The senior population in Canada is rising. In 2014, only 15.6% of the population was made up of seniors over the age of 65, but by 2030, it’s estimated that this statistic will increase to 23%. This highlights the importance of income security supplements to help non-working seniors — especially those considered low-income — continue to make ends meet.
Even with OAS and the Canada Pension Plan, the rising cost of living results in many pensioners living below the cost-of-living threshold. To address this, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is provided to eligible seniors. This government-issued payment enables those living out their senior years to access the funds necessary to support themselves.
Key Points About GIS
| What is it? | GIS is a non-taxable payment made to low-income seniors. |
| How much can you get? | The supplement amount is based on income, and can be as high as $1,065.47 per month. |
| Who’s eligible? | GIS is for Old Age Security pensioners aged 65 and older with low-incomes. |
| How to apply? | The government will send a letter the month after you turn 64 years old, though you may have to apply in some cases. |
What Is The GIS In Canada?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a non-taxable, monthly allowance issued by the federal government to low-income seniors who are currently in retirement. It applies largely to situations where Old Age Security and the Canada Pension Plan payouts are the main sources of income.
There is an income threshold which must be met in order to receive this benefit. Scheduled according to rising rates of inflation, the payout adjusts regularly to help meet the cost of living in Canada.
What Are The GIS Eligibility Requirements?
To be eligible for the GIS, you must:
- Be receiving the Old Age Security Pension
- Reside in Canada
- Be at least 65 years old
- Have an annual income lower than the maximum threshold
Maximum Annual Income Thresholds For The GIS
Maximum annual income levels depend on your marital status:
| Status | Maximum Annual Income |
| Divorced, single, or widowed pensioner | $21,624 |
| Spouse receiving full OAS pension | $28,560 (combined) |
| Spouse not receiving OAS or an Allowance | $51,840 (combined) |
| Spouse receiving an Allowance | $39,984 (combined) |
Keep in mind that, using the Consumer Price Index, the income thresholds and payouts are updated on a quarterly basis. You can access the most recent information to ensure that you continue to be eligible for the benefit, lest you be asked to repay the amount come tax time.
2024 Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Payments Amounts
The monthly payment amount you receive depends on your status and that of your spouse/common-law partner, if applicable:
| Status | Monthly Payment Amount |
| Divorced, single, or widowed pensioner | $1,065.47 |
| Spouse receiving full OAS pension | $641.35 |
| Spouse not receiving OAS or an Allowance | $1,065.47 |
| Spouse receiving an Allowance | $641.35 |
2024 Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Payments Dates
Based on the Consumer Price Index, the amount you receive is reassessed every quarter. The payments are issued on the same dates as the Old Age Security benefits.
| GIS Payment Dates 2024 |
| January 29, 2024 |
| February 27, 2024 |
| March 26, 2024 |
| April 26, 2024 |
| May 29, 2024 |
| June 26, 2024 |
| July 29, 2024 |
| August 28, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 |
| October 29, 2024 |
| November 27, 2024 |
| December 20, 2024 |
To ensure that you do not face a tax burden at the end of the year, it’s important to check in once a quarter to ensure that your annual amount is not in excess. While rising inflation rates suggest that the amount of entitlement would increase, it is worth looking into four times a year (at least).
Are you a senior in Ontario? You might qualify for GAINS as well.
How To Apply For GIS
You may not necessarily need to apply for the GIS. The CRA reviews your income information every year. If you file your income taxes annually, you will automatically be paid a GIS benefit once you’re of age and meet the income criteria.
However, there are some situations in which you may have to apply for the GIS:
- You receive a letter requesting an application
- The information on your enrollment letter is incorrect
- You are an OAS recipient who has never received GIS
If you need to apply for the GIS, only a one-time application is needed, as long as you file your tax return every year.
Steps To Apply For The GIS
If you have to apply for the GIS, follow these steps:
Step 1. Gather Your GIS Documents
Documents required to apply for the GIS include the following:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Information about your spouse or common-law partner, including their date of birth and SIN
- Information about any countries in which you’ve lived since the age of 18
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Any reduction in pension or employment income
Step 2. Determine Your Income
The GIS benefit is only available for low-income households, determined by the quarterly-assessed annual threshold.
You must include information about all income collected from various sources, such as the following:
- CPP or QPP pension benefits
- Private pensions, whether domestic or overseas
- Funds withdrawn from an RRSP during the year of assessment
- Employment Insurance (EI) collected
- Interest on savings or investment income
- Capital gains from investments or rental properties
- Taxable dividends
- Self-employment income
- Workers’ compensation
- Alimony
Step 3. Submit Your Application
There is more than one way to apply to the GIS program, with both digital and paper options.
| Online application | Once you have determined that you qualify, you can submit your application digitally. To apply online, you must be at least a month past your 64th birthday and not receive the OAS pension. Additionally, Service Canada cannot currently be assessing your Old Age Security application. You must reside in Canada and not have a legal Trustee handling your account. To apply online, you will need a My Service Canada Account, for which you can register online. |
| Paper application | If you received a letter, it will come with a form that you can fill out. Alternatively, you can opt to download and fill out the paper application form ISP-3550. The necessary documents are the same as for the other application, though you must include certified true copies of your documents. Mail or bring your application form in person to a Service Canada location. |
Step 4. Wait For A Decision
Once you’ve applied, it is a waiting game. You will receive a response with either a decision or requesting more information. In the meantime, you can monitor your account’s progress, provided you use the online portal.
Step 5. Start Collecting The GIS, Or Re-Apply
If you are approved, you will receive an approval letter that will detail the date of your first payment, the amount you will get every month, and any past payments which you are owed.
If your application is denied, you have a period of 90 days to request reconsideration. The application review will be done by staff other than those initially reviewed. Plus, since the thresholds are evaluated quarterly, you may be eligible at the time of appeal. To proceed with the reconsideration process, contact the Social Security Tribunal to request an appeal.
What Are Some Reasons Why GIS Payments Stop?
Your GIS payments may stop in many situations, such as the following:
- You moved out of Canada for more than 6 months
- Your income increased above the maximum threshold
- You are incarcerated for at least 2 years
- You get married, separated, or your/common-law partner dies
- You did not provide the CRA with the required information about your income
- You did not file your income taxes
Other Benefits You Can Get Under The Old Age Security (OAS) Program
Besides GIS, there are two other programs your spouse can receive for financial support.
Allowance Benefit Details
There is a financial supplement available for low-income persons who are the spouse of a GIS recipient. There are different criteria for this benefit, including:
- Applicant must be between ages 60 to 64
- Your spouse must receive OAS and be eligible for GIS
- The applicant must reside in Canada
- Your income cannot exceed $39,984 annually
Provided you meet this threshold, you are entitled to a monthly payment of $1,354.69 per month. Keep in mind that this amount is updated quarterly.
Allowance For Survivors
Another benefit available is for survivors of those receiving the OAS benefit, a non-taxable payout available to seniors below the income threshold. The recipient must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Be aged 60 to 64
- Have a partner who’s died
- Have a maximum annual income of $29,112
The allowance is in the amount of $1,614.89. It’s issued on a monthly basis, and lasts until you turn 65, at which time, you can receive OAS and GIS benefits.
Final Notes
The GIS is a necessary service to assist Canada’s aging population, particularly those within the low-income bracket. Since the supplement is non-taxable, it adds no burden to struggling seniors. The application process is straightforward, enabling some of Canada’s most vulnerable population to access the necessary funds to live.
