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Benefits

After You Apply for OAS: Status, Annual Review and Changes

Service Canada processes online OAS applications in about 14 days and mail applications in about 120 days, then mails a decision. Your first payment comes the month after you turn 65. Each July, your OAS and GIS are reviewed using your tax return, so file by April 30.

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Checking your application

Your status appears in My Service Canada Account once a decision is made. Without an online account, call 1-800-277-9914.

To update direct deposit and contact details online, first call 1-800-277-9914 once to turn this on in My Service Canada Account.

Your first payment

It arrives the month after you turn 65, or on the date in your decision letter. Payments are monthly. Cheques are mailed in the last 3 business days of the month; direct deposit is faster.

The July review

Every year, Service Canada reviews your OAS using your federal tax return. In July you get a letter saying your benefit is renewed (with the new amount), stopped, starting again, or that more income information is needed.

No payment in July? Call right away with your SIN and last year's income, and your spouse's if you have one.

Tell Service Canada about changes

  • A new address, phone or bank account
  • A big change in income
  • A change in marital status
  • Leaving Canada for more than 6 months
  • A death in the household. Survivors may qualify for other benefits.

Taxes on OAS

Tax isn't deducted automatically if you live in Canada. Ask for monthly deductions in My Service Canada Account to avoid a bill at tax time. Your T4A(OAS) slip is there too.

Disagree with a decision?

Ask for a reconsideration within 90 days of receiving your decision letter.

Want to cancel?

You can cancel within 6 months of your first payment by mailing a signed letter with your name, SIN, date of birth, address and the date your payments began.

Phone numbers

CPP and OAS (also Personal Access Codes for returning CPP/OAS clients)

1-800-277-9914

Agents: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time. Automated: 24/7.

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-957-1954 (collect, Eastern time)

TTY: 1-800-255-4786

Related

Old Age Security (OAS) 2026: Amounts, Eligibility and How to Apply Old Age Security is a monthly pension for people 65 and older who have lived in Canada at least 10 years after age 18. For October to December 2026 the maximum is $762.50 a month at 65 to 74 and $838.75 at 75 and over. Most people are enrolled automatically. OAS Phone Number: How to Contact Old Age Security The Old Age Security phone number is 1-800-277-9914 (Canada and the U.S.), the same as CPP. Agents answer Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time; the automated service runs 24/7. From outside Canada and the U.S., call 1-613-957-1954 collect. CPP and OAS Payment Dates 2026 Remaining 2026 dates: November 26 and December 22. Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security are paid on the same day each month, near the end of the month. December's payment comes early, on December 22.

Frequently asked questions

How long does OAS take to process?

About 14 days online and 120 days by mail, longer if documents are missing.

Why did my OAS stop in July?

Usually because your tax return was not filed or your income is too high. Call Service Canada with your income information.

Is tax deducted from OAS?

Not automatically if you live in Canada. You can request monthly tax deductions in My Service Canada Account.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.