Most people get the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) without a separate application, but not everyone. This page covers automatic enrolment, when and how to apply, and what happens after. To check whether you’d qualify, see who qualifies for the GIS; to estimate the amount, use the GIS calculator.
Step 1: Check whether you’ve been enrolled
Service Canada tries to enrol you in the GIS automatically once your OAS is confirmed, and sends you a letter. If it has been a month since your 64th birthday and you haven’t received an enrolment letter, contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 to find out whether you need to apply.
If you aren’t enrolled automatically, Service Canada sends a letter inviting you to apply. You also need to act if the letter has incorrect information, or if you applied for OAS but never for the GIS.
Source: Service Canada, GIS: apply.
Step 2: Apply if you need to
You can apply once you are at least 1 month past your 64th birthday.
| If you… | Apply with |
|---|---|
| Are applying for OAS and the GIS at the same time | Form ISP-3550, Application for the Old Age Security Pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement |
| Already receive OAS | Form ISP-3025, Application for the Guaranteed Income Supplement |
| Prefer to apply online | My Service Canada Account, if you are at least 1 month past your 64th birthday, haven’t already applied (or your application is still being assessed) and no one such as a power of attorney or trustee manages your OAS account; otherwise you use the paper form |
Paper forms go to Service Canada; each form says where to send it. The OAS application page covers applying for OAS itself.
Step 3: After you apply
Service Canada processes your application and sends a decision letter by mail. Once approved, the GIS is paid with your OAS on the monthly payment dates.
Back payments
The GIS can be paid for up to 11 months before the month Service Canada receives your application (Old Age Security Act, s. 11(7)(a)). If you qualified earlier than that, the earlier months are lost, so apply as soon as you think you’re eligible rather than waiting.
Keeping it
- File your taxes by April 30 each year, even with no tax to pay. Service Canada reviews your GIS each July using your return. See GIS renewal.
- Tell Service Canada about changes: a new spouse or partner, a separation or death, a new address, or a drop in income from retiring.
- Plan long trips. The GIS stops after you’ve been outside Canada for 6 months in a row. Call before you leave and again when you’re back.
If your spouse is younger
If you receive OAS and are eligible for the GIS, a spouse aged 60 to 64 may qualify for the Allowance. It isn’t automatic: they apply with form ISP-3008. See the Allowance.
If Service Canada says no
You can ask Service Canada to reconsider the decision; the appealing a benefit decision page explains the steps. Common reasons for a refusal are income above the limit for your situation, too few years of residence for OAS, or a sponsorship agreement still in effect (GIS for newcomers).
Related pages
Sources
The figures and rules on this page come from these sources, last checked against them between September 22, 2026 and September 29, 2026. How we check facts.
- Canada Revenue Agency: Due dates and payment dates - Personal income tax
- catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca: Application for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Contact Old Age Security
- Government of Canada: Old Age Security - Apply, delay, or change your start date
- Government of Canada: Guaranteed Income Supplement - Apply
- Government of Canada: Old Age Security - While receiving OAS
- Government of Canada: GIS: Allowance - Do you qualify
- Justice Laws (Canada): Old Age Security Act