Apply, delay, or change your start date
Most people don't need to apply
If Service Canada has your eligibility information, you will get an enrollment letter around your 64th birthday. This means that you are enrolled automatically and do not need to apply.
Didn’t get a letter?
If it’s been one month since your 64th birthday and you still have not received an enrollment letter, contact us to find out if you need to apply.
You will need to take action if
- The letter you received contains incorrect information
- You get a letter from Service Canada asking you to apply
- You want to delay or change your start date
- You turned 65, but you have not started your pension or delayed your start date
What to know before you start
Gather your information
You will need the following:
- Information about your spouse or common-law partner if you are married or in a common-law relationship (Social Insurance Number, date of birth)
- Information about where you have lived since age 18
- The date you would like your pension to start
- For you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable):
- Details about your residence history for the last 2 years
- Income information for the last 2 years if you have not filed taxes with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Information about a reduction in employment or pension income in the last 2 years
- Any income earned in another country
- Your banking information to sign up for direct deposit
If you lived or are living outside of Canada
If you are applying from outside of Canada, you must use a paper application. Send your application to the Service Canada office in your last province or territory of residence.
Learn more about pensions and benefits if you have lived or are living outside Canada.
Apply or delay
Apply online through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). It’s fast, easy and secure.
Apply or delay online
Before you start, confirm that you can apply for or delay your pension online
You can only apply for or delay your pension online if all the following statements are true:
- You are at least 1 month past your 64th birthday
- You live in Canada
- You are not currently receiving an OAS pension
- You have not applied yet, or Service Canada is still assessing your application
- You don't have a third party (for example, a power of attorney or a trustee) managing your OAS account
If you cannot apply for or delay your pension online, you will need to use a paper form.
Steps to apply using MSCA
- Sign in to your MSCA or create an account using the "Apply using MSCA" button
- Once signed into MSCA, go to "Old Age Security" section on your MSCA dashboard
- Click on "Apply for Old Age Security and manage my benefits" and follow the instructions
- To delay your start date: Click on "Profile" then "Delay Receiving OAS/GIS Pension under the heading “Tell us if anything has changed”
Other way to apply
By mail
Apply or delay with a paper form
- 1. Complete the form:
- Application for the OAS and the GIS (ISP-3550)
- If you download the form, check your “Downloads” folder, even if the page indicates the form is loading
- Application for the OAS and the GIS (ISP-3550)
- 2. Choose and complete an option (if required):
If someone is helping you communicate with Service Canada
You can authorize another person to communicate with Service Canada on your behalf by:
This does not give that person consent to:
- Apply for benefits on your behalf
- Change your payment address
- Request or change the withholding of tax
If you are applying on someone's behalf
To act as an administrator for someone who cannot manage their own pension and benefits, you must:
- Have a medical professional complete the Certificate of Incapability OAS/CPP form (ISP-3505)
- Choose and complete the form that applies to you:
-
Individual administration: Option 1
-
Agencies, charitable organizations, or municipalities: Option 2
- 3. Submit the forms by mail
Tips for applying
- Complete the form included with your letter or download and save a fillable form to your computer (you will need to print and sign it once completed)
- Include certified true copies of the required document(s)
- Sign every section that requires your signature using a pen
- If you need more space, use extra blank paper and attach it to your application
See the Reference Guide (ISP-3550A) for information on filling in your application form
Change your start date
You need to apply if you delayed your OAS, but did not complete an application, to start receiving your payments.
If you already applied and chose a start date, but want to change it contact us to ask for a new date.
Contact us
Need help applying for Old Age Security? Contact us.