CRA Confirms $2,166 Pension Benefit Arriving in April 2025 – See If You Qualify

With inflation biting into everyone’s budget, especially for seniors living on fixed incomes, that monthly government pension payment can be a financial lifeline. In April 2025, the CRA is offering up to $2,166 to eligible Canadian seniors—but it’s not a new cheque or a bonus.

Instead, this amount represents the maximum combined monthly payment from three core programs: the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Let’s unpack who qualifies, how these benefits are calculated, and when you can expect your payment.

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Breakdown

Not every senior will see $2,166 land in their bank account. That number is the maximum possible amount when all three programs stack together—and not everyone qualifies for each one. Here’s what the full breakdown looks like for 2025:

If you’re only eligible for CPP and OAS, your max monthly amount will be around $2,077.94. The GIS can add a big boost—but only if your income is low enough to qualify.

Eligibility

Each benefit has its own rules, so let’s simplify it.

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Canada Pension Plan (CPP):

• You can start CPP at age 60.
• Amount depends on your total contributions.
• The longer and more you contributed, the higher your payment.

Old Age Security (OAS):

• You need to be at least 65.
• You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
• To get the full amount, 40 years of Canadian residency is required.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS):

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• Only available to seniors who already receive OAS.
• Your annual income must be under $21,456 (for single seniors in 2025).
• Payments are adjusted annually based on your tax return.

Schedule

Timing is everything—especially with bills. Here’s the 2025 CRA payment schedule so you know when to check your account:

Tip: Make sure your direct deposit info is current with CRA to avoid any delays.

Applying

If you’re not yet receiving these benefits, the good news is it’s pretty straightforward to apply.

CPP:

• Use your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
• Or fill out a paper form and mail it

OAS:

• You might be auto-enrolled (CRA will notify you)
• If not, apply 6 months before your 65th birthday

GIS:

• Apply right after getting your OAS approval
• CRA reassesses GIS each July based on your previous year’s income

Required Documents

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Proof of age and residency
• Tax return (to assess GIS eligibility)

Even though the process isn’t complicated, a missing document or outdated bank info can delay your payments. Always double-check your MSCA account and ensure your info is accurate.

Getting the full $2,166 each month may not apply to everyone, but even partial benefits can go a long way in offsetting rising costs.

With a bit of planning and awareness of the eligibility rules, you can make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table.

FAQs