Guaranteed Income Supplement

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) plays a crucial role in supporting seniors who are considered low-income. This program provides additional financial assistance to those receiving the Old Age Security pension.

To qualify for GIS, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements. These criteria include factors such as age, residency status, and income level. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) a senior receives also plays a part in determining GIS eligibility and payment amounts. We want to focus on the key aspects of GIS eligibility, including how marital status affects qualification, and to provide the sources to use when applying for GIS.

GIS in a Nutshell:

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly benefit available to individuals receiving, or eligible to receive, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, whose annual income (or combined annual income for couples) falls below the maximum annual threshold.

Qualifying:

  • The GIS benefit amount is based on the income amount for either an individual or both spouses in the household.

  • The income threshold is higher for couples, and GIS benefits are split if both spouses receive OAS.

  • OAS is not included in the income threshold, but all other taxable income is.

Recently, the government developed a helpful tool to help seniors estimate the GIS they should expect to be eligible for. Click the link below to check out the estimator tool:

Applying:

  • OAS will start as soon as your income tax records reflect your household income being under the threshold.

  • If you are in the midst of changes to your income, it may be worth applying for GIS to start the benefits sooner.

The below outlines how to apply online or by mail:

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