Old Age Security (OAS) has two published maximum monthly amounts because people aged 75 and older receive a higher pension. The figures also change during the year, so an OAS maximum without a quarter attached to it can quickly become outdated. For July to September 2026, the maximum OAS payment is $751.97 per month for someone aged 65 to 74 and $827.17 per month for someone aged 75 or older. These are the maximum standard pension rates before considering an increase from delaying OAS.
| Age | Maximum monthly OAS, July to September 2026 | Maximum for the three-month quarter |
|---|---|---|
| 65 to 74 | $751.97 | $2,255.91 |
| 75+ | $827.17 | $2,481.51 |
These are maximum rates, not what every OAS recipient receives. Your actual entitlement depends on factors including your Canadian residence history, while high income can reduce what you ultimately receive. Our guide to how your OAS pension is calculated covers the individual calculation rather than the published maximum.
Why the Maximum OAS Payment Is Higher After Age 75
The higher 2026 maximum for older recipients comes from a permanent 10% OAS increase that starts in the month after a person turns 75. The increase applies automatically and does not require a separate application.
This age-based increase is written into the Old Age Security Act and applies to full and partial pensions. It has been part of the program since July 2022.
The Maximum OAS Amount Can Change Four Times a Year
OAS amounts are reviewed in January, April, July and October under the 2026 program rules. The adjustment reflects changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the measured cost of living rises, OAS rates increase. They do not decrease when the cost of living falls.
The July to September 2026 rates increased by 1.2% from the previous quarter. A further 1.4% increase has been announced for October to December 2026, so the figures in the table above apply only through September 2026. We track how these adjustments work separately in our article on OAS increases and inflation.
For us, the practical lesson is simple: when comparing an OAS amount from a pension statement, news article or online calculator, check the quarter attached to the figure. A number from earlier in the same year can already be stale.
Can Your OAS Be Higher Than the Published Maximum?
Yes. The published quarterly maximum is the standard maximum for someone who starts OAS without a deferral increase. Under the 2026 OAS deferral rules, postponing the pension after age 65 increases it by 0.6% for each month of delay, up to 36% after 60 months.
For example, using the July to September 2026 rate, the maximum shown for someone who delayed a full pension until age 70 is $1,022.68 per month. That is higher than the standard maximum because the deferral adjustment has been added. Waiting beyond age 70 produces no further deferral increase. The broader question of whether and when to postpone payments is covered in our OAS deferral guide.
Why You Might Receive Less Than the Maximum OAS
Receiving the full published rate generally requires a full OAS pension. Under the 2026 rules, people with fewer than 40 years of Canadian residence after age 18 may receive a partial pension instead. Special rules apply to some people with residence or immigration history dating from before July 1, 1977. The exact residence rules are explained in our OAS residency requirements guide.
Income can affect the amount that reaches you for a different reason. For the July 2026 to June 2027 recovery period, OAS recovery tax begins when 2025 net world income exceeds $93,454. Part or all of the pension can then be recovered, depending on income. That reduction is covered separately in our OAS clawback explanation.
Other Questions About the Maximum OAS Payment
Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement included in the maximum OAS amount?
No. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a separate income-tested benefit within the OAS program. Its payment depends on factors including income and marital status, so it should not be added to the published OAS maximum unless you actually qualify for GIS. Our OAS vs. GIS comparison explains the difference.
Is there one annual maximum OAS amount for 2026?
Not in the same way as a benefit with one fixed monthly rate for the entire calendar year. Because OAS rates can be adjusted quarterly, multiplying one quarter’s monthly maximum by 12 can produce an inaccurate 2026 annual figure.
Can someone receiving a partial OAS pension ever receive the published full maximum?
A partial pension is based on a fraction of the full pension rather than the full rate itself. However, separate adjustments such as delaying the pension can increase the person’s own monthly amount. For a personalized estimate, the OAS Benefits Estimator can account for the information entered about your circumstances.
Where can you check the maximum before relying on an older figure?
Check the current OAS payment table, which identifies the quarter attached to the published maximum. That is the quickest way to avoid planning around a rate that has already changed.
