Federal

Old Age Security

Easy application

Tax filing required

Automatic Benefit

In most cases, you do not need to apply for this benefit.

If Service Canada has enough information, they will enroll you automatically.

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment you can get if you are 65 and older. In some cases, Service Canada will be able to automatically enroll you for the OAS pension. In other cases, you will have to apply for the Old Age Security pension. Service Canada will inform you if you have been automatically enrolled.

In most cases, you do not have to apply to get this benefit.

The reason you may have to apply for the Old Age Security is they may not have enough information to enroll you automatically.

If you are living in Canada, you must:

  • Be 65 years old or older.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident at the time we approve your OAS pension application.
  • Have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18.

If you are living outside Canada, you must:

  • Be 65 years old or older.
  • Have been a Canadian citizen or a legal resident of Canada on the day before you left Canada.
  • Have resided in Canada for at least 20 years since the age of 18.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

If you did not receive any letter about the Old Age Security pension the month after you turned 64, contact Old Age Security to find out if you need to apply.

If Old Age Security informs you that you need to submit an application, follow the instructions on this page.

Last updated: August 21, 2021