Old Age Security Payment Rates
January – March 2012
The following chart shows the maximum and average monthly rates for Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances, as well as the maximum annual income to be eligible for these benefits.
For detailed monthly rates, please refer to the Tables of Rates for OAS, GIS and the Allowances.
OAS benefit rates are reviewed in January, April, July and October to reflect increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Pensioners are not eligible for benefits if their income, or the combined income of them and their spouse, is more than the maximum income shown on the chart.
| Type of benefit | Average amount (October 2011) | Maximum amountFootnote 1 |
Income level cut-off Footnote 2a | Income level cut-off for top-ups Footnote 2b |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Security pensionFootnote 3 | $508.35 | $540.12 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) | ||||
Single |
$491.40 | $732.36 | $16,368 | $4,448 |
| Spouse/common law partner of someone who: | ||||
does not receive an OAS pension |
$474.12 | $732.36 | $39,264 | $8,896 |
receives an OAS pension |
$309.05 | $485.61 | $21,648 | $7,456 |
is an Allowance recipient |
$399.77 | $485.61 | $39,264Footnote 4 | $7,456 |
| Allowance | $416.89 | $1,025.73 | $30,336 | $7,456 |
| Allowance for the Survivor | $626.80 | $1,148.35 | $22,080 | $4,448 |
If you are a pensioner but do not receive the maximum OAS pension you should contact us to receive accurate information about your benefits.
Related information
- Detailed rates: Tables of Rates for OAS, GIS and the Allowances
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Payment Rates
- Information Card - OAS and CPP
- Payment dates
- OAS Rates and the CPI
Footnotes
- Footnote 1
-
The maximum amount includes the new top-ups for the GIS and the Allowances effective July 1, 2011 . More information is available on Seniors section of the Service Canada website.
- This footnote applies to footnote references 2a, 2b.
-
The income level cut-offs do not include the OAS pension or the first $3,500 of employment income.
- Footnote 3
-
Pensioners with an individual net income above $69,562 must repay part or all of the maximum Old Age Security pension amount. The repayment amounts are normally deducted from their monthly payments before they are issued. The full OAS pension is eliminated when a pensioner's net income is $112,772 or above
- Footnote 4
-
The Allowance stops being paid at $30,336 while the GIS stops being paid at $39,264.