Applying for Old Age Security (OAS) is a major milestone to get your pension benefits from the Canadian government. Once you apply for your OAS benefits, it is reasonable to be curious about the status of the application. Being aware of How to Check OAS Application Status will help you stay updated and provide additional information, if required, to speed up the process of receiving benefits.
There are different ways to find out the status of your OAS application, which were developed by the Government of Canada. One of the fastest options is to use your My Service Canada Account (MSCA), where you can see all the information related to your application process and payments. If you don’t use online services, then you can always contact Service Canada.
The article contains all the necessary information on how to check the status of an OAS application in 2026.
Why You Need to Verify the Status of Your OAS Application
Verifying your application will help prevent any surprises before the payment process starts.
The status of your application will let you:
- Make sure your application has been received by Service Canada.
- Know whether your application is under review.
- Know whether you have to provide more information.
- Monitor the progress towards approval.
- Verify when you should start getting paid.
You will not have to wait until the letter arrives in the mail.
Before checking your application, make sure you understand the eligibility rules by reading our Old Age Security (OAS) Eligibility 2026 guide.
How Soon After Submitting Your OAS Application Can You Check Its Status?
You will be able to check your application status once it has been processed by Service Canada.
Please remember that it might not show up right away until it is processed.
If you have recently submitted your application, wait a little before checking its status.
How to Check Your OAS Application Status?
Here are some ways to check your application status.
My Service Canada Account (Most Recommended Way)
This is probably one of the quickest and easiest ways to check your application status.
Once you create an online account, you will be able to do the following:
- See the status of your application.
- Your secure messages.
- See your payment details.
- Make changes to your personal details.
- Get more information on government benefits.
Contact Service Canada
In case of difficulty in logging into your online account, Service Canada can be contacted directly.
Your status will be updated after confirmation of your identification.
When calling Service Canada, it is essential to have the following details on hand:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of Birth
- Your Mailing Address
- Information regarding your application
Review Official Correspondence
Updates from Service Canada may also come via:
- Secure email
- Letters requiring documentation
If you’re waiting for an official government letter, our CRA Mail Delivery Explained guide offers helpful information about receiving government correspondence and understanding possible delivery delays.
How to Check Your OAS Application Status Online
Check your OAS application status online through the following steps:
My Service Canada Account is the quickest way to check on your application status.
Step 1: Log On
Log in to your account using your security codes.
If you do not have an account yet, create your account first before tracking your application.
Step 2: Go to Your Benefits Section
Upon logging into your account, go to the part that shows all your applications for benefits.
Locate your Old Age Security application.
Step 3: See Your Application Status
Depending on where you are with your application process, you will see one of the following statuses:
- Application received
- Application under review
- More information needed
- Application approved
- Decision made
What Are the Statuses in Your OAS Application Messages?
Knowing the meaning of statuses that appear in your account will help you understand how to proceed next.
Received by Service Canada
Your application has been received by Service Canada.
Normally, no action is needed unless there is a request for more documents.
Under Review
Your application is under review.
Verification may be done on:
- Residency
- Age
- Eligibility
- Documents
This process may take some time based on your own circumstances.
More Information Needed
More information is needed by Service Canada to make a decision.
This could be about:
- Proof of residency
- Identification documents
- Banking information
- Explanation of your application
Be prompt in your response to avoid unnecessary delays.
Approved
Congratulations!
Your application has been approved, and your account should have your start date for benefits and more.
Decision Made
A decision has been made about your application.
Check your account or your communication for more information.
OAS Application Processing Time
The time it takes to process an OAS application depends on the following factors:
- Completeness of the application
- Residency status
- Identity verification
- Supporting documents
- Number of applications submitted
A complete and well-detailed application will speed up the process.
If you haven’t applied yet, our How to Apply for Old Age Security in 2026 guide walks you through every step of the application process and explains which documents you’ll need.
What Information Is Available Once Approval Is Made?
After the approval of your application, you can have access to:
- Date of payment
- Monthly payment details
- Direct deposit information
- Benefits statements
- Future communication
It is advised that you review your account on a consistent basis.
What Should You Do If Your OAS Claim Is Being Processed Slowly?
While there may be many Old Age Security applications being successfully processed, there could also be those whose processing is delayed. If you feel that the process is being delayed because there has been no movement on your application, there is nothing to worry about, as it might just be one of those instances where a few things need to be sorted out.
Check your application and verify that you have provided all the necessary details. If your online portal indicates that there is something else that needs to be done, do it right away.
Some Typical Factors Causing Delay in OAS Processing
Some reasons could slow down the processing of your application.
Incomplete Application Form
Application forms with empty fields or incomplete responses usually need further investigation.
Make sure that you complete each section of your application before submitting it.
Missing Supporting Documents
Some applicants will be asked to submit supporting documents to prove their eligibility.
Such documents include:
- Age proof
- Residence record
- Immigration papers
- Documents proving legal residency
Submission of all necessary documents during the application process helps avoid delays.
Residency Verification
Applicants having lived or worked abroad may need additional verification of their residency.
Service Canada may need more information before coming to any conclusion.
Identity Verification
Discrepancies in your personal data can cause Service Canada to verify your identity before accepting your application.
Your name, date of birth, and SIN should be correct.
Application Volume Peaks
There may be delays from time to time when there is a high volume of applications being submitted to Service Canada.
Although this is outside of your control, frequent monitoring of the status of your application will help you react accordingly.
Recommendations to Prevent Delays in Processing
By following certain recommendations, it is more likely that your application will be processed without delay.
Submit an Application Early
In case you are not automatically enrolled, it is advised that you submit an application at least several months prior to starting to receive your OAS benefits.
Check Your Application Thoroughly
Before submission, check whether:
- Your personal information is correct.
- Your residence details are complete.
- Bank details are correct.
- All required documents have been attached.
Respond Promptly to Service Canada’s Requests
When contacted by Service Canada for additional information, submit the required documents promptly.
Failure to do so may result in further processing delays.
Track Your Status Online
It will help you keep track of your application status by checking your My Service Canada Account.
What Happens When Your Application Gets Approved?
When your application gets approved, Service Canada informs you of:
- The amount of money you’ll receive per month through OAS.
- The date on which your first benefit is going to be paid.
- The method of payment.
- Other details regarding the benefits.
Most people prefer to get their payments via direct deposit.
If you receive multiple government benefits, our Canada Benefit Payment Dates 2026 guide can help you keep track of upcoming payment dates throughout the year.
Can You Challenge a Decision from OAS?
Should your application be rejected or should you be unhappy about the decision made, you might be in a position where you could request reconsideration.
Before that, however, do the following:
- Study the decision letter.
- Prepare all necessary documents.
- Follow the guidelines given by Service Canada.
Supplying more documents will prove useful when relevant information was not available initially.
FAQ
How can I check the status of my OAS application?
My Service Canada Account is the best place to go to find out about the status of your application, messages from Service Canada, and payment status.
How long will it take to process my OAS application?
Your particular case, how complete your application was, and if any verification is required, will determine how long it takes to process your application.
Is there any way to check my application without using an online account?
Yes. You can contact Service Canada for your application status as long as you identify yourself first, if you cannot use My Service Canada Account.
What does “Under Review” mean?
It means that Service Canada is looking into your application and verifying your eligibility. They might need more information to confirm your eligibility.
What if my application is taking longer than usual?
Second, if there are no additional document requests in your online account, reach out to Service Canada if there is no update within an appropriate time frame.
Conclusion
The verification of Old Age Security application status can be one of the most effortless methods of staying informed about the process while applying for it. No matter if you just made your application or are waiting for your first pension payment, regular tracking of your application will help you to solve any problems promptly and send any required documents.
My Service Canada Account will give you easy access to the information on your application, benefits, as well as all official letters from the government. Combining with completing your application and responding to requests on time, regular checks of your application will help you receive your benefits on schedule.
If you are going to retire soon, staying informed about your application and all the senior benefit programs is the key to making the best use of them.
Pingback: OAS Payment Delays Explained for Canadian Seniors