If Service Canada already has the information it needs about you, it sends you a letter around your 64th birthday saying you’ve been enrolled automatically for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. For most people, this is good news that needs no reply. You only need to act if something in it is wrong, or if you want to start OAS later.
What the letter looks like and who sends it
The letter comes from Service Canada by mail, in a beige or white envelope with the Canada wordmark. It says you’ve been selected for automatic enrolment, so you don’t need to fill in an application.
According to Service Canada, the letter also shows the information it used to decide you qualify. Read it carefully, because you are the one who knows if it’s right. If you might qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the letter also says Service Canada will try to enrol you for the GIS automatically.
Some people get a different letter instead, inviting them to apply. That means Service Canada doesn’t have enough information to enrol you. That letter usually comes with an application form.
What it means in plain words
- You don’t need to apply for OAS.
- Your OAS will start the month after you turn 65, unless you choose to delay it.
- If you already get CPP by direct deposit, your OAS will be paid into the same bank account.
- Service Canada will also check if you qualify for the GIS, a monthly top-up for people with low income.
Do you need to act?
No, if everything in the letter is correct and you want OAS to start at 65. Keep the letter with your important papers.
Yes, if any of these apply:
- Something in the letter is wrong.
- The letter asks you to apply.
- You want to delay OAS, or change your start date.
- You turned 65 and haven’t started OAS or chosen to delay it.
The Service Canada OAS toolkit says that if the information is wrong, you must send corrections in writing before your 65th birthday, as the letter explains. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Exactly what to do
If something is wrong
Follow the instructions in the letter to send the correct information in writing. If you’re not sure how, call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
If the letter asks you to apply
- Sign in to My Service Canada Account (MSCA) and go to the Old Age Security section. Choose “Apply for Old Age Security and manage my benefits.”
- Or fill in the form that came with the letter, the Application for the OAS and the GIS (ISP-3550), sign it in pen and mail it.
You can apply online once you’re at least one month past your 64th birthday.
If you want to delay OAS
In MSCA, go to “Profile,” then “Delay Receiving OAS/GIS Pension.” Or use the paper form.
Delaying raises your OAS by 0.6% for each month you wait, up to 36% more at age 70. But while you delay, you can’t get the GIS, and you won’t get back pay for the months you waited. If your income is low, delaying may cost you more than it gains. Think it through, or ask Service Canada to explain your options.
If OAS has already started and you change your mind, you can ask to cancel it in writing within 6 months of your first payment. If approved, you’ll need to pay back what you got within 6 months.
Didn’t get a letter?
If it’s been one month since your 64th birthday and no letter has come, contact Service Canada to find out whether you need to apply.
How to check it’s real
- Real letters come by mail in a beige or white envelope with the Canada wordmark.
- The enrolment letter tells you that you don’t need to apply. It won’t ask you to pay a fee, confirm your banking password, or click a link.
- Service Canada says it won’t ask for personal information by phone, text or email out of the blue.
- If you’re unsure, check your OAS status in MSCA, or call Service Canada yourself using the number below, not a number from a text or email.
If you got a text or email about “OAS enrolment” with a link, it’s not from Service Canada. See our benefit scam checker.
Who to call
- OAS line: 1-800-277-9914 (TTY 1-800-255-4786), Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time.
- General Service Canada: 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).
- To report a scam: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, 1-888-495-8501.