Partial OAS Pension: How Years in Canada Affect Your Amount

If you lived in Canada fewer than 40 years after age 18, you get a partial OAS pension: the years you lived here divided by 40. With 20 years, you get 50% of the full pension, about $381.25 a month for October to December 2026. You need at least 10 years, or 20 if you live abroad.

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 10, 2026 How we check our facts

Free tool: OAS and GIS Estimator 2026: Estimate Your Old Age Security

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The formula

Years in Canada after 18 ÷ 40 × full pension = your OAS.

Examples at the October to December 2026 rate (age 65 to 74)

Years in Canada after 18	Share	Monthly OAS
10	25%	$190.63
20	50%	$381.25
30	75%	$571.88
40 or more	100%	$762.50

At 75 and over, each amount is 10% higher.

Ways to get more

Delay your start. Each extra year you live in Canada before starting adds to your share, and the 0.6% monthly deferral increase applies too. Once OAS starts, the share is fixed.
Social security agreements. Time in a country with an agreement with Canada can help you reach the 10 or 20 year minimum. It doesn't raise the partial amount itself.
The GIS. If your income is low, the Guaranteed Income Supplement can make up much of the difference.

Check your own amount

Service Canada says not to rely on the maximum tables if you get a partial pension. Your decision letter and My Service Canada Account show your exact amount.

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

Who Qualifies for Old Age Security? OAS Eligibility Rules You qualify for Old Age Security at 65 if you are a Canadian citizen or legal resident and have lived in Canada at least 10 years since age 18. If you live outside Canada, you need at least 20 years. You don't need to have worked, but income over $152,062 (age 65 to 74) means no OAS. Should You Delay OAS to 70? How Deferral Raises Your Pension Each month you delay Old Age Security after 65 adds 0.6% to your pension, up to 36% at age 70. A full pension of $762.50 at 65 becomes $1,037.00 a month at 70. Delaying makes no sense if you qualify for the GIS, because GIS doesn't increase and you can't get it without OAS. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 2026: Amounts and Income Limits The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a tax-free monthly payment for low-income seniors who get OAS. For October to December 2026, a single senior can get up to $1,138.90 a month if their income is under $23,112. Most people are enrolled automatically with their OAS.

Frequently asked questions

How is a partial OAS pension calculated?

Your years of residence in Canada after age 18, divided by 40, times the full pension.

Do years before 18 count?

No. Only years lived in Canada after your 18th birthday count.

Can a partial pension increase later?

Not from more years in Canada once it starts. It still rises with the cost of living, and by 10% at 75.

Sources

OAS: how much you could receive (canada.ca, 2026-10-13) (canada.ca)
When to start your pension (canada.ca)

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.