As you approach retirement age, it’s crucial that you make sure that you’re eligible for all your pension benefits, including Old Age Security (OAS). Understanding OAS eligibility and how to apply can help ensure you receive the financial support needed throughout retirement.
Read on to find out the eligibility requirements for OAS pension benefits and the OAS application process.
OAS Overview
| What Is It? | OAS is a monthly pension provided by the Canadian government to eligible Canadians aged 65 and older. |
| How Much Will You Get? | – 65 to 74: Maximum of $727.67/month – 75+: Maximum of $800.44/month |
| Eligibility | Must meet all of the following: – Be at least 65 or older – Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident of Canada – Have lived in Canada for a minimum of 10 years after turning 18 years old |
| How To Apply | – If you’re not automatically enrolled, you can apply a month after your 64th birthday either online or via paper application. |
Are You Eligible For OAS?
Eligibility criteria for OAS are as follows:
- Be at least 65 years old or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18
If you live outside Canada, you must have lived in Canada for a minimum of 20 years since the age of 18.
| Can You Receive OAS If You Never Worked? Yes, you can still be eligible for OAS if you never worked in Canada. |
Learn more: Tax Benefits and Credits For Seniors
OAS Application Process: Steps On How To Apply For OAS
To apply for OAS, follow these steps:
Step 1: Find Out If You Need To Apply
Service Canada tries to enroll qualifying seniors automatically for OAS payments. If you receive a letter from the Canadian government informing you that you’ll be getting OAS benefits, you’ll likely not need to apply.
However, you’ll need to apply for OAS benefits if you receive a letter asking you to apply or if the details in the original letter sent are inaccurate. Similarly, if you do not receive any letter from the government the month after you turn 64, you’ll need to contact the government to see if you need to apply.
Step 2: Choose When You Want To Start Receiving OAS
You can either begin receiving your pension the month after your 65th birthday, or at a later date. You can delay your payments up to the age of 70 years old. Doing so can increase your OAS payment amounts by an extra 7.2% each year you delay it.
Step 3: Submit Your OAS Application Form
You can apply for OAS in one of two ways:
Online OAS Application
To apply online, you’ll need a My Service Canada Account (MSCA). If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to register.
Before you apply online, you must ensure the following:
- You must wait at least 1 month after your 64th birthday
- You must not already be receiving an OAS pension or have already applied
- You must be currently living in Canada
- There cannot be an authorized third party on your account
| How To Create A My Service Canada Account (MSCA)? You can register for a MSCA through your online banking credentials or by requesting a personal access code. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website. |
OAS Paper Application
To apply via paper application, you need to:
- Print and fill out the paper OAS application form: Application for the OAS and the GIS (ISP-3550).
- Submit certified true copies of required documents, which may include the following:
- Proof of age (ie. birth certificate)
- Proof of citizenship or legal status (ie. passport or Permanent Resident card)
- Proof of residency (ie. utility bills or rent agreement)
Once you’ve completed this application and gathered all necessary documents, you can either mail them or bring them to a local Service Canada office.
Step 4: Wait For A Response
Service Canada will send you a decision letter through the mail which will include information such as:
- Your monthly payment amount
- The date of your first payment
- Past payments that you may be owed
Learn more: How Does Old Age Security (OAS) Pension Work?
Documents And Information Required To Apply
Information and documentation that you may be required to provide when you apply for OAS include the following:
Required Information
- Personal Information:
- Your full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Residency:
- Addresses and dates about where you’ve lived since the age of 18
- Marital Status:
- Information about your marital status
Required Documentation
- Proof Of Age:
- Birth certificate
- Other government document
- Proof Of Citizenship Or Legal Status:
- Passport
- Permanent Resident card
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
- Proof Of Residency:
- Utility bills
- Rent agreements
- Tax records
Pension Information
- The date you’d like your pension to begin
- Your reduction in employment or pension income (if applicable)
When Will You Receive A Response?
In general, Service Canada will try to provide you with a decision about your application the month before you would receive your first OAS payment if you apply at least 6 months before you’re eligible.
How To Check Your OAS Application Status
If you want to check the status of your OAS application, you can do so in the following ways:
| Online | Log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) |
| Contact Service Canada | – Online: Submit an eServiceCanada request form – By Phone: 1-800-277-9914 – By Mail: Find your nearest Service Canada office – In Person: You’ll need to show ID and answer verification questions to access your account |
What Can You Do If You’re Rejected For OAS Or Don’t Agree With The Response?
If you’re rejected or disagree with Service Canada’s response regarding your OAS application, you can do the following:
- Request A Reconsideration: Speak with a representative from Service Canada and ask for a reconsideration of the decision. To request this review, you can use Form ISP-3134.
- Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal: If the reconsideration decision is still not satisfactory, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal, who will look over your case and make a final decision.
- Contact Service Canada’s Office For Client Satisfaction: If you think there was some sort of clerical error, you can contact this office to have the matter resolved.
Bottom Line
As long as Service Canada has enough information about you on file and you qualify for OAS, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the plan to receive monthly payments. However, if you don’t get a letter about OAS the month after you turn 64, you may have to apply manually. Luckily, the process is relatively straightforward and simply involves verifying your eligibility, collecting all required documents, and submitting your application either online, by mail, or in person.
