Federal

Guaranteed Income Supplement

Easy application

Tax filing required

Automatic Benefit

In most cases, you do not need to apply for this benefit.

If you receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and are living on lower income, the Government will notify you of your eligibility in most cases.

Prerequisite(s) required

To get this benefit you need to first apply for the following benefit(s) if you're eligible:

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly payment for seniors living on lower – moderate income.

The Supplement is based on income and is available to low-income Old Age Security pensioners. It is not taxable.

In many cases, the government will let you know by letter when you can start receiving the first payment. They will send you this letter the month after you turn 64. In other cases, you may have to apply.

You may be able to get this a monthly payment if:

  • You are 65 or older.
  • You live in Canada.
  • You get the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
  • Your income is below $20,784 if you are single, widowed, or divorced.
  • Your income plus the income of your spouse/common-law partner is below:
    • $27,456 if your spouse/common-law partner receives the full OAS pension
    • $49,824 if your spouse/common-law partner does not receive an OAS pension
    • $38,448 if your spouse/common-law partner receives the Allowance

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

You may have to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement. They may not have enough information to enroll you automatically. You may have to apply if you are already receiving your Old Age Security pension and never applied for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Apply Online:

  • If you are applying online, you’ll need a My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
  • If you don’t have a My Service Canada Account (MSCA), you can register for one. You’ll receive a personal access code to complete your registration.
  • Apply or register through My Service Canada Account

Apply using paper application:

Last updated: August 21, 2021