How to Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a vital benefit for low-income seniors in Canada. It provides a monthly tax-free payment on top of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension to help cover basic living expenses. If you are a senior with little or no income beyond OAS, the GIS can make a significant difference in your financial well-being. This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply, and how much you can expect to receive.

What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement?

The GIS is a monthly benefit administered by Service Canada as part of Canada's public pension system. It is specifically designed for low-income seniors who are already receiving the OAS pension. Unlike OAS and the Canada Pension Plan, GIS payments are not taxable. This means you do not pay income tax on the GIS amount you receive.

The GIS is income-tested, which means the amount you receive depends on your income. If your income is very low, you will receive the maximum GIS amount. As your income increases, the GIS amount decreases. Once your income reaches a certain threshold, you will no longer be eligible for GIS.

Who Is Eligible for GIS?

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

• Age: You must be 65 years of age or older.
• OAS pension: You must be receiving the Old Age Security pension. If you are not yet receiving OAS, you need to apply for it first.
• Residence: You must live in Canada.
• Income: Your annual income (or combined annual income if you have a spouse or common-law partner) must be below a certain threshold. The income thresholds are updated each year.

For the purposes of GIS eligibility, income includes most sources of income such as CPP payments, private pensions, investment income, and employment income. However, OAS payments and GIS payments themselves are not counted as income when determining your eligibility.

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount of GIS you receive depends on your marital status and your annual income (or your combined annual income if you have a spouse or partner). The maximum monthly GIS amount is updated quarterly based on increases in the cost of living. As of recent periods, the maximum monthly GIS for a single senior is approximately $1,000 to $1,100, and it is lower for those with a spouse or partner who also receives OAS.

You can use the OAS and GIS payment tables on the Government of Canada website to estimate your benefit amount based on your income and marital status.

How to Apply for GIS

In many cases, Service Canada will automatically determine if you are eligible for GIS when you apply for OAS. If you are automatically enrolled, you will receive a letter informing you of your GIS amount. However, if you are not automatically enrolled or if this is your first time applying, you will need to submit an application.

Step 1: Check If You Are Already Enrolled

If you are already receiving OAS and believe you qualify for GIS, check your OAS payment statement or sign into your My Service Canada Account to see if GIS is included in your payments.

Step 2: Obtain the Application Form

If you need to apply, download the GIS application form (ISP-3025) from the Service Canada website. You can also request the form by calling Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.

Step 3: Complete the Application

The application asks for your personal information, your income details, and information about your spouse or common-law partner if applicable. You will need your Social Insurance Number, your banking information for direct deposit, and details about your income from all sources.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Mail the completed application to the Service Canada address listed on the form, or bring it to a Service Canada Centre. You may also be able to submit parts of the application through your My Service Canada Account.

The Importance of Filing Your Tax Return

One of the most important things to know about GIS is that you must file your income tax return every year to continue receiving it. Service Canada uses the information from your tax return to determine your GIS eligibility and amount each year. If you do not file your tax return, your GIS payments will be suspended until you do.

Even if you have little or no income, you must still file a tax return to maintain your GIS. For help with this, see our guide on filing your first Canadian tax return.

GIS and the Allowance

If you are receiving GIS and your spouse or common-law partner is between 60 and 64 years old, they may be eligible for the Allowance. The Allowance is a monthly benefit for low-income individuals who are the spouse or common-law partner of a GIS recipient. There is also the Allowance for the Survivor, which is available to low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner has passed away.

Both the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor are income-tested and tax-free, similar to GIS. Application forms are available on the Service Canada website.

GIS and Other Income Sources

It is important to understand how other income sources affect your GIS. CPP retirement pension payments count as income and will reduce your GIS amount. Employment income is partially exempt; the first $5,000 of employment income is fully exempt, and 50% of the next $10,000 is exempt. Investment income, rental income, and private pension income all count fully toward the income calculation.

If you are receiving Employment Insurance benefits, those payments are also counted as income for GIS purposes. Planning your income sources carefully can help maximize your GIS benefit.

Changes in Circumstances

If your circumstances change during the year, such as a change in marital status due to divorce or the death of a spouse, or a significant drop in income due to retirement or job loss, you should notify Service Canada. In some cases, you may be able to have your GIS recalculated based on your estimated current-year income rather than last year's tax return, which could result in higher GIS payments.

GIS Top-Up

In recent years, the Government of Canada has introduced a GIS top-up for the lowest-income single seniors. This additional amount is automatically included in your GIS payment if you qualify. You do not need to apply separately for the top-up.

Getting Help

If you need help applying for GIS or understanding your eligibility, you can call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914, visit a Service Canada Centre, or use our guide on how to use Service Canada as a newcomer. Many community organizations also offer free assistance to seniors with government benefit applications.

Final Thoughts

The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a lifeline for low-income seniors in Canada. If you or someone you know is 65 or older, receiving OAS, and has a low income, the GIS can provide much-needed financial support. Make sure to apply if you are not already enrolled, file your tax return every year to maintain your payments, and report any changes in your circumstances to Service Canada. By taking these steps, you can ensure you receive the full amount of benefits you are entitled to.

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