The Guaranteed Income Supplement is one of Canada’s most important but least-understood retirement benefits. If you’re a low-income senior receiving OAS, GIS can add over $1,000 per month to your income — entirely tax-free.
What Is the GIS?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a non-taxable monthly payment added on top of Old Age Security (OAS) for Canadian seniors with low income. It is administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through Service Canada.
Unlike OAS and CPP, GIS is:
- Not taxable — no impact on your income tax
- Not subject to clawback — unlike OAS, higher income does not reduce GIS through a “recovery tax” — it reduces GIS directly at source
- Income-tested — the benefit decreases as your other income increases
GIS Eligibility Requirements
To receive GIS, you must:
- Be age 65 or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident living in Canada
- Currently be receiving OAS
- Have low to moderate income below the income threshold for your marital situation
You must also be residing in Canada. GIS stops if you are outside Canada for more than 6 months.
2025 Maximum Monthly GIS Amounts
| Marital Status | Maximum Monthly GIS | Annual Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $1,086.88 | $13,042 |
| Spouse/common-law partner also receives full OAS | $654.23 each | $7,851 each |
| Spouse/common-law partner does not receive OAS | $654.23 | $7,851 |
| Spouse/common-law partner receives Allowance | $654.23 | $7,851 |
Amounts as of early 2025; updated quarterly for inflation.
Combined with the maximum OAS of $727.67/month, a single senior could receive up to $1,814.55/month from GIS + OAS alone.
How the Income Test Works
GIS is reduced as your income rises. The reduction formula:
- First $5,000 of employment income: fully exempt (does not reduce GIS)
- Employment income from $5,001 to $15,000: 50% exempt (only half counts against GIS)
- All other income (investments, rental, CPP, RRIF withdrawals, etc.): reduces GIS by approximately $1 for every $2 of income
Income Cutoff Thresholds (2025, Approximate)
| Marital Status | Income Cut-Off (annual) |
|---|---|
| Single | ~$22,056 |
| Couple, both on OAS | ~$29,136 combined |
| Couple, only one on OAS | ~$41,808 combined |
Thresholds are updated quarterly and may vary slightly.
Example
A single senior receiving OAS has $12,000/year in CPP income.
- CPP income above exemptions reduces GIS by ~$6,000/year (approximately half)
- Annual GIS: $13,042 − $6,000 = approximately $7,042/year (~$587/month)
What Income Counts Against GIS?
| Income Type | Counts Against GIS? |
|---|---|
| CPP/QPP benefits | Yes — fully |
| RRSP/RRIF withdrawals | Yes — fully |
| Investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains) | Yes — fully |
| Rental income | Yes — fully |
| Employment income up to $5,000 | No (fully exempt) |
| Employment income $5,001–$15,000 | 50% counts |
| OAS payments | No |
| GIS itself | No |
| TFSA withdrawals | No |
TFSA withdrawals are not counted as income — this makes the TFSA the ideal savings vehicle for low-income retirees who receive or plan to receive GIS.
How to Apply for GIS
Automatic enrollment: Service Canada may enrol you automatically if you are already receiving OAS and your tax return shows eligible income levels. You’ll receive a letter notifying you.
Apply by mail or online: If you are not automatically enrolled, submit Form ISP-3025 (Application for the Guaranteed Income Supplement) to Service Canada.
When to apply: You can apply as early as one month before your 65th birthday. GIS can be paid retroactively for up to 11 months if you are approved late.
Annual Renewal: File Your Taxes
Your GIS is renewed every July 1 based on income reported on your previous year’s tax return. If you don’t file your taxes by April 30, your GIS payments will stop in July until your return is filed.
Even if you have little or no income to report, filing your tax return is essential to maintain GIS.
The Allowance and Allowance for Survivors
Related to GIS, Service Canada also provides:
- Allowance: A monthly benefit for low-income individuals aged 60–64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives GIS
- Allowance for Survivors: For widows or widowers aged 60–64 with low income
These programs bridge the gap between age 60 and 65 when OAS/GIS become available.
Related Reading
- OAS vs GIS — What’s the Difference? — How the two programs interact
- Maximum GIS Payment Amount — 2025 — Current rates and how to maximize your GIS
- How to Apply for GIS — Step-by-step application guide
- Is GIS Taxable? — Tax treatment of GIS income
- OAS Clawback Guide — How OAS differs from GIS in the income test