Canadians across the country are set to see another cost of living adjustment (COLA) in November 2025, as the federal government moves to align benefit programs with inflation. With rising expenses for food, housing, and utilities, this adjustment ensures that seniors, families, and low-income individuals continue to receive adequate financial support.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation, has risen modestly through 2025, prompting an average 0.7% to 1.5% increase in several federal benefits, including Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB).
Let’s take a closer look at how the November 2025 cost of living increase affects payments, eligibility, and what Canadians can expect moving forward.
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Why Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) Matter
The federal government uses COLA adjustments to ensure that benefits keep pace with inflation. Each quarter, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reviews the CPI to determine if benefits such as OAS and CPP need to be increased.
While inflation has cooled since 2023’s peak, Canadians still face elevated costs for groceries, rent, and transportation. The November 2025 adjustment reflects this reality, ensuring that benefits better match everyday living expenses.
Economists estimate that the overall inflation rate for 2025 will hover around 2.1%, consistent with the Bank of Canada’s long-term target.
Programs Impacted by the November 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment
1. Old Age Security (OAS)
OAS payments are reviewed and adjusted every January, April, July, and October based on CPI changes. The October 2025 adjustment, reflected in November payments, brings a 0.7% increase for all recipients.
New OAS payment amounts (October–December 2025):
- Ages 65–74: $740.09 per month (up from $734.95)
- Ages 75 and over: $814.10 per month (up from $808.45)
Eligibility:
- Must be 65 years or older.
- Must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.
- Benefits are reduced for high-income seniors (annual income over $90,997).
These payments help seniors offset inflationary pressures, especially as essentials like groceries and rent remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
2. Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
CPP benefits also include annual inflation adjustments, though the official rate for 2026 will be based on inflation data from November 2024 to October 2025.
As of November 2025, CPP recipients continue to receive an average of $844.50 per month, with the maximum monthly benefit for those aged 65 reaching $1,433.40.
The government is expected to announce a 2% increase for 2026, reflecting continued inflation moderation and wage growth stability.
Eligibility:
- Must have made at least one valid contribution to CPP.
- Can begin receiving CPP as early as age 60, though payments are higher the longer you delay (up to age 70).
3. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
Low-income workers will also benefit indirectly from cost of living adjustments through expanded CWB thresholds. The CWB is designed to support working Canadians earning modest incomes, helping them stay ahead of inflation.
Payment Date: November 12, 2025
Maximum Annual Benefit:
- Single individuals: Up to $1,518
- Families: Up to $2,616
The CRA automatically calculates this credit when you file your tax return — no separate application is needed.
4. GST/HST Credit
The GST/HST Credit provides quarterly tax-free payments to help offset sales taxes for low- and modest-income Canadians. The next payment is scheduled for November 5, 2025, with some recipients seeing slight increases due to inflation indexing.
Average Payment Range:
- Singles: $234–$325
- Couples with children: Up to $533
This adjustment ensures the credit keeps up with price increases on everyday goods and services.
5. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is another key program affected by cost of living adjustments. Payments increase annually each July, but the impact continues throughout the year.
Average Monthly Payment:
- For children under 6: Up to $619.75 per month
- For children aged 6–17: Up to $522.91 per month
The government ties these figures to the CPI, ensuring families continue to receive enough support to manage essential expenses such as childcare, food, and housing.
How Much More Will Canadians Receive in November 2025?
Here’s a summary of the estimated average increases tied to inflation adjustments:
| Program | Previous Average Payment | New Average Payment (Nov 2025) | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Security (65–74) | $734.95 | $740.09 | 0.7% |
| Old Age Security (75+) | $808.45 | $814.10 | 0.7% |
| Canada Pension Plan | $844.53 | $853.42 (est.) | 1.05% |
| GST/HST Credit | $500 | $533 (avg.) | 1.6% |
| Canada Workers Benefit | $1,500 | $1,518 | 1.2% |
While the increases may appear modest, they collectively represent billions of dollars in federal spending aimed at maintaining Canadians’ purchasing power.
Why the Cost of Living Still Feels High
Despite easing inflation, many Canadians report feeling financially strained. Rent prices, grocery bills, and gas costs remain significantly higher than before 2020. Seniors, in particular, face unique challenges as medical expenses and property taxes continue to rise.
Economists warn that while COLA increases help, they rarely keep pace with regional variations in living costs. For example, housing affordability remains a major issue in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
How to Check Your Updated Payment Amount
To find out how much you will receive in November 2025:
- Log in to CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
- Check your updated OAS, CPP, or GST credit payment notices.
- Sign up for direct deposit to receive payments faster.
- Review your 2024 tax return for updated income thresholds that could affect your benefit amount.
The November 2025 cost of living increase comes at a crucial time, offering Canadians some financial breathing room as expenses remain elevated. Though modest, the COLA adjustments to OAS, CPP, GST credits, and the CWB demonstrate the federal government’s ongoing effort to ensure benefits remain responsive to inflation trends.
With 2026 around the corner, all eyes are on the next round of adjustments — particularly how much the CPP and OAS will rise in response to slowing but persistent inflation.