federal · Canada-wide
Guaranteed Income Supplement
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a tax-free monthly top-up for people with low income who already receive Old Age Security (OAS). For a single senior it is up to $1,123.17/month for July–September 2026. It goes down as your other income goes up, and it stops if you do not file your taxes.
- Verified Aug 22, 2026
- federal program · Canada-wide
At a glance
- Worth:
- ≤$1,123/mo single
- Who:
- You receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
- Apply:
- Official program page
What it could be worth
Amount
≤$1,123/mo single
- Single, widowed or divorced: up to $1,123.17/month (July–September 2026).
- Your spouse or partner receives full OAS: up to $676.09/month each.
- Your spouse or partner receives the Allowance: up to $676.09/month.
- Your spouse or partner does not receive OAS or the Allowance: up to $1,123.17/month (the case for ages 60–64).
Example: A single senior with OAS ($751.97) and no other income gets the full GIS ($1,123.17). That is a combined floor of about $1,875/month, with all of the GIS tax-free. Income above roughly $17,000–$25,000 (2026 bands, depending on your situation) reduces the GIS. Each dollar of taxable income other than OAS cuts it by about 50¢ or less. Service Canada's income tables set the exact amounts.
How it benefits you
- Tax-free cash on top of OAS — up to $1,123.17/month for a single senior this quarter.
- The income test uses last calendar year's income, not your assets. Savings you leave untouched do not count. But an RRSP withdrawal does count as income, so it can lower your payment.
- Most people are enrolled automatically when they get OAS.
- If one partner in a couple is 60–64, they may get the Allowance while waiting for OAS.
What you need to qualify or apply
Eligibility
- You receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
- Your income (and your spouse's or common-law partner's) is below the yearly cut-off for your situation.
- You file a tax return every year, even with no income — otherwise payments stop (the July 1 suspension rule).
- You are 65 or older (in Allowance cases, the partner is 60–64).
How to apply
- Service Canada usually enrols you automatically with OAS. If it does not, apply online through MSCA or on paper with Form ISP-3041.
- File your tax return by April 30 every year to keep the GIS coming from July.
- Report income changes (retirement, RRSP withdrawals, a new spouse or partner) — the GIS is recalculated each July.
- If your income dropped sharply (for example, you stopped working), ask for an estimate renewal so you are not overpaid.
Documents you may need
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and banking or direct-deposit details.
- An annual tax return (for both spouses or partners).
- If it applies to you: retirement or income-change statements for a mid-year estimate.
Read more from the official source
Checked Service Canada — Guaranteed Income Supplement · Sep 13, 2026
Amounts and rules can change — always confirm on the official source before applying.
This page is general information, not a CRA or provincial determination — amounts and rules can change. Not sure where you stand? The free benefits check walks you through it, or a Registered Social Worker can review your full situation.