The 40ths rule
Full OAS needs 40 years of residence in Canada after age 18. With fewer years you get 1/40 of the full pension for each year, as long as you have at least 10 years (if you live in Canada when you apply). Once approved, your fraction never goes up, even if you keep living here — but you can choose to delay OAS to add years.
Example: 25 years in Canada
Full OAS is $762.50 a month (October–December 2026). With 25 years: 25/40 × $762.50 = $476.56 a month, and $524.22 from age 75.
Partial OAS by years of residence (2026)
| Years after 18 | Age 65–74 | Age 75+ | Started at 70 (+36%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $190.63 | $209.69 | $259.25 |
| 15 | $285.94 | $314.53 | $388.88 |
| 20 | $381.25 | $419.38 | $518.50 |
| 25 | $476.56 | $524.22 | $648.13 |
| 30 | $571.88 | $629.06 | $777.75 |
| 35 | $667.19 | $733.91 | $907.38 |
| 40 | $762.50 | $838.75 | $1,037.00 |
Tips for newcomers
- Delaying can add years. If you arrived at 40 and wait until 70 to start, you have 30 years instead of 25 — and the +36% deferral bonus on top.
- Social security agreements. Canada has agreements with many countries (including Korea, the UK, the US, India, the Philippines and most of Europe). Years of contributions there can help you meet the 10-year minimum — or the 20 years needed to receive OAS abroad.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). With a partial OAS and a low income you may get GIS too (sponsored immigrants have special waiting rules).
- CPP is separate: it depends only on your Canadian contributions, not residence.
Keep proof of your arrival date and any long trips abroad: Service Canada may ask for passports or entry records when you apply.
Quick reference: CPP and OAS in 2026
| CPP | OAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Your contributions from work | Years lived in Canada after 18 |
| Earliest start | 60 (−0.6% a month before 65) | 65 |
| Latest useful start | 70 (+0.7% a month after 65) | 70 (+0.6% a month after 65) |
| Indexed | Every January | Every quarter |
| Taxable | Yes | Yes, plus clawback above $95,323 |
Before you decide
- Check your statement. My Service Canada Account shows your CPP estimate and your contribution history; fix any missing years early.
- Think as a couple. CPP can be shared between spouses to lower tax, and the survivor benefit depends on both pensions.
- Remember the GIS. On a low income, the Guaranteed Income Supplement can add more than OAS itself — and it is not taxable.
- Apply ahead. Apply for CPP up to 12 months before you want it to start; Service Canada enrols many people in OAS automatically and writes to you the month after you turn 64.
All amounts are the official ESDC figures checked on 5 November 2026 (CPP 2026, OAS October–December 2026). This page gives estimates in today’s dollars, before income tax.
FAQ
How much OAS will I get with 25 years in Canada?
25/40 of the full amount: $476.56 a month at ages 65–74 in October–December 2026.
What is the minimum residence for OAS?
10 years in Canada after age 18 if you live in Canada; 20 years if you live abroad. Social security agreements can help.
Can I get full OAS if I arrived at 30?
Only if you live in Canada 40 years after 18 before starting it, e.g. from 30 to 70 — which works if you defer OAS to 70.
Sources (checked 5 November 2026): Employment and Social Development Canada, “Maximum benefit amounts and related figures – CPP (2026) and OAS (October to December 2026)” (CPP max at 65 $1,507.65; OAS $762.50 / $838.75; recovery threshold $95,323; deferral 0.6% a month); canada.ca “CPP: pensions and benefits monthly amounts” (average new pension at 65 $858.34, July 2026); canada.ca “CPP retirement pension – how much you could receive” (−0.6%/month before 65, +0.7%/month after 65). Service Canada, “OAS pension – eligibility” (partial pension 1/40 per year).