The government isn't going to cut old age security but will take a look at the "challenges" facing the retirement income system, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Monday.

Other ministers in the government, however, specified there wouldn't be cuts for anyone currently receiving OAS.

In the first question period since MPs left in December — and his first comments since suggesting last week there could be changes to Canada's retirement income system — Harper said there would be no cuts to the OAS.

"We will ensure our vital programs are sustainable in the long-term and for future generations," Harper said.

"The reality is that we aren’t cutting programs for seniors."

Last week in a speech in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister Stephen Harper hinted at possible changes to Old Age Security benefits. The ratio of workers to retired people will decline from four to one to two to one by 2030, leaving fewer people to fund OAS through their taxes.