed.
How OAS Quarterly Indexing Differs From CPP Annual Adjustments
Many retirees receive both OAS and CPP, but these programs operate under different adjustment schedules.
Adjustment Frequency
OAS is adjusted quarterly in January, April, July, and October.
CPP is adjusted annually in January.
Basis of Eligibility
OAS is based primarily on years of residence in Canada after age 18.
CPP is based on work history and contributions during your employment years.
2026 Increases
OAS increased 0.3 percent for Q1 2026.
CPP increased 2.0 percent for the full 2026 calendar year.
Can Payments Decrease
Neither program reduces payments if inflation drops. If the Consumer Price Index declines, payments hold steady rather than decreasing.
Understanding this distinction explains why your OAS may change in April, July, or October, while CPP remains fixed until the following January.
Government Benefit Payments Arriving for Canadians in March 2026
Maximum OAS and GIS Amounts for January to March 2026
In addition to the base OAS pension, lower-income seniors may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Below are the maximum monthly amounts for Q1 2026.
OAS Pension
Age 65 to 74: $742.31
Age 75 and older: $816.54
Guaranteed Income Supplement
Single senior receiving full OAS: $1,108.74
Allowance Programs
Allowance: $1,409.72
Allowance for the Survivor: $1,680.47
Seniors aged 75 and over continue receiving a permanent 10 percent increase introduced in 2022. This enhancement raises the maximum monthly OAS for the 75+ group compared to those aged 65 to 74.
Why Some OAS Deposits Are Much Larger Than Others
When people compare payments, confusion often arises because deposits may include multiple benefits bundled together.
Scenario 1: OAS Only
A senior aged 65 to 74 receiving full OAS but no GIS receives up to $742.31 monthly.
Scenario 2: OAS Plus GIS
A single senior receiving full OAS and maximum GIS could receive up to $1,851.05 per month.
This is calculated as:
$742.31 OAS
$1,108.74 GIS
Scenario 3: Age 75 Plus With GIS
A single senior aged 75 or older receiving full OAS and maximum GIS could receive up to $1,925.28 monthly.
This includes:
$816.54 OAS
$1,108.74 GIS
GIS eligibility depends on income. Seniors with little or no other income qualify for higher GIS payments, which explains why some monthly deposits exceed $1,900 while others remain below $750.
What To Do If Your February OAS Payment Is Missing
If February 25 passes without your deposit, follow these steps before contacting authorities.
Check Your Bank Posting Time
Direct deposits may appear at different times of day depending on your financial institution. Some banks post early morning, others later in the afternoon.
Confirm Direct Deposit Information
Log into your My Service Canada Account and verify your banking details. A single incorrect digit can redirect or delay payment.
Consider Mail Delays
If you receive payment by cheque, delivery times vary across Canada. Winter weather may cause additional delays in some regions.
Review Account Notifications
Your online account may show alerts regarding suspended payments, missing documents, or required updates.
Contact Service Canada
If three business days pass without payment and no explanation is visible, contact Service Canada directly. Have your Social Insurance Number ready when calling.
Full 2026 OAS Payment Schedule
Here are the remaining payment dates for 2026.
February 25
March 27
April 28
May 27
June 26
July 29
August 27
September 25
October 28
November 26
December 22
April, July, and October are particularly important because they may reflect new quarterly OAS rates based on inflation data.
July is also significant for GIS recipients because GIS amounts are recalculated annually based on the previous year’s income. Even if OAS remains steady, GIS may change in July.
OAS Eligibility Rules for Newcomers to Canada
Unlike CPP, OAS eligibility is not based on employment contributions. Instead, it is determined by years of residence in Canada after age 18.
Full OAS
Requires 40 years of residence in Canada after age 18.
Partial OAS
Available with 10 to 39 years of residence. The benefit is calculated as one-fortieth of the full pension for each year of residence.
For example, someone with 20 years of residence would receive 20/40ths, or 50 percent, of the maximum OAS amount.
International Social Security Agreements
Canada has agreements with many countries that allow periods of residence or contributions to be combined for eligibility purposes. This can help newcomers qualify even if they have not lived in Canada for a full 40 years.
For immigrants arriving at age 45, reaching age 65 would provide 20 years of Canadian residence, qualifying them for partial OAS. Combined with CPP earned through employment in Canada, this can form a meaningful retirement income base.
OAS Recovery Tax and the Clawback in 2026
Higher-income seniors may face a repayment obligation known as the OAS recovery tax.
For 2026:
Seniors aged 65 to 74 begin repayment when net world income exceeds $95,323.
OAS is fully clawed back at $154,708.
Seniors aged 75 and older have a higher full clawback threshold of $160,647 due to their increased pension amount.
The repayment equals 15 percent of income above the threshold.
Recovery may occur through reduced monthly payments or when filing your annual tax return. Careful income planning can help minimize clawback exposure, particularly when drawing from RRSPs or selling investments.
How To Verify Your OAS Payment Amount
The most reliable way to confirm your payment is through your My Service Canada Account. There you can review:
Monthly entitlement
Payment history
Direct deposit information
Tax slips
Notices and updates
If you have not yet applied for OAS, you can use the official online estimator provided by Service Canada. It calculates projected payments based on residence history and intended start date.
If your February payment differs from January, this usually indicates a change to your file such as tax updates, GIS recalculation, or income adjustments. Reviewing your account promptly helps resolve discrepancies quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will OAS increase again in 2026
Possibly. OAS is reviewed quarterly. The next potential increase would occur in April 2026, depending on inflation.
Does OAS ever decrease
No. If inflation declines, payments remain at their current level rather than dropping.
Why did my friend receive more than I did
Their deposit may include GIS or Allowance benefits in addition to OAS. Income and age also affect payment size.
Is OAS taxable
Yes. OAS is considered taxable income and must be reported on your annual tax return.
What February’s Payment Means for Canadian Seniors
The February 25 OAS payment continues the modest 0.3 percent quarterly increase introduced in January. While the change is small, the quarterly indexing system ensures payments keep pace with inflation throughout the year rather than waiting for an annual adjustment.
For most recipients, February and March payments will match January exactly. The next potential adjustment arrives in April when Q2 rates are reviewed.