A 1.4% Increase Is Coming for OAS and GIS Benefits
Old Age Security benefits are increasing again in October 2026. The federal government has confirmed a 1.4% increase for the October-to-December quarter as payments adjust to changes in the cost of living.
OAS benefits will increase by 1.4% beginning in October 2026. This follows a 1.2% increase in July. According to the federal government, OAS benefits will be 3.0% higher than they were in October 2025.
How Much Are OAS Payments Increasing?
The federal government adjusts Old Age Security benefit amounts four times a year based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.
For October through December 2026, OAS benefits will increase by 1.4%.
The increase applies not only to the regular Old Age Security pension, but also to OAS-related benefits such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor.
What Does 1.4% Mean in Dollars?
For July through September 2026, the maximum monthly OAS payment is:
| Age | Current Maximum Monthly OAS |
|---|---|
| Age 65 to 74 | $751.97 |
| Age 75 and older | $827.17 |
Applying the announced 1.4% increase would put the maximum monthly payment at approximately $762.50 for people age 65 to 74 and approximately $838.75 for people age 75 and older.
These October figures are approximate calculations based on the government’s announced 1.4% increase. Your actual OAS payment depends on factors including your age, income and how long you have lived in Canada after age 18.
GIS Payments Are Increasing Too
Lower-income seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement also benefit from the quarterly adjustment.
For July through September 2026, the maximum GIS payment for a single, widowed or divorced senior is $1,123.17 per month.
The actual GIS amount a person receives depends heavily on income and marital status, so the maximum should not be confused with the amount every GIS recipient receives.
Why Are Payments Going Up?
OAS benefits are tied to Canada’s Consumer Price Index, which measures changes in consumer prices.
The government reviews OAS rates every January, April, July and October.
If the cost of living increases, OAS benefit rates can increase with it. There is also an important protection for seniors: OAS payments do not decrease when the cost of living goes down.
The October increase means OAS benefits will have risen by 3.0% compared with October 2025.
When Is the First October Payment?
The next scheduled OAS payment after the new quarterly rate takes effect is:
The remaining scheduled OAS payment dates for 2026 are November 26 and December 22.
Do You Need to Apply for the Increase?
If you already receive OAS: No.
The quarterly cost-of-living adjustment is applied to OAS benefit rates automatically. Existing recipients do not need to apply for the October increase.
Could Your OAS Amount Be Different?
Yes. The maximum OAS amount is not what every senior receives.
Your payment can depend on your age, income and the number of years you lived in Canada after turning 18. Someone who qualifies only for a partial OAS pension will receive less than the maximum.
Higher-income seniors can also be subject to the OAS recovery tax, commonly called the OAS clawback.
GIS is different again because payments are based on income and, where applicable, the combined income and circumstances of a spouse or common-law partner.
The Bottom Line
Canadian seniors receiving OAS will see another cost-of-living adjustment beginning in October.
The 1.4% increase follows the 1.2% increase that took effect in July and brings the year-over-year increase in OAS benefits to 3.0%.
For seniors already receiving benefits, there is nothing special to apply for. The adjustment is automatic, with the first scheduled October payment arriving on October 28, 2026.
VIPNews explains Canadian government changes in plain English. This article provides general information. Individual benefit amounts and eligibility depend on personal circumstances.