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With July 2025 right around the corner, Canadian seniors are checking their bank accounts for the Old Age Security (OAS) payment—and some may notice a surprising lump sum of $2,455.
While the usual OAS payments are monthly and predictable, certain situations can lead to larger one-time deposits. Whether it’s due to retroactive benefits, GIS top-ups, or payment corrections, understanding how it works can help you avoid missing out.
What is Old Age Security (OAS)?
Old Age Security (OAS) is one of Canada’s main public pension programs for seniors aged 65 and older. Unlike other pension plans, OAS is not based on your work history or the amount you contributed—it’s based primarily on age and residency.
If you’ve lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18, you may qualify for a partial pension. For the full amount, 40 years of residency is generally required.
Each quarter, the OAS payment is adjusted based on inflation, helping seniors cope with rising living costs.
Why Did Some Canadians Get a $2,455 OAS Payment?
The standard monthly OAS payment for 2025 is around $734.95 for those aged 65 to 74 and $808.45 for those 75 and older. So how do you receive $2,455 in one go?
Several factors can trigger this amount:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Retroactive OAS | If you apply late, you may get up to 11 months of missed payments as a lump sum. |
| GIS Top-Up | Low-income seniors may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, added monthly. |
| Deferred OAS | Delaying OAS past age 65 increases monthly payouts—leading to bigger first deposits. |
| Payment Corrections | Errors or underpayments in the past may be corrected with a one-time adjustment. |
When Is the OAS Payment Date for July 2025?
OAS payments are made monthly, typically on the last Wednesday of each month. For July 2025, the payment is scheduled to be deposited on July 30. Seniors who have signed up for direct deposit will receive the money directly in their bank accounts on that date.
Eligibility Criteria for OAS
To be eligible for OAS benefits (and a possible lump sum of $2,455), you must:
- Be 65 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
- Meet income and residency requirements if applying for GIS
Those who have lived in Canada for fewer than 40 years after turning 18 may still receive a partial pension, depending on the number of years of residency.
What is GIS and How It Boosts OAS?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional monthly benefit added to OAS for low-income seniors. It is non-taxable and can significantly increase your monthly pension.
If you’ve just been approved for GIS or receive retroactive GIS along with OAS, your deposit in July could include multiple months’ worth of payments.
This could easily explain a lump sum such as $2,455 showing up in your account.
Why You Might Receive Retroactive Payments
If you delay your OAS application after turning 65, you can receive up to 11 months of retroactive payments in a single deposit. For example, if you’re eligible for $735 monthly and apply 10 months late, that could lead to a $7,350 payment as a lump sum.
Similarly, deferring OAS until age 70 increases the monthly amount by 0.6% per month delayed, up to a 36% increase—meaning higher payouts when you finally start collecting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid missing your rightful OAS lump sum by keeping the following in mind:
- Apply on time or understand retroactive options if delayed
- File taxes annually, especially for GIS eligibility
- Update your banking info to avoid payment delays
- Track your Service Canada account to monitor your benefits and deposits
How to Apply for OAS and Get Paid
Applying for OAS is simple, but accuracy is essential:
- Confirm eligibility (age, status, residency)
- Collect necessary documents (SIN, proof of residency, birth certificate)
- Apply online through your My Service Canada Account or by mail
- Set up direct deposit for faster payments
- Track your application to ensure it is processed without delay
While most Canadians expect a predictable monthly OAS payment, some seniors in July 2025 could see a one-time deposit of $2,455. Whether due to retroactive payments, GIS adjustments, or deferred OAS, the key is knowing how the system works.
Keep your records updated, file your taxes on time, and monitor your account closely. You could be in for a pleasant surprise—just when you need it most.
FAQs
Why did I receive a $2,455 OAS deposit?
This may include retroactive OAS or GIS, deferred payments, or corrections from past underpayments. Check your account details to confirm.
Can I receive GIS with my OAS payment?
Yes. If your income is low enough and you meet the criteria, you can receive GIS on top of your OAS, boosting your monthly total significantly.
What happens if I delay applying for OAS?
You can receive up to 11 months of retroactive payments and higher monthly payments if you delay. But you won’t get benefits until you apply.