Amid all the bad financial news for Canadian seniors, who are stretched and stressed by rising costs everywhere they turn, from the grocery store to the gas pump to the dentist’s chair, now finally comes a smidgen of good news.
The Old Age Security (OAS) benefit will see a substantial increase in June 2025, with beneficiaries collecting as much as $2,255.
It’s not a lottery win but it’s a welcome bump, especially for older Canadians, many of whom live on fixed incomes. But what is driving the increase? Who qualifies? And how do you ensure that you don’t miss out? Let’s break it all down.
Why the $2,255 Check Is Important
Let’s face it — retirement isn’t as peaceful as it is made out to be. Many seniors are trying to make ends meet between the cost of health care, property taxes and basic living costs. That’s why the June OAS boost is a bit of a relief.
The increase is for the federal cost of living adjustment. Inflation still remains higher than comfortable with the government’s response being to increase Old Age Security to assist the elderly in keeping up with the cost of living.
The result? In June, many eligible seniors could receive a monthly payment of up to $2,255 — a combination of their regular OAS together with any additional guaranteed income supplement (GIS) payments, if they are also eligible for this top-up.
Who Is Eligible for the $2,255?
Not everyone is eligible for the enhanced payment, but here’s who is most likely to benefit:
Canadians who are 65 years of age or older and who meet the OAS residency requirements
Older beneficiaries (those aged 75 years or older) receive a larger base OAS, which is one reason the total is larger.
Canadians who are already getting the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Allowance for the Survivor
People whose incomes continue to be under that threshold, now at roughly $90,997 a year (for full eligibility for the full OAS)
To qualify for the full amount of $2,255, you’d probably have to be 75+, receive OAS and GIS, with no clawbacks because of higher income.
Not everyone will receive that exact amount, but many will receive their largest payment of the year this June.
Schedule of Payments: When You’ll Get Them
The OAS June payment date will fall on June 26th, 2025. If you have direct deposit, those funds should hit your bank account on that date. Mailed cheques could take a few more business days otherwise.
If you’ve had any recent changes to your banking information or even your own address, you might want to update your files using your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to possibly save yourself some time in the process.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the $2,255 OAS Increase
Pros Cons
✅ Assists seniors in keeping up with inflation ❌ Not everyone will receive the full $2,255
✅ Payments paid directly into bank account ❌ Amount may be lower due to income clawback provisions
✅ More support for low-income receivers (GIS) ❌ One-time increase may not be ongoing each month
✅ Helps older seniors (75+) with a higher rates ❌ Payment can be delayed if information isn’t updated
How to Ensure You’re Getting What You Deserve
Start by verifying if you qualify. You can easily do this online through your My Service Canada Account, where you’ll find your payment history, can update personal info and see if you’re enrolled for GIS or Allowance benefits.
If you feel like you’re missing out or being shortchanged, it’s worth talking to a representative of Service Canada. Your benefits can be affected even by small fluctuations in your income or living arrangements.
$2,255 OAS Boost Payment of June 2025
I mean, let’s be honest — retirement isn’t cheap, and every dollar matters. The $2,255 OAS extra in June isn’t going to buy you a vacation home, but it might help cover those pesky utility bills, some added groceries, or that long overdue visit to the dentist.
For thousands of seniors across Canada, that payment is about more than money — it’s recognition, some breathing room and a reminder, however small, that they’re not left behind in harsh economic times.
So if you qualify, check your account on June 26th! Relief is coming — just in time.
