You must apply to receive your pension. Usually, your Old Age Security pension will begin either on the month after you have met the residence requirements or the month after your 65th birthday, whichever comes later. If you apply after age 65, you can receive a back payment to cover up to 12 months of payments which include the payment for the month you applied. For example, if you apply for the pension when you turn 66, you would receive a back payment for 12 months of benefits. The back payment is calculated from the month that we receive your application.
Payments usually arrive in the last three banking days of each month.
You can consult the exact payment dates on this Web site. If your payment is more than a week late, or if you lose your payment, please contact us . Normally, we deposit your pension payment directly into your bank account either in Canada or the United States through our Direct Deposit service. Your payment can never be lost, stolen or damaged. Your pension will automatically be deposited into your account if you are ill, on vacation or travelling.