GIS Payment Dates 2026
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is paid on the same day as Old Age Security (OAS) — the third-last business day of each month.
2026 GIS Payment Schedule
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 |
| February | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
| March | Friday, March 27, 2026 |
| April | Tuesday, April 28, 2026 |
| May | Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| June | Friday, June 26, 2026 |
| July | Wednesday, July 29, 2026 |
| August | Thursday, August 27, 2026 |
| September | Monday, September 28, 2026 |
| October | Thursday, October 29, 2026 |
| November | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| December | Tuesday, December 29, 2026 |
Note: GIS, OAS, and the Allowance are all deposited on the same date as separate transactions.
2026 GIS Maximum Amounts
| Recipient | Maximum Monthly GIS | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Single senior (receiving full OAS) | $1,123.17 | $13,478.04 |
| Spouse/partner also receives full OAS | $676.09 each | $8,113.08 each |
| Spouse/partner receives Allowance | $676.09 | $8,113.08 |
| Spouse/partner is non-pensioner | $1,123.17 | $13,478.04 |
GIS amounts are adjusted quarterly (January, April, July, October) based on the Consumer Price Index.
GIS Income Thresholds
GIS is reduced by $1 for every $2 of income above the exemption amount (excluding OAS).
| Marital Status | Maximum Income for Any GIS | Annual Earnings Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $22,800 | First $5,000 employment income exempt |
| Couple (both OAS) | $30,096 combined | First $5,000 per person |
GIS By Income Level (Single Senior)
| Annual Income (Excl. OAS) | Approximate Monthly GIS |
|---|---|
| $0 | ~$1,123.17 |
| $5,000 | ~$1,123.17 (employment exemption) |
| $10,000 | ~$895 |
| $15,000 | ~$645 |
| $20,000 | ~$395 |
| $22,800+ | $0 |
What counts as income for GIS?
Included:
- CPP/QPP payments
- Private pension income
- RRSP/RRIF withdrawals
- Investment income
- Employment/self-employment income (above exemption)
Excluded:
- OAS payments
- GIS payments
- First $5,000 of employment/self-employment income
- TFSA withdrawals
GIS + OAS Combined Income
| Recipient | Monthly OAS | Monthly GIS (Max) | Total Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single senior, 65-74 | $751.97 | $1,123.17 | $1,875.14 |
| Single senior, 75+ | $827.17 | $1,123.17 | $1,950.34 |
| Couple (both full OAS, max GIS) | $1,503.94 | $1,352.18 | $2,856.12 |
The Allowance and Allowance for Survivor
| Benefit | Who Qualifies | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Allowance | Age 60-64, spouse of GIS recipient | ~$1,354 |
| Allowance for Survivor | Age 60-64, surviving spouse | ~$1,588 |
These are also paid on the same monthly schedule as GIS and OAS.
How to apply for GIS
- Automatic enrollment: If you already receive OAS and file your taxes, you may be automatically assessed
- Apply online: Through My Service Canada Account
- Paper application: Complete form ISP-3025 and mail to Service Canada
- Renewal: Automatic each July if you file your tax return on time
Important: File your tax return by April 30 each year to avoid GIS payment interruptions starting in July.
What happens if your GIS payment is late or stops
GIS can be interrupted for several reasons. The most common:
| Cause | Effect | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tax return not filed by April 30 | GIS stops July 1 | File return immediately; GIS resumes once CRA assesses |
| Income above threshold in prior year | GIS reduced or stops automatically | Review income and appeal if there are non-recurring items (e.g., one-time RRSP withdrawal) |
| Change of address not updated | Payment goes to old address | Update address with Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 |
| Moved outside Canada for 6+ months | GIS suspended | GIS is payable only to Canadian residents |
| Change in marital status | Benefit recalculated | Notify Service Canada of separation, spouse’s death, or new partner |
If you had a one-time large income in a prior year (e.g., a large RRSP withdrawal to buy a car) that reduced your GIS, you can ask Service Canada to assess your GIS based on your current-year income estimate rather than the prior-year return. Form ISP-3041 (Statement of Estimated Income) allows this adjustment.
GIS and income-splitting strategies to consider
Because GIS is reduced by most income types, seniors with a lower-income spouse may benefit from income-splitting to maximize GIS eligibility:
| Strategy | Impact on GIS |
|---|---|
| Pension income splitting (up to 50% of eligible pension) | Can shift income to higher-earning spouse, potentially increasing GIS eligibility for the lower-income one |
| RRSP/RRIF drawdown timing | Large RRIF withdrawals in one year reduce GIS the following July — spread withdrawals across years where possible |
| Delay RRIF conversions and drawdowns | Keeping income low in key years preserves GIS eligibility |
| TFSA withdrawals | Do not count as income — use TFSA as the primary retirement withdrawal source to protect GIS |
The most powerful GIS protection strategy is maximizing TFSA contributions during working years. TFSA withdrawals are completely excluded from the GIS income test — a senior drawing $20,000/year from a TFSA pays no tax and loses no GIS.