Double Payments in March 2025: The $1700 OAS and $650 Extra Help payments in March 2025 are a much-needed financial boost for Canadian seniors. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that it will distribute double payments this March to help seniors better manage their living expenses. These payments are part of a broader government initiative aimed at mitigating the financial challenges posed by inflation and escalating living costs.
If you’re a retiree, a senior, or nearing retirement, understanding how these payments work, who qualifies, and how to receive them is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these payments in an easy-to-understand and actionable format.
Double Payments in March 2025
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Type | Double Payments: OAS Payment + Extra Relief Payment |
| OAS Monthly Payment (March 2025) | Up to $1,700 (including Guaranteed Income Supplement) |
| One-Time Extra Help Payment | $650 GST Relief Payment |
| Eligibility Age | 65 years and older |
| Income Threshold for OAS | Below $86,912/year to avoid OAS clawback |
| Official Website for Details | Canada.ca |
The $1,700 OAS and $650 Extra Help payments in March 2025 offer substantial financial assistance to Canadian seniors. As inflation continues to rise, these payments are crucial for maintaining financial stability and ensuring seniors can comfortably afford basic necessities.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, staying on top of tax filings, and ensuring all your personal information is up-to-date, you can effortlessly access these benefits. These double payments reflect the Canadian government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its aging population.
What is the $1,700 OAS Payment?
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is one of Canada’s largest government-backed financial support systems for seniors. It’s designed to provide a stable monthly income to eligible seniors to help cover essential living costs such as food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. The OAS payment is adjusted quarterly to reflect the cost of living, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
For March 2025, eligible seniors will receive:
New Dates for the S$700 Government Payout 2025 – Check Eligibility Criteria and Payment Dates
- $727.67/month if aged 65 to 74 years
- $800.44/month if aged 75 years or older
Furthermore, seniors who qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) can receive an additional monthly payment. The GIS is an income-tested benefit aimed at low-income seniors and can amount to:
- Up to $1,086.88 extra per month, depending on income and marital status.
Example:
Let’s take John, aged 76, as an example:
- $800.44 OAS Payment
- $900 GIS Payment (actual amount depends on his income)
John’s total monthly benefit could easily surpass $1,700, giving him more financial stability in his retirement years.
What is the $650 Extra Help Payment?
In addition to the regular OAS and GIS payments, the Canadian government is offering a one-time $650 GST Relief Payment in March 2025. This additional payment is specifically targeted to help seniors handle increased living costs, particularly in light of rising grocery bills, higher utility rates, and unexpected healthcare expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for $650 Extra Help Payment:
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid visa holder.
- Must have filed taxes for the previous year (2024).
- Income must be below $150,000/year.
- You are automatically eligible if you already receive the GST Credit, OAS, or GIS payments.
Important: There is no separate application process for this extra help payment. If you meet the criteria, the CRA will automatically deposit the funds directly into your registered bank account or send you a cheque.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Receive Both Payments
Navigating government benefits can seem confusing, but we’ve broken it down into a simple, actionable process:
1. Check OAS Eligibility
Ensure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- You are 65 years or older.
- You have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
- Your annual income is under the OAS clawback limit ($86,912/year). If your income exceeds this threshold, a portion of your OAS payment may be clawed back through additional taxes.
2. Apply for OAS & GIS (if not already enrolled)
If you have not yet applied, it’s essential to do so:
- Apply online using your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
- Alternatively, you can submit a paper application form.
- It’s recommended to apply 6 months before your 65th birthday to ensure payments start promptly.
3. File Your Taxes On Time
CRA uses the income information from your tax return to assess your eligibility for GIS, OAS, and the $650 GST Relief Payment:
- File your 2024 income taxes before the deadline in April 2025.
- Even if you have low or no income, filing your taxes ensures you don’t miss out on these payments.
4. Keep Personal Information Updated
To avoid payment delays, make sure your details are current:
- Update your banking information and mailing address through your My Service Canada Account.
- Check periodically to ensure accuracy, especially if you’ve recently moved or changed banks.
Why Are These Double Payments Important?
The cost of living in Canada has steadily risen over the past few years. According to Statistics Canada, food prices alone have increased by 5.4% year-over-year, with essential items like dairy, meat, and produce contributing to the jump. Additionally, housing costs and utility rates are rising, placing more financial strain on seniors living on fixed incomes.
These double payments are vital because they:
- Provide immediate financial relief
- Ensure seniors can maintain their standard of living
- Reduce the risk of poverty and food insecurity
- Enable seniors to cover essential costs without depleting their savings
For many seniors, especially those without additional pension income or retirement savings, these payments can make a meaningful difference in daily living expenses.
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
| Guaranteed financial support for seniors | GIS and OAS are income-tested; higher incomes reduce benefits |
| Payments are indexed to inflation | One-time GST Relief Payment may not be repeated annually |
| No separate application needed for GST Relief | OAS clawback reduces payments if income exceeds threshold |
| Helps cover essentials like groceries, utilities | Requires accurate tax filing and information updates |
| Reduces financial stress for low-income seniors | Payments may not fully offset inflation in high-cost areas |
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FAQs About Double Payments in March 2025
1. Who qualifies for the $1,700 OAS payment?
Anyone aged 65 or older, who has lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18, and earns under $86,912/year is eligible.
2. Do I need to apply separately for the $650 Extra Help Payment?
No. The CRA automatically processes the payment if you already receive OAS, GIS, or the GST Credit.
3. How do I update my banking information for CRA payments?
Log in to your My Service Canada Account, navigate to the payments section, and update your direct deposit details.
4. What if I haven’t applied for OAS yet?
You should apply as soon as possible via the official OAS application portal.
5. Will the $650 GST Relief Payment be taxed?
No, both OAS and the $650 GST Relief Payments are considered non-taxable income.
6. Can I receive the payments if I live outside Canada?
Yes, but only if you’ve lived in Canada for at least 20 years after turning 18, or if Canada has a social security agreement with the country you reside in.
7. How often are OAS payments adjusted?
OAS payments are reviewed and adjusted quarterly based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
