OAS Clawback Calculator
When net income passes the annual recovery threshold, the government recovers 15 cents of Old Age Security for every extra dollar. This calculator shows your exposure for the income year and the OAS payment period it affects.
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How the recovery tax works
The clawback is based on your net world income for a calendar year. Income above the threshold is multiplied by 15%, up to the total OAS you received. The recovery is then applied to the OAS payment period that runs from July of the following year through June of the year after — so 2025 income affects payments from July 2026 to June 2027.
Managing exposure
Common levers people discuss with their advisors include the order of withdrawals across account types, pension income splitting with a spouse, and the timing of large one-time income events like property sales. Each has trade-offs beyond OAS alone.
Frequently asked questions
What age can I start OAS?
You can start Old Age Security at age 65. (An earlier plan to raise the age to 67 was cancelled, so 65 still applies.) You can also choose to delay OAS up to age 70 in exchange for a permanently higher monthly payment — about 0.6% more for each month you wait, up to 36% more at 70. See Government of Canada: OAS eligibility.
What are the OAS residency requirements?
OAS is based on how long you’ve lived in Canada, not on work or contributions. If you live in Canada, you need at least 10 years of residence after age 18 to qualify. If you live outside Canada, you need at least 20 years. Time lived in a country that has a social security agreement with Canada may help you meet the minimum. See OAS eligibility.
How do I get the full OAS pension?
To receive the full OAS pension you generally need 40 years of residence in Canada after age 18. With fewer years, you receive a partial pension calculated as 1/40th of the full amount for each year of residence — for example, 30 years of residence gives you 30/40ths of the full pension. The full and partial amounts are the same regardless of income, but high income can trigger the recovery tax (clawback).
When should I apply for OAS?
Many people are enrolled automatically. Service Canada sends a letter the month after your 64th birthday if you’ve been auto-enrolled. If you don’t receive that letter, you should apply yourself, ideally about six months before you want payments to start (you can apply up to 11 months ahead). If you want to delay OAS past 65 for a larger payment, you simply apply later. Learn more about OAS.
How do I apply for OAS?
If you’re not auto-enrolled, you can apply online through your My Service Canada Account, or by mail using the paper application form (ISP-3000). You’ll need your Social Insurance Number and banking details for direct deposit. Service Canada will confirm your eligibility and start date. See how to apply for OAS.
How do I track my OAS application?
You can check the status of your OAS application by signing in to your My Service Canada Account, which shows whether your application is in progress, approved, or needs more information. You can also call Service Canada if you don't use the online account.
When are OAS payments made?
OAS is paid monthly, usually in the last few business days of each month, by direct deposit or cheque. The exact dates change each year, and the maximum amount is reviewed quarterly (January, April, July, and October) to keep pace with inflation. See the benefits payment calendar for the current year’s dates.
Is OAS taxable, and what is the clawback?
Yes, OAS is taxable income. On top of regular income tax, higher-income seniors face the OAS recovery tax (the “clawback”): if your net income is above the annual threshold, you repay 15 cents of OAS for every dollar over it, until your OAS is fully recovered. The GIS, by contrast, is not taxable. See the OAS recovery tax.