Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)

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As of 2024, the maximum monthly GAINS benefit for a single senior is $83, increasing to $87 per month after July 2024. For couples, the maximum monthly benefit is $166, increasing to $174 after July 2024.

The table below shows the maximum annual benefit as of July 2024 for a senior with an income of $0.

The main purpose of GAINS is to provide financial assistance to low-income seniors 65 years of age or above residing in Ontario. To be eligible for GAINS, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Be at least 65 years old.
• Residency: Be a resident of Ontario for the past 12 months or at least 20 years since the age of 18.
• Legal Status: Must be a Canadian resident for at least ten years (after the age of 18).
• Income: Have a total annual income below the maximum threshold set by the program ($4,176 for single individuals and $8,352 for couples after July 2024).
• Other Benefits: Be receiving OAS and GIS benefits from the federal government.

The following income limits for GAINS will apply for the year 2024 before July 2024:

• For single individuals, the maximum annual income limit is $1,992
• For couples, the maximum combined annual income limit is $3,984

The Ontario government is expanding GAINS to make it available to a greater number of low-income seniors. Starting July 2024, the following new income limits will apply:

• For single individuals, the maximum annual income limit is $4,176
• For couples, the maximum combined annual income limit is $8,352

The following sources of income are considered when determining eligibility for GAINS:

• Employment or self-employment earnings
• Investment income (e.g. bank interest, stock dividends)
• Pension income (excluding OAS and GIS)
• Rental income
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Application Process

Eligibility for GAINS is automatically assessed based on information provided to the federal government when you submit your personal income tax return. If you are eligible, the program will be added to your monthly OAS and GIS benefit payments.

This means that to receive your GAINS payments, you must file your income tax returns every year, even if you don’t have any other income.

When Will I Get My Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) Payment?

GAINS payments are calculated based on a combination of OAS and GIS benefits and private income. If an individual's total OAS and GIS payments and private income do not reach the minimum threshold set by GAINS, they will automatically receive a top-up amount to reach the full benefit amount. The top-up amount is determined based on their annual income and marital status.

For example, if a single senior with $0 in private income receives a total of $1,778 per month from OAS and GIS, they would receive a top-up of $83 ($1,861 - $1,778) to reach the minimum guaranteed income for GAINS of $1,861 per month.

GAINS payments are made on the same schedule as OAS and GIS payments. This means that eligible seniors will receive their benefits monthly.

Ontario

• Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG): Receive up to $500 annually to assist with property tax expenses.

British Columbia

• BC Home Owner Grant for Seniors: Assists senior residents in reducing their property taxes with an annual benefit of up to $1,045.

Alberta

• Alberta Seniors Benefit: This program provides up to $3,792 per year for single seniors and $5,687 for senior couples, as well as a supplement for those living in a continuing care home.

Quebec

• Quebec Senior Assistance Tax Credit: A tax credit of $2,000 for single seniors or $4,000 for couples over the age of 70.

Manitoba

• Manitoba 55 PLUS Program: Provides quarterly benefits of up to $161.80 for single seniors and $173.90 for couples, based on their income level. This program is designed for low-income seniors aged 55 and above.

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Q: Are GAINS payments taxable?

A: GAINS payments are not considered taxable income. They are intended to supplement your income to help cover essential living expenses without adding to your tax burden.

Q: What happens if I fail to file my tax return on time?

A: If you do not file your tax return on time, your GAINS eligibility cannot be assessed, and you may miss out on your benefits. File your tax return annually to ensure no interruption in your GAINS payments.

Q: Can I receive GAINS if I move to another province?

A: GAINS is a provincial program specific to Ontario. If you move to another province for over 12 months and have not lived in Ontario for at least 20 years since turning 18, you will no longer be eligible for GAINS benefits.

Q: How will GAINS payments be affected if my income changes throughout the year?

A: GAINS payments are recalculated annually based on the income information provided in your tax returns. Significant changes in your income could affect your future eligibility and payment amounts.

Q: Can I apply for GAINS if I already receive other forms of financial assistance?

A: Yes, you can still receive GAINS benefits even if you receive other provincial or federal assistance.