In August 2021, the Government of Canada provided a taxable, one-time payment of $500 to older seniors, specifically those born on or before June 30, 1947, and eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. This payment was designed to support higher costs for seniors aged 75 and over, complementing a 10% increase to the OAS pension for that age group in July 2022.
The $1,200 payment is a one-time direct deposit issued by the Canada Revenue Agency for seniors classified as low income based on their most recent tax return. The payment is not a loan, does not need to be repaid and does not replace existing monthly benefits.
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly payment you can get if you are 65 or older. The Supplement is based on income and is available to Old Age Security pensioners with low income. It is not taxable. In many cases, we will let you know by letter when you could start receiving the first payment.
This measure was implemented in two steps: a one-time payment of $500, which was issued in August 2021, to OAS pensioners who were 75 or over as of June 30, 2022; and a permanent 10% increase to the OAS pension for this group of seniors, beginning in July 2022.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Monthly CPP in 2024: $1,000. 2025 increase (2.6%): +$26. New monthly payment: $1,026.
The $2,200 payment is a one-time, tax-free financial benefit provided by the federal government through the CRA. Unlike monthly pension programs, this payment is not ongoing but instead offers immediate relief to help seniors weather current financial pressures.
* So if you now receive more than one type of benefit -- for instance, some combination of Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement and Veterans benefits --you will get only one payment of $250. If you're married and both you and your spouse get Social Security or SSI, you each will receive a one-time $250 payment.
Annual net income should not exceed the CRA's low-income threshold. Must already qualify for at least one CRA benefit (e.g., GST Credit, Climate Action Incentive, or Canada Workers Benefit). Seniors, students, and persons with disabilities receiving federal benefits are also eligible under specific terms.
Eligibility and details for the $250 rebate.
To qualify, individuals must meet criteria such as working in 2023, earning under $150,000, filing a tax return, and being a Canadian resident on March 31, 2025. Payments will be issued automatically via direct deposit or cheque by the CRA.
What Is the New $300 Seniors Payment. The $300 seniors payment is described as a one-time direct deposit issued through the Canada Revenue Agency to eligible older Canadians. It is designed to provide short-term relief during a period when inflation, housing costs, utilities, and groceries remain elevated.
The $1,000 "Welcome to Canada Bonus" is a General Motors (GM) program for new Permanent Residents or Temporary Workers, requiring a valid PR card (arrival date generally 2022 or later) or a valid work permit, plus a Canadian driver's license, for the purchase or lease of a new eligible Chevy, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle. Eligibility hinges on your status at the time of purchase, with specific arrival year requirements for Permanent Residents.
Who Will Receive the $1,100 Centrelink Bonus. The bonus will be automatically issued to eligible Australians receiving approved Centrelink payments. Those expected to qualify include: Age Pension recipients.
Some pensions pay you a fixed amount… + read full definition income amount – If you report eligible pension, superannuation, or annuity. + read full definition payments on your return, you may be able to claim up to $2,000 towards the pension income amount. This is a non-refundable federal tax credit.
The new tax deduction for seniors 65 and older allows you to reduce your taxable income by up to $6,000. Taking the new senior deduction can mean less tax or potentially an even bigger tax refund when you file your return.
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.
Yes, Social Security recipients received a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, but the bigger news is that they are getting a larger 2.8% COLA for 2026, announced in October 2025, which began with January 2026 payments, increasing average benefits by about $56 per month. The 2025 COLA was a smaller 2.5% increase, while the 2026 adjustment reflects moderating inflation, leading to higher payments starting in the new year.
Essential Requirements: How do I qualify for the $16728 Social Security bonus? To qualify for this bonus, you must meet specific criteria: Age Requirements: You must be between your full retirement age and 70 years old. Full retirement age varies by birth year – typically 66-67 for current retirees.
Old Age Security Payment Updates
For December 2025, OAS payments reflect a 1.2% quarterly indexation increase tied to the Consumer Price Index. Maximum monthly amounts now stand at $740.82 for ages 65-74 and $814.90 for those 75 and older, up from previous quarters.
Increased Old Age Security pension at age 75
In July 2022, the Old Age Security pension was permanently increased by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over.
The CRA $2,500 payment for seniors, expected via direct deposit on January 14, 2026, represents meaningful short-term relief for eligible older Canadians. Designed as automatic, non-taxable support, it complements existing benefits rather than replacing them.
The maximum amounts are not guaranteed. Your actual pension amount may be different depending on your age, income, and the number of years you have lived in Canada. Cost of living increases: Each January, April, July, and October pension amounts are increased to reflect any increases in the cost of living.
Non-residents of Canada may still qualify for CPP benefits if they contributed to the plan while working in Canada. Your eligibility depends on your contribution history, not your current residency. Even if you move abroad, CPP can be paid to you as long as you keep your information updated with Service Canada.
This increase is in line with previous projections for next year and long-term averages for the adjustment. The dollar amount increase to checks will vary depending on a person's benefit amount, but the average Social Security Retirement benefit, $2,008.31 in July 2025, will grow by about $56.