Ontario

Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System

Easy application

Tax filing required

Automatic benefit

You do not need to apply separately for this benefit

You will be considered for this benefit automatically when you apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). You will get it automatically if you apply and you qualify.

Prerequisite(s) required

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

The Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) helps Ontario seniors living on a low income by providing a monthly, non-taxable payment.

Your monthly GAINS payment will range between $2.50 and $83.00. The higher your income, the lower your payment.

The monthly GAINS payments are added to the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments you may receive.

You may be eligible if you meet all of these conditions:

  • You are 65 years of age or older
  • You are getting OAS and GIS
  • You live in Ontario
  • You have lived in Ontario for the past 12 months or for a total of 20 years since turning 18
  • You have 10 or more years of Canadian residency, and
  • You have income that is a maximum of $1,992 if you are a single senior or $3,984 if you are a senior couple.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

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

If you receive a full or partial OAS pension plus the GIS, you do not have to apply for GAINS. Your benefits will be determined based on information from Employment and Social Development Canada and your annual personal income tax and benefit return.

Notes

  • Every year, you must:
  • GAINS is paid:
    • around the 25th of each month, starting in July and ending in June of the following year.
    • through direct deposit. To set up direct deposit, visit Service Canada or call 1-800-277-9914

Last updated: January 18, 2022