Guaranteed Income Supplement
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an important component of Canada's Old Age Security (OAS) program, designed to provide additional financial support to low-income seniors living in Canada. On this page, we'll explain how much you can get, who qualifies, and how to apply for the GIS.
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You could receive
from Old Age Security
You could receive
from Old Age Security
You could receive
from Old Age Security
- The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides crucial financial support to cover living expenses for Canadian retirees.
- If you receive Old Age Security (OAS), automatic enrollment is possible; otherwise, you must submit a GIS application form.
- Must reside in Canada; leaving for over six months may affect eligibility.
- Receiving other benefits, like CPP, are allowed but affect GIS payment amounts.
What is the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly non-taxable benefit in Canada designed to supplement the Old Age Security (OAS) pension for low-income seniors. This government program underscores Canada's commitment to supporting its aging population by providing additional financial assistance to those in need.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for the GIS?
Eligibility for the GIS is primarily determined by income level, and specific thresholds must not be exceeded to qualify. Additionally, applicants must receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and reside in Canada. The Government of Canada periodically updates these income thresholds annually.
Eligibility for GIS:
- Age 65 or older.
- A legal resident of Canada at the time of application.
- Recipient of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
- Income below a certain threshold, as defined by the government.
Unlike Old Age Security, which allows you to reside outside of Canada, you can only be eligible for GIS if you are currently living in Canada. You cannot remain outside of Canada for longer than six months at a time while receiving GIS.
There are also additional criteria if you had moved to Canada as an immigrant. In this case, you are eligible for GIS if you are not sponsored and you are receiving OAS. If you are sponsored and have lived in Canada for less than 10 years after 18, you will not be eligible for GIS while you are sponsored. The exception to this is if your sponsor has declared bankruptcy, been imprisoned for more than six months, is convicted of abusing you, or dies.
To apply for GIS, you must first apply for OAS if you have not already received it. The application can be completed online through your My Service Canada Account or by completing a paper form. You can apply for both the OAS and GIS at the same time.
If you already receive OAS, you may still be eligible for GIS if your income level changes. In this case, you can apply for GIS separately.
GIS Maximum Income Thresholds
For GIS payments in 2024, your 2022 net income is used to determine your eligibility. For those 65 years or older who are single, widowed, or divorced, your net income must be less than $21,624. Those with a spouse or common-law partner currently receiving OAS must have a combined household income of $28,560 or less to qualify for GIS or less than $51,840 if your spouse or common-law partner does not receive OAS.
You may also receive a GIS Allowance if you’re 60 to 64 years old and your spouse or common-law partner receives both OAS and GIS or if you are a surviving spouse or common-law partner.
GIS Income Thresholds for 2024
| Marital Status | Maximum Household Income Allowed |
|---|---|
| Single, Widowed, or Divorced | $21,624 |
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner that receives OAS | $28,560 |
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner that does not receive OAS | $51,840 |
What income affects GIS?
The following income sources can affect your GIS eligibility and benefit amount:
- Employment income (including self-employment)
- Pension plans (such as CPP or private pensions)
- Investment income (interest, dividends, rental income)
- Government benefits (except for OAS and certain provincial/territorial benefits)
Your Old Age Security Pension is not considered income when determining your GIS eligibility, and payments from a reverse mortgage won’t affect your GIS either.
Calculating Your GIS Payments
How Much Can I Receive from the GIS?
The amount of GIS you receive is determined by your income level, marital status, and length of time living in Canada. The GIS is meant to guarantee a minimum income level for retirees, so it is calculated to bridge the gap between a person’s maximum Old Age Security payment and the GIS.
For 2024, the monthly GIS amount is $1,065.47 for single, widowed, or divorced individuals receiving the full OAS pension or those with a partner not receiving OAS. The monthly amount for 2024 is $641.35 for those with a spouse or common-law partner who receives OAS.
GIS Monthly Payment Amount for 2024
| Marital Status | GIS Monthly Payment if Receiving Full OAS Pension |
|---|---|
| Single, Widowed, or Divorced | $1,065.47 |
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner that receives OAS | $641.35 |
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner that does not receive OAS | $1,065.47 |
GIS Payment with a Reduced OAS Pension
Your OAS Pension can be reduced if you haven’t lived in Canada for 40 years or more after the age of 18. If you receive a reduced OAS pension, the amount of GIS is increased to compensate for this shortfall. The government provides an additional benefit for those who receive a reduced OAS pension and meet the eligibility criteria. This means that to calculate your GIS, you will first need to calculate your Old Age Security payments.
For example, a single individual receiving the full OAS pension of $713.34 and the maximum GIS of $1,065.47 would receive a combined $1,778.81 monthly government support.
If an individual has lived in Canada for only 10 years, they would only receive 25% (from 10/40) of the full OAS pension amount, or $178.34. Since their OAS was reduced by $535.00, their GIS will be increased by $535.00, from $1,065.47 to $1,600.47 monthly. Combined with a monthly $178.34 OAS payment, their combined monthly payment of OAS and GIS will still be $1,778.81, the exact same as someone who has lived in Canada for 40 years or more. This ensures that all eligible low-income retirees receive the same level of support from the government.
The GIS is just one of many government benefits available to retirees. Research and explore other options, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), to maximize your income during retirement. If you are eligible for GIS, you are also eligible for Old Age Security.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GIS
Q: Can I receive GIS if I live outside Canada?
A: You must reside in Canada to be eligible for GIS. You may lose eligibility if you leave the country for more than six months.
Q: Does my spouse's income affect my GIS?
A: Yes, the combined income of you and your spouse (if applicable) is considered when determining your eligibility and the amount of GIS you receive. The higher your combined income, the less GIS you will receive.
Q: How often do I need to reapply for GIS?
A: You do not need to reapply every year, but you must file your annual tax return to continue receiving the GIS. This ensures that your GIS benefit amount is adjusted based on any changes in your income.
Q: Can I receive GIS if I am already receiving other government benefits?
A: You may still be eligible for GIS even if you receive other government benefits, such as CPP. However, these additional incomes will be considered when determining the amount of GIS you receive.
Q: When are GIS payments made?
A: GIS payments are made monthly on the OAS payment dates, typically on the third-last banking day of each month. If you receive your OAS payment through direct deposit, your GIS will also be deposited into the same bank account. Otherwise, you will receive a cheque in the mail.
Q: Do I need to have worked in Canada to receive GIS?
A: No, you do not need to have worked in Canada to be eligible for GIS. The amount of your pension is based on your residency rather than employment history. This ensures that all eligible retirees, including those who were stay-at-home parents or had low-income jobs, can receive financial support from the government.
Q: Are GIS payments taxable?
A: No, GIS payments are not considered taxable income.
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