OAS Allowance for the Survivor (Oct–Dec 2026): New $1,726.18 Maximum, Income Limit and How to Claim

OAS Allowance for the Survivor (Oct–Dec 2026): The OAS Allowance for the Survivor now pays up to $1,726.18 per month for the October to December 2026 quarter. That is a 1.4% increase over the $1,702.34 maximum which was paid from July to September. The first payment at the new rate will arrive on October 28, 2026.

This benefit is for widowed Canadians aged 60 to 64 who have low income and have not remarried. It is tax-free, requires no work history, and is not automatic: you must apply. This guide covers the new amount, the income limit, payment dates, eligibility and how to claim.

Allowance for the Survivor at a Glance (Oct–Dec 2026)

How the October 2026 Increase Works?

Old Age Security benefits are reviewed four times a year: January, April, July and October. Rates are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If prices rise, payments go up. If prices fall, payments stay where they are, so the benefit never decreases because of deflation.

The October review produced a 1.4% increase, which applies across the OAS family at once: the OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor. For the Survivor benefit, the maximum has moved from $1,682.15 (April to June) to $1,702.34 (July to September) and now to $1,726.18.

Remember that $1,726.18 is the maximum. Your own payment depends on your income, and it shrinks as your income approaches the limit.

Payment Dates for the Rest of 2026

The Allowance for the Survivor is paid on the same schedule as OAS and GIS, on the third-to-last business day of the month.

December comes earlier than usual because of the holiday period. If a deposit does not arrive, first check that your banking details in My Service Canada Account are current, since an old account or address is the most common cause of missed payments.

Who Qualifies for the Allowance for the Survivor

You must meet all of these conditions:

• You are aged 60 to 64.
• Your spouse or common-law partner has died, and you have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship.
• You are a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
• You have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18.
• Your annual income is below the current limit (about $31,152 for October to December 2026).
• You live in Canada, and have not been away for more than six months unless an international social security agreement covers you.

Because it is funded from general tax revenue, you do not need a work history or CPP contributions. This is what separates it from the CPP survivor’s pension, which depends on your late partner’s contributions. You can receive both, but CPP counts as income when Service Canada tests your eligibility.

Understanding the Income Limit

Most refusals and reduced payments come down to income, so it helps to know what is counted.

Income that counts:

• CPP or QPP benefits, including survivor’s pension
• Private and foreign pensions
• RRSP and RRIF withdrawals
• Employment and self-employment income
• Interest, investment income and taxable dividends
• Net rental income

Income that does not count:

• OAS, GIS, Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor payments
• TFSA withdrawals
• Inheritances and lottery winnings

Working while receiving the benefit: The first $5,000 of employment or self-employment income does not reduce your payment. Between $5,000 and $15,000, your benefit drops by 50 cents for each additional dollar earned.

The July recalculation: Each July, Service Canada recalculates your payment using the previous year’s tax return. Payments from July 2026 to June 2027 are based on your 2025 income. If your income has dropped since then because of retirement or reduced work, you can contact Service Canada and ask them to use an estimate of your current-year income instead, which may raise your payment sooner.

How to Apply for the Allowance for the Survivor?

The Allowance for the Survivor is not paid automatically, even if Service Canada knows your partner has died. You can apply as early as 11 months before your 60th birthday, and Service Canada recommends applying at least six months ahead. If you are already between 60 and 64, apply right away.

What to gather?

• Your Social Insurance Number
• Your late spouse’s or partner’s details and a proof of death document (such as a death certificate or funeral director’s statement)
• Proof of age and legal status
• A list of countries you have lived in since age 18
• Banking details for direct deposit
• Your income information

Apply online (faster):

Sign in to or register for My Service Canada Account on Canada.ca.

Choose the option to apply for Old Age Security benefits.

Select the Allowance for the Survivor application.

Enter your details and income, then submit.

Apply by mail: Complete form ISP-3008 (Application for the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor) and send it to Service Canada with your supporting documents. You can also call 1-800-277-9914 for help.

After You Apply

Online applications are generally processed faster than paper ones. Service Canada has listed about 14 days for online and up to 120 days for paper applications, though missing documents can add time. A decision letter arrives by mail with your monthly amount and first payment date. If you disagree with the result, you can request a reconsideration, generally within 90 days of the letter.

Applying promptly matters because you can only be paid retroactively for a limited period, so do not wait.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to apply. The benefit is not automatic, and delays can cost you payments.
• Skipping your tax return. The review relies on it, and a missing return can pause your benefit.
• Reporting OAS or GIS as income. They do not count toward the limit.
• Forgetting to report changes. Remarriage, a new common-law relationship or a long absence from Canada must be reported immediately to avoid an overpayment.
• Not updating direct deposit after changing banks.

What Happens at Age 65?

The Allowance for the Survivor ends the month after you turn 65. At that point you move to the OAS pension and, if your income is low, may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Contact Service Canada or check My Service Canada Account several months before your 65th birthday to confirm what happens next and whether you need to apply for anything.

Conclusion

The OAS Allowance for the Survivor is now worth up to $1,726.18 a month for October to December 2026, with the next payments on October 28, November 26 and December 22. If you are widowed, aged 60 to 64 and on a modest income, apply through My Service Canada Account as soon as possible, keep your tax return filed, and report any change in your situation. Always confirm the exact income limit and your personal amount on Canada.ca or with Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.

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