5. Get a decision
Question & Answer
How do I apply for Old Age Security?Service Canada reviews your application for and sends you a letter that either:
- gives you a decision, or
- asks for more information or documents so they can make a decision.
Generally, if you apply at least 6 months before you’re eligible for OAS, Service Canada tries to give you a decision the month before you’d get your first OAS payment.
The amount of your OAS pension depends on how long you’ve lived in Canada after the age of 18. To see the current rates, you can check the table of Old Age Security payment amounts.
If you have a low income, you may also get the .
If Service Canada says you’re not eligible
If you disagree with the decision you get in the mail from Service Canada, there are steps you can take. For example, you might not agree with Service Canada if they say you’re not eligible for OAS. Or you might not agree with the amount that they say you can get.
The first step is to ask Service Canada to review their decision. You must do this within 90 days of getting the decision in writing.
