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Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) eligibility

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

A monthly payment, on top of OAS, for seniors with a low income. The Allowance helps some people aged 60 to 64.

Who handles it

Service Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada)

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Next payment

Then and .

Paid together with the Old Age Security pension, on the same dates.

Source: canada.cachecked

Every benefit's payment dates

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • To get the GIS you must be 65 or older, receive the OAS pension, live in Canada, not be under a sponsorship agreement, and have a yearly income below the limit for your situation.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • Sponsored immigrants cannot get the GIS while their sponsorship agreement lasts. Parent and grandparent sponsorships now last 20 years instead of 10 everywhere except Quebec.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Service Canada tries to enroll you automatically and writes to you shortly after your 64th birthday. If it cannot, it sends a letter inviting you to apply. If you already get OAS but never applied for the GIS, you need to apply.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

What you need

  • Apply online in My Service Canada Account or by mail. Have your SIN and date of birth, your spouse's SIN and date of birth, where you have lived since 18, any drop in income in the last two years, and your bank details.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • Allow about 14 days for an online application and 120 days for one sent by mail.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • Your GIS amount is worked out again each July using your net income from the year before, so it can go up, go down or stop.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Good to know

  • GIS payments are not taxed, but you must file your tax return by April 30 every year or your payments can be interrupted.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Questions people ask

What is the income limit for GIS?

Under $23,112 a year if you are single, divorced or widowed. For a couple where the spouse gets the full OAS pension, combined income must be under $30,528.

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Is the GIS taxable?

No. GIS, the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor are not taxable income. The amount is worked out again each July from your net income in the previous year.

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Do I have to apply for the GIS?

Often not. Service Canada enrolls most people automatically and tells them by mail. If you have no letter a month after your 64th birthday, you may need to apply.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Is there help for a spouse aged 60 to 64?

Yes. The Allowance is a separate monthly benefit for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner can get the GIS.

Source: canada.cachecked #

How long does a GIS application take?

About 14 days online and 120 days by mail. It takes longer if documents are missing.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Where to go in person

Places in the biggest cities, from open data. Check the official link for hours and what each office offers before you go.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) eligibility", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/gis