OAS

The Old Age Security Act became effective in 1952. This is a taxable monthly benefit available to most Canadians 65 years of age  or older who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years. You would be entitled to a full pension if you lived in Canada 40 years after turning 18, or were 25 years  of age on July 1, 1977 and resided in Canada for 10 years prior to your application.  Partial prorated pension  may be payable after  10 years of residence in Canada. Each year of residence will count as 1/40 of the maximum benefit.  This benefit is subject to a claw back. If your net income, including the OAS exceeds the threshold of $66,733, (for 2010), you will have to repay 15% of the difference between your net income and this threshold. This repayment is deducted from future OAS payments. The full OAS is eliminated when a pensioner’s net income is $108,090 (as of 2010). As these benefits do not start automatically, you must apply for them. 

Rates are reviewed 4 times a year to reflect increases in the CPI. Current maximum monthly benefit is $516.96 (2010). Please consult Service Canada for further details or visit their website at Old Age Security (OAS) Program