Introduction
Canada’s seniors face rising inflation, expensive housing, and increasing healthcare costs. In response to these mounting pressures, the federal government is issuing a $1,976 one-time supplemental payment to eligible low-income recipients of Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) in June 2025.
This payment is designed to directly target financial insecurity among the elderly. Whether you are retired, partially dependent on government benefits, or struggling with living costs, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: who qualifies, how much you will receive, when you’ll get it, how to claim it (if necessary), and more.
Let’s break down the full details of the $1,976 low-income relief payment for Canada’s pension beneficiaries.
What is the $1,976 Payment for CPP and OAS Recipients?
This one-time $1,976 federal relief payment is a targeted supplement provided to low-income individuals who receive either or both of the following:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
Unlike regular monthly pension benefits, this payment:
- Is issued once in June 2025
- Does not affect regular CPP or OAS benefits
- Is non-taxable
- Aims to provide temporary support for essential expenses like rent, medicine, and groceries
Why Is This Payment Being Issued?
The government has acknowledged increasing financial strain among seniors, particularly:
- Rising grocery bills
- Skyrocketing rent in urban areas
- Increased medication and healthcare costs
- Persistent inflation and stagnant income
The $1,976 supplement is part of a broader federal plan to:
- Protect vulnerable retirees
- Offset inflationary pressure
- Maintain household stability for fixed-income Canadians

Who Is Eligible to Receive the $1,976 Payment?
You must meet three basic conditions:
1. Receive CPP and/or OAS Payments
You must already be a recipient of:
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
Note: You may receive either or both, and still qualify.
2. Meet the Low-Income Threshold
You must fall within the low-income range, based on your annual income and tax filing for 2024.
Estimated annual income limits:
- Individual: Less than $28,000 CAD
- Couple (combined): Less than $48,000 CAD
Those above these thresholds may not be eligible unless there are exceptional circumstances such as:
- Disability
- High medical expenses
3. Resident in Canada During Payment Eligibility Period
You must be:
- A legal Canadian resident
- Physically living in Canada in May–June 2025
How Much Will You Receive?
The maximum amount is $1,976, but it may vary slightly depending on your income level and whether you receive both OAS and CPP.
Here’s an approximate breakdown:
Eligibility Category | Estimated Payment |
---|---|
CPP only | $1,000 – $1,200 |
OAS only | $1,100 – $1,300 |
CPP + OAS | $1,900 – $1,976 |
GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) Included | Up to $1,976 |
GIS Recipients (who are considered the lowest income seniors) will generally qualify for the maximum amount.
When Will the $1,976 Payment Be Made?
Event | Date |
---|---|
Eligibility Assessment Ends | May 30, 2025 |
Payment Processing Begins | June 10, 2025 |
Direct Deposits Start | June 17, 2025 |
Completion of Distribution | June 24, 2025 |
Payments are sent automatically via direct deposit or mailed as a cheque, depending on your setup with Service Canada.
Do You Need to Apply?
For most recipients, no application is needed. Payments will be automatically processed for those:
- Receiving CPP or OAS in May 2025
- Whose income data from the 2024 tax return is on file
However, you may need to apply if:
- You recently started receiving CPP/OAS
- You didn’t file your taxes for 2024
- You moved back to Canada after May 2025
How to Check Your Eligibility
Here are simple steps to confirm your eligibility:
- Log in to My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Go to “Pension Payments”
- Look for a section titled “Special Payment – June 2025”
- Check your payment status and amount
How to Update Banking or Address Info
To ensure you don’t miss the payment:
- Log in to your My Service Canada Account
- Go to Direct Deposit Information
- Update your banking details
- Also verify your mailing address if receiving paper cheques

Impact on Other Benefits
The $1,976 one-time payment does NOT affect:
- Regular CPP or OAS monthly amounts
- GIS benefits
- Provincial support (e.g., Ontario Trillium, BC Recovery)
This payment is non-taxable and won’t be deducted from any future benefit amounts.
Missed or Delayed Payments: What to Do
If you didn’t receive your payment by June 30, 2025, follow these steps:
- Wait until July 5, 2025, in case of postal or processing delays
- Check My Service Canada account
- Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914
- Request a tracing of the payment
Security Warning – Avoid Scams
Unfortunately, major payments attract scammers.
Be cautious of:
- Emails or texts asking for your SIN or banking info
- Calls claiming to be from “CPP-OAS Support Team”
The government never asks for personal info via email or phone. Use official Service Canada portals only.
Support Services for Seniors
If the one-time payment is not enough, seniors may also explore:
- GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement)
- Provincial Rent Subsidy Programs
- Energy Rebate Credits
- Food Support Services
- Seniors Health Benefits
These may help with longer-term financial stability.
Detailed Table of Payment Structure
Scenario | Annual Income | Receiving | Estimated Payment |
---|---|---|---|
Retiree with CPP only | <$28,000 | CPP | $1,000 – $1,200 |
Retiree with OAS only | <$28,000 | OAS | $1,100 – $1,300 |
Retiree with CPP and OAS | <$28,000 | CPP + OAS | $1,900 – $1,976 |
Senior Couple (combined income) | <$48,000 | CPP + OAS (both) | $1,976 each |
GIS Recipient | <$21,000 | CPP + OAS + GIS | Full $1,976 |
Conclusion
The $1,976 payment in June 2025 offers meaningful relief for Canada’s low-income seniors. With inflation and rising living costs squeezing retirees’ finances, this payment acknowledges the need for direct, impactful assistance.
Whether you receive CPP, OAS, or both—if your income falls below the required thresholds—you’re likely to benefit from this government initiative. While the payment is one-time, it reflects a broader commitment to helping older Canadians age with dignity and financial security.
What You Should Do Now:
- Make sure your 2024 taxes are filed
- Update your bank details and address on My Service Canada Account
- Mark your calendar for June 17–24, 2025
- Watch out for scams and only use official channels
FAQs
1. Is the $1,976 payment taxable?
No. The payment is non-taxable and does not affect your other benefits like GIS or provincial subsidies.
2. Will I receive it if I only get CPP?
Yes. If your total income is below the threshold and you receive CPP, you qualify for a prorated amount—usually around $1,000–$1,200.
3. What if I don’t file taxes?
Filing taxes is mandatory to determine your income status. Without it, your eligibility cannot be verified.
4. Can I receive it if I just started receiving CPP or OAS?
Yes, but you may need to apply manually if your benefit began after May 2025.
5. I live abroad but receive OAS. Will I get the payment?
No. You must be physically residing in Canada during the eligibility window to qualify.