The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly payment provided by the government of Canada to seniors with lower incomes. It's meant to help those receiving OAS and who have income under a certain threshold to earn at least a basic income.
The GIS was first launched in 1967 and was meant to be temporary, but it has continued to provide assistance since that time.
Below, you'll find a guide to eligibility, payment dates, and other benefits for Canadian seniors.
Key Takeaways
- The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a tax-free monthly payment for low-income seniors receiving Old Age Security.
- You’re eligible for GIS if you’re 65 or over, living in Canada, and meet income requirements.
- Payments are issued monthly on the same date as OAS.
- You can apply by paper if you received a letter from the government, or online via your My Service Canada Account.
Who is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
There are a few details that affect whether or not an individual qualifies for GIS Canada payments. Recipients must fit these criteria:
- Must be age 65 or older
- Currently live in Canada,
- Already receive OAS payments
- Have an income less than a certain amount
For anyone who is single, widowed, or divorced, the maximum income to qualify for GIS Canada is $22,056.
But for those with a spouse or partner, these are the guidelines regarding income:
- If your spouse/partner receives a full OAS pension, your combined income must be less than $29,136
- If your spouse/partner doesn't receive the full OAS pension, your combined income must be less than $52,848
- If your spouse/partner receives the Allowance, your combined income must be less than $40,800
Canadian immigrants who are not sponsored are fully able to apply for and may receive benefits as part of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, whereas sponsored immigrants over 18 that have lived in Canada for less than 10 years are usually not eligible except in specific circumstances.
To find out more about Canada GIS eligibility, see: Guaranteed Income Supplement - Do you qualify.
Guaranteed Income Supplement payment dates
The 2025 Guaranteed Income Supplement payments are made on the same date as OAS payments.
Here’s when you can expect your payment to be deposited into your bank account if you've chosen the direct deposit option. If you have to wait for a cheque to be mailed to you, the date you receive the cheque will likely be later than the dates listed here.
January 29February 26March 27April 28May 28June 26July 29August 27September 25- October 29
- November 26
- December 22
For a list of all the federal benefit dates, see: Benefit payment dates.
Figuring out your Guaranteed Income Supplement amounts
The most important factor to consider when calculating your GIS amount is your relationship status. While this doesn't affect your eligibility for GIS Canada benefits, it does affect your payment amounts. Really, it's your partner's income that can affect the amount, as well as whether or not they receive OAS payments.
This table lays it all out – take a look.
| Relationship status | Receives support? | Combined income | Max monthly amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | N/A | Less than $22,056 | $1,086.88 |
| Have a spouse or partner | No | Less than $52,848 | $1,086.88 |
| Have a spouse or partner | Allowance | Less than $40,800 | $654.23 |
| Have a spouse or partner | Full OAS pension | Less than $29,136 | $654.23 |
As you can see, the 4th column shows what your maximum amount could be IF your combined income meets what's listed in the 3rd column.
Of course, you can always use an online GIS calculator to help figure out your payment amount.
Do you pay tax on your GIS?
No, GIS Canada payments aren't taxable.
You are, however, required to report all income received from this program on your income tax return. The government uses the information on your tax return, along with other information, to calculate your benefit amounts.
But whatever amount is provided to you, there won't be any taxes applied on it.
What is a GIS clawback?
Given that the purpose of the Guaranteed Income Supplement is to help struggling seniors cover their essential expenses, there are measures put in place to ensure individuals aren't taking advantage of the system.
These measures include a method of deducting a certain amount from a recipient's GIS payment amounts, called a "clawback." Clawbacks are used to make sure only those who need this government assistance are receiving it.
If your annual income increases and is reflected on your tax return, you'll likely notice a clawback the following year, meaning your payment amounts will be lower.
How to submit a Guaranteed Income Supplement application
You should first know that you generally can't apply for GIS Canada benefits unless you receive a letter from the government specifically asking you to do so. However, if you're already receiving an OAS pension but have never received GIS, you'll still be eligible and should look into it, even if you didn't receive a letter.
If you do receive one of these letters, you'll find a paper copy of the application form included with it. To apply:
- Fill in the necessary information, including certified copies of the required documents
- Send it to Service Canada through the mail or drop it off at one of their office locations
Application forms can also be found online by logging into your My Service Canada (MSCA) account. With this method, you'll be able to fill in the application, upload the necessary documents, and submit the whole thing online.
However, keep in mind that applicants are not fully eligible to submit their request until at least 1 month after their 64th birthday.
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$25 GeniusCash + Delicious meal choices with fresh ingredients + Front-door delivery.What other types of seniors benefits are available?
To help support its aging population, the Canadian government provides the following programs and benefits:
- The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a taxable benefit intended to replace part of your income after retirement. It requires that you make at least one valid contribution during your working career.
- Old Age Security (OAS) is a monthly payment provided to those aged 65 and older. Payment amounts depend on your income and how long you've lived in Canada after turning 18.
- Caregiver benefits are provided through Employment Insurance and are meant to offer financial assistance if you're missing work to care for a critically ill or injured loved one.
- The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) consists of federal grants and contributions for projects that assist seniors in their communities. These funds help promote volunteer work, engage seniors with their communities, and more.
Various discounts and assistance for seniors
The government isn't the only organization looking to help out seniors in Canada. There are many businesses that offer discounts and perks for those in their golden years.
Here are a few examples of places you can find discounts for seniors:
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Rexall
- McDonalds
Can the Guaranteed Income Supplement help you?
If you're a senior in Canada with a low income, the GIS Canada payments may be just what you need to pad your savings and help with your monthly budget. Be sure to fill in your income tax forms correctly and check for the letter from Service Canada requesting that you apply.
FAQ
Who’s eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
The eligibility details for Guaranteed Income Supplement require the applicant to be aged 65 or older, currently be living in Canada, already receiving OAS payments, and have an income below a certain threshold (which changes each year).
Where can I find a Guaranteed Income Supplement application?
Anyone eligible for GIS Canada benefits will receive a letter from Service Canada inviting you to apply, and an application form will be included. Alternatively, you can log into your My Service Canada account and fill out an online application.
How much is the Guaranteed Income Supplement for a couple?
The amount of a couple's Guaranteed Income Supplement depends on their household income, whether or not one partner receives an OAS pension, and a few other factors. Maximum payments range from $654.23 to $1,086.88.
How will I know if there are changes to Guaranteed Income Supplement payment amounts?
Your benefit amounts are reviewed annually, based on your federal tax returns. Each July, you’ll receive a letter confirming if your benefits will continue, stop, start, or resume, and whether additional income details are needed
Are immigrants eligible for the GIS in Canada?
Unsponsored newcomers to Canada are eligible to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Sponsored individuals over 18, who’ve lived in Canada for less than 10 years, are usually ineligible, except in a few special circumstances.
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