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OAS Just Got Its Biggest Raise of 2026: What 1.4% Actually Pays

  Canadian Money Brief • Published October 2, 2026 Old Age Security is going up 1.4% for the October-to-December quarter, the biggest of the four quarterly adjustments in 2026. For a senior on the maximum pension, that works out to $10.53 more a month . Whether that feels like a raise or just a catch-up depends on a number most headlines skip: how much prices have risen over the past year. +$10.53 a month Maximum OAS for ages 65 to 74 goes from $751.97 to $762.50. That is about $126 more over a year, and it starts with the Oct. 28 deposit. What actually changes on October 28 The new rate applies to the Oct. 28 payment and the two after it (Nov. 26 and Dec. 22). Nothing needs to be filed. It applies to OAS, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances automatically. Maximum monthly amount Jul–Sep 2026 Oct–Dec 2026 Change OAS, ages 65 to 74 $751.97 $762.50 +$10.53 OAS, age 75 and over $827.17 $838.75 +$11.58 GIS, single senior (approx.) $1,123.17 about $1,138.89 about +$...

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Federal government unveils new dental insurance plan for low- and middle-income Canadians

 

The federal government has announced the details of its new dental insurance plan, which will offer dental benefits to low- and middle-income Canadians who do not have private insurance.

The plan, which was a condition of the Liberals’ supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP, will be phased in gradually over 2024, starting with seniors over the age of 87, then children under 18 and people with disabilities, and finally all eligible Canadians in 2025.

The program will cover preventive teeth cleanings, treatments and removable dentures, and will be administered by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. The government expects the plan to benefit about 9 million people and cost $13 billion over the first five years.

To qualify, applicants must be Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000 and no private insurance. The government will check the criteria against tax filings and require employers to report on dental coverage. People who do not file their income taxes will not have access to the program.

The government said the plan will complement existing federal and provincial dental health benefits, but it is still negotiating with individual provinces on which program will be the primary payer.

The Liberals said the plan is part of their commitment to build a more inclusive and fair society, and to address the oral health needs of millions of Canadians who cannot afford dental care.

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