Canada’s $3,716 Monthly Pension in 2025 – Check Eligibility Details and Payment Dates

In 2025, a growing number of Canadian seniors are hearing about a $3,716 monthly pension. While this isn’t a single government payout, it’s the combined maximum that eligible seniors could receive from three major federal programs: Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

To help you understand how these payments work and whether you could reach this total, we’ve broken down each program, current rates, and how they can add up to this impressive monthly figure.

How the $3,716 Monthly Pension Is Calculated

The much-talked-about $3,716 figure for 2025 is a combined total from three separate programs:

Program	Maximum Monthly Amount (2025)	Eligibility
OAS	$727.67 (ages 65–74) / $800.44 (75+)	Canadian resident age 65+
CPP	$1,364.60	Lifetime contributions
GIS	$1,086.88	Low-income OAS recipients
Total	Up to $3,716	If eligible for all maximums

Let’s look at each of these programs in detail to understand how they work and how you can qualify for the maximum.

Understanding Old Age Security (OAS)

Old Age Security (OAS) is one of the cornerstones of retirement income in Canada. It’s available to most seniors aged 65 or older, provided they’ve lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.

Key OAS Details for 2025:

Monthly Payment:
Ages 65–74: $727.67
Ages 75+: $800.44
Clawback Threshold: If your net annual income is over $86,912, your OAS may be reduced.
Deferral Bonus: For every month you delay taking OAS past age 65, your payment increases by 0.6%, up to 36% more at age 70.

This means seniors who delay OAS until age 70 could receive well over $900 per month, depending on indexing

What You Need to Know About CPP

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is based on your earnings and contributions during your working years. Unlike OAS, CPP is tied directly to your work history and how much you paid into the program.

CPP Payment Details in 2025:

Average Monthly Payment: $811.21
Maximum Monthly Payment at 65: $1,364.60
Start Early Option: Start at age 60, but with a monthly reduction of 0.6% (up to a 36% cut).
Delay Bonus: Wait until age 70 for up to 42% more in monthly payments.

To qualify for the maximum CPP, you need to have contributed the maximum amount for at least 39 years — which few Canadians do, but it’s still worth aiming to contribute as much as possible.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for Low-Income Seniors

GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit provided to low-income seniors who already receive OAS. It’s designed to offer extra help to those with little or no other retirement income.

GIS Highlights for 2025:

Maximum Monthly Payment: $1,086.88 (for single seniors)
Eligibility: Must receive OAS and have annual income below a certain threshold
Application: GIS is income-tested and must be renewed annually through your tax return

For many seniors with limited savings or pensions, GIS is a critical source of income that pushes their total monthly payments closer to the $3,716 figure.

Monthly Payment Dates for 2025 (OAS, CPP, GIS)

Federal payments — including OAS, CPP, and GIS — are typically deposited on the last three business days of each month.

Here’s the full 2025 payment schedule:

Month	Payment Date
January	Jan 29
February	Feb 26
March	Mar 27
April	Apr 28
May	May 28
June	Jun 26
July	Jul 29
August	Aug 27
September	Sep 25
October	Oct 29
November	Nov 26
December	Dec 22

Mark these dates to ensure you’re budgeting your retirement income properly.

Who Is Eligible to Receive All Three Payments?

To reach the full $3,716 per month, you must meet the strict eligibility for all three programs at their maximum levels.

OAS Eligibility:

Age 65 or older
Lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18

CPP Eligibility:

Must have made maximum contributions to CPP over your working life
Start payments at 65 for the full base amount, or delay until 70 for a bonus

GIS Eligibility:

Must already receive OAS
Must have a low annual income
Must file a tax return every year to maintain eligibility

How to Maximise Your Monthly Pension Income

Getting the full $3,716 per month isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right planning. Here are some key strategies:

1. Delay OAS and CPP

Postponing your payments to age 70 can significantly increase your monthly income.
This works well if you’re healthy, expect a long retirement, or have other sources of income in your 60s.

2. Keep Your Income Low to Qualify for GIS

Try to keep non-OAS income under GIS thresholds
Avoid high withdrawals from RRSPs or other taxable assets that could disqualify you

3. File Taxes Every Year

Even if your income is low, file your tax return annually to ensure you don’t lose GIS eligibility.

4. Use Government Tools

The Canadian Retirement Income Calculator and other online tools on Canada.ca can help you estimate how much you’ll receive.

Common Misunderstandings About the $3,716 Amount

It’s important to note that the $3,716 monthly total is not a guaranteed flat-rate pension. It’s a maximum possible amount, not a standard payment for all seniors.

Clarifying the Myths:

There is no single program paying $3,716.
Most seniors do not receive the full CPP amount — the average is far lower.
GIS is income-tested, so even small income increases can reduce your payment.

Despite these facts, understanding the rules can help you get closer to the maximum total.

Planning Ahead for Retirement in Canada

If you’re approaching retirement or already retired, it’s essential to take steps to optimise your monthly income:

Review your CPP Statement of Contributions
Check your OAS start date and consider delaying
Understand how part-time income could affect GIS
Speak with a financial advisor familiar with Canadian pensions
Ensure your banking info is up to date with Service Canada