For many Canadian seniors, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a cornerstone of their retirement income. So, when posts began circulating online claiming that a $969 OAS payment was coming in July 2025, it naturally sparked confusion and curiosity across the country.
Let’s be clear: while the $969 figure is accurate, it’s not a new or universal benefit, and it certainly won’t apply to everyone.
No New CRA Bonus or OAS Program
Contrary to some viral claims, there is no new federal OAS program or one-time payment introduced by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or Service Canada. The $969 amount is possible, but only for seniors who strategically delayed their OAS payments and are now receiving maximum deferral bonuses.
How the $969 OAS Amount is Reached
The $969 monthly OAS payment isn’t standard—it requires:
- A 1% inflation-based adjustment, effective July 2025
- A deferral bonus earned by postponing OAS until age 69 or 70
Here’s how these payment figures stack up:
| Scenario | Base OAS (July 2025) | Deferral Bonus | Final Monthly OAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 65–74 | $734.94 | None | $734.94 |
| Age 75+ | $808.44 | None | $808.44 |
| Deferred to Age 69 | $734.94 | +29.4% | $950.61 |
| Deferred to Age 70 | $734.94 | +36% | $999.52 |
So, only those who delayed OAS until their late 60s or age 70 may see a payment close to or above $969/month.
Understanding the July 2025 CPI Increase
Every quarter, OAS payments are adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In July 2025, a 1% CPI increase is being applied:
- Ages 65–74: Payment rises from $727.67 to $734.94
- Ages 75+: Payment rises from $800.44 to $808.44
While this increase helps offset inflation, it alone won’t raise payments to $969 unless combined with deferred benefits.
Why Most Seniors Won’t Receive $969
Most Canadian retirees begin their OAS payments at age 65, either due to financial necessity or a lack of awareness about deferral options. As a result:
- The majority of OAS recipients will receive $734.94 or $808.44
- Only a minority, who delayed OAS to age 69 or 70, will see payments above $950
Eligibility Criteria for OAS and High Payments
To receive OAS, you must:
- Be 65 years or older
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18
- Meet residency and income requirements
To qualify for $969 or more per month:
- Meet all the above eligibility rules
- Delay your OAS claim to at least age 69 or 70
- Qualify for the maximum base rate and full deferral bonus
Those who started OAS at 65 do not qualify for the higher payment.
OAS Payment Date: July 2025
The next OAS deposit is scheduled for July 29, 2025, according to the CRA’s official calendar:
| Month | OAS Payment Date |
|---|---|
| July | 29th July 2025 |
This date is fixed for all recipients, regardless of how much they receive.
How to Delay OAS and Maximize Your Pension
If you haven’t applied for OAS and want to maximize benefits, here’s how deferral works:
- For every month you delay beyond age 65, you earn an additional 0.6%
- This can continue up to 60 months, reaching a 36% boost at age 70
- You must opt out of automatic enrollment to defer
Deferring can make financial sense if you have other income or expect to live longer than average.
Myths vs. Facts: Sorting Reality from Rumors
Let’s clarify what’s true—and what’s not:
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| All seniors will get $969/month | False – Only deferred recipients qualify |
| CRA announced a one-time OAS bonus | False – No such bonus exists |
| OAS increase confirmed for July 2025 | Partially True – Applies only to those who deferred |
| OAS rose 1% in July 2025 | True – Due to CPI adjustment |
| Everyone can receive $999+ | False – Only with full 36% bonus at age 70 |
Conclusion
The $969 Old Age Security payment making rounds on social media is real, but it’s not new, and certainly not universal. Only a select group of seniors, who delayed collecting OAS until age 69 or 70, will see payments at or above this level. For most Canadians, July 29, 2025, will bring the regular OAS amount—adjusted slightly for inflation—not a dramatic increase. Always verify benefit updates through official CRA or Service Canada channels to avoid confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is everyone getting a $969 OAS payment in July 2025?
No. Only seniors who deferred OAS until age 69 or 70 and are eligible for the maximum bonus may receive this amount.
2. How can I defer my OAS payments?
You can defer OAS by declining automatic enrollment and choosing to start your payments any time between age 65 and 70, gaining 0.6% extra per month.
3. What is the OAS payment amount for seniors aged 65 to 74 in July 2025?
With the 1% CPI increase, those aged 65–74 will receive $734.94 per month.
4. Are there any new OAS bonus programs from the CRA in 2025?
No, there are no new CRA bonuses or OAS programs in 2025. The $969 figure reflects deferred payments, not a new benefit.
5. When will the OAS be paid in July 2025?
The official OAS deposit date is July 29, 2025, for all recipients. Payment amounts may differ based on eligibility and deferral status.