A lot of Canadian seniors have been talking about a $3,716 monthly pension in 2025. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, here’s the truth — it’s not a single pension. Instead, it’s the combined maximum amount you could get if you qualify for the top payments from three different programs:
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
If you meet all the eligibility criteria and snag the maximum from each program, you could take home up to $3,716 every month. Let’s break it down so you know exactly how it works — and how to get the most out of it in 2025.
How That $3,716 Adds Up
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Monthly payment for Canadians aged 65+.
- No work history needed, but you must have lived in Canada at least 10 years after turning 18.
- 2025 rates:
- Ages 65–74: $727.67/month
- Age 75+: $800.44/month
- Earn over $86,912? Payments shrink due to the OAS “clawback.”
- Delay starting OAS until age 70, and payments rise by 0.6% each month you wait.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Based on how much you contributed while working.
- 2025 rates:
- Average: $811.21/month
- Maximum: $1,364.60/month at age 65 with full contributions.
- Start early at 60 (lower payments) or delay until 70 for up to 42% more.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Extra money for low-income seniors already on OAS.
- 2025 max: $1,086.88/month for singles.
- Payments go down as your income rises.
- File your taxes every year, or your GIS stops!
✅ Who Qualifies?
- OAS: 65+ and lived in Canada for 10+ years after 18.
- CPP: Made valid contributions during working years.
- GIS: Low income and already receiving OAS.
Tips to Maximize Your Pension
- Delay OAS & CPP to boost monthly payouts.
- Keep income below OAS clawback limit.
- Always file taxes to keep GIS.
- Use government pension calculators for planning.
Payment Dates
Government pensions are paid on the last three business days of each month.
Bottom line: There’s no single “$3,716 pension” — but in 2025, you can hit that figure if you qualify for the maximum OAS, CPP, and GIS payments combined. With smart planning, you can set yourself up for a comfortable retirement.