How to Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?

Quick tip: download the official ISP3025 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download ISP3025 form (Service Canada).

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly non-taxable benefit paid to Old Age Security (OAS) pension recipients who have low income and are living in Canada. It is one of the most important financial supports available to low-income seniors in Canada, and as a newcomer, understanding how it works can help you or your family members access much-needed financial assistance.

The GIS is administered by Service Canada and is designed to supplement the OAS pension for seniors who have little or no other income. As of 2026, the maximum monthly GIS payment for a single person is approximately $1,065, though the exact amount you receive depends on your income and marital status.

Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which is based on your work contributions, the GIS is a needs-based benefit. This means it's specifically designed for seniors with low incomes, regardless of how long they worked in Canada — though there are residency requirements you need to meet.

Who Is Eligible for GIS?

To qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You must be receiving the Old Age Security (OAS) pension: GIS is only available to OAS recipients. You cannot receive GIS without first qualifying for OAS
• You must be 65 years of age or older
• You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
• You must be living in Canada
• Your annual income must be below the maximum threshold: For single seniors, your annual income (excluding OAS) must be below approximately $21,624 (2025-2026 figures). For couples where both receive OAS, the combined income threshold is approximately $28,560

Special Rules for Newcomers

As a newcomer to Canada, there are important residency requirements to be aware of:

• To receive OAS (which is required for GIS), you generally need to have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18
• If you have lived in a country that has a social security agreement with Canada, your years of residence or contributions in that country may count toward the 10-year requirement
• Canada has social security agreements with over 50 countries, including India, the Philippines, China, the United Kingdom, and many others
• If you qualify for OAS through a social security agreement, you automatically become eligible to apply for GIS as well

How Much GIS Will You Receive?

The amount of GIS you receive depends on several factors:

• Your marital status: Single, widowed, or divorced seniors receive a higher maximum amount than those who are married or in a common-law partnership
• Your annual income: The less income you have, the more GIS you receive. The benefit decreases as your income increases
• Your spouse's income and pension status: If your spouse also receives OAS/GIS, the calculation differs from if your spouse does not receive OAS

Here are the approximate maximum monthly GIS amounts for 2026:

• Single, widowed, or divorced: Up to $1,065.47 per month
• Spouse receives full OAS pension: Up to $641.35 per month
• Spouse does not receive OAS pension: Up to $1,065.47 per month

Important: GIS payments are adjusted quarterly (January, April, July, and October) based on changes to the Consumer Price Index, so amounts may increase slightly throughout the year.

How to Apply for GIS

There are several ways to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement:

Automatic Enrollment

In many cases, Service Canada will automatically assess you for GIS when you apply for the OAS pension. If your tax return shows that your income is below the GIS threshold, you may be automatically enrolled. You'll receive a letter informing you of your GIS entitlement.

Applying by Mail

If you were not automatically enrolled, you can apply using the ISP-3025 (Application for the Guaranteed Income Supplement) form:

1. Download the form from canada.ca/guaranteed-income-supplement
2. Complete all sections of the form, including your personal information, income details, and marital status
3. Attach supporting documents, including proof of income (your Notice of Assessment from the CRA)
4. Mail the completed form to the Service Canada address listed on the form

Applying Online

You can also apply through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA):

1. Log in to your MSCA at canada.ca/my-service-canada-account
2. Navigate to the OAS/GIS section
3. Follow the online application prompts
4. Upload any required supporting documents
5. Submit your application electronically

Applying In Person

Visit any Service Canada Centre for in-person assistance. This is especially helpful if you need language support or have difficulty with the application. Bring your SIN, identification, and income documents.

Documents You'll Need

Prepare the following documents before applying:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Proof of birth (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Canadian citizenship or legal residency (citizenship card, PR card, or immigration documents)
• Proof of income: Your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), or a completed Income Statement (ISP-3025A) if you haven't filed taxes
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of residency in Canada
• Banking information for direct deposit setup

Annual Renewal Requirements

Unlike OAS, which continues automatically once approved, GIS must be renewed every year. The renewal process is straightforward:

• If you file your income tax return on time (by April 30): Your GIS is automatically renewed based on your tax information. You don't need to do anything extra
• If you don't file taxes on time: You'll receive a renewal form (ISP-3025A) that you must complete and return to continue receiving GIS

Critical tip for newcomers: Always file your Canadian income tax return, even if you have no income to report. Filing taxes ensures your GIS renews automatically and prevents any interruption in your benefits. Free tax clinics are available across BC for low-income individuals — the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) can help.

GIS and Other Benefits You Can Access

Receiving GIS automatically qualifies you for several other benefits:

• BC Senior's Supplement: An additional monthly payment from the BC government for GIS recipients living in British Columbia
• SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters): A BC rental subsidy program for seniors aged 60+ with low incomes
• BC Bus Pass Program: Subsidized transit passes for GIS recipients in BC
• Pharmaceutical coverage: Enhanced coverage under BC PharmaCare's Plan I (Fair PharmaCare)
• GST/HST Credit: Low-income GIS recipients typically qualify for the full GST/HST credit
• Canada Housing Benefit: Additional housing support for low-income seniors

What Income Is Counted for GIS?

Understanding what counts as "income" for GIS purposes is important:

Income That IS Counted:

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits
• Private pension income
• Employment income (after a $5,000 exemption plus 50% of the next $10,000)
• Self-employment income
• Interest and investment income
• Rental income
• Foreign pension income

Income That Is NOT Counted:

• OAS pension payments
• GIS payments
• Allowance payments
• GST/HST credits
• Provincial benefits and supplements
• War veterans' disability pensions

Tips for Newcomer Seniors Applying for GIS

1. Check social security agreements: Visit canada.ca/social-security-agreements to see if your home country has an agreement with Canada that could help you meet the residency requirement for OAS/GIS
2. Apply for OAS first: You cannot receive GIS without OAS. Apply for OAS six months before you turn 65
3. File your taxes every year: Even with zero income. This is the single most important thing for maintaining your GIS
4. Report changes promptly: If your marital status changes or your income changes significantly, notify Service Canada to avoid overpayments that you'd have to repay
5. Don't leave Canada for too long: If you leave Canada for more than six months, your GIS payments will stop. They resume when you return and notify Service Canada
6. Seek help at a Service Canada Centre: Staff can help you in person, and translation services are available by phone

For more information, visit canada.ca/guaranteed-income-supplement or call 1-800-277-9914 (TTY: 1-800-255-4786). You can also visit any Service Canada Centre for in-person assistance with your GIS application.

Download This Form

Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download ISP3025 form (Service Canada). Always use the latest version.

Related internal guides

• IMM 5257 guide
• IMM 1294 guide
• IMM 1295 guide
• IMM 5409 guide
• IMM 5532 guide

Official external resources

• Download ISP3025 form (Service Canada)
• IRCC forms and guides library
• IRCC document checklists
• CRA forms and publications
• IRCC processing times

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Tools

• WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
• Tax Guide — understand taxes, filing deadlines, and common credits
• Banking Guide — compare newcomer banking options and account types
• Cost Calculator — estimate monthly living costs in Canada
• Benefits Guide — find federal and provincial financial supports

Related Guides

• Guide to Service Canada Record of Employment (ROE) for
• Guide to the Allowance for the Survivor Application in
• How to Apply for a GST/HST Number for Your Business in

Official Government Sources

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• Government of Canada Taxes
• File an Income Tax Return
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
• Government of Canada Finance Services
• GST/HST for Businesses