GIS at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum monthly payment (single) | ~$1,065 (2026) |
| Maximum monthly payment (couple, both receiving OAS) | ~$641 each |
| Taxable | ❌ No |
| Income tested | ✅ Yes |
| Paid with OAS | ✅ Yes, same payment |
| Automatic renewal | ✅ If you file taxes |
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 65 or older |
| Receiving OAS | Must be approved for Old Age Security |
| Residence | Living in Canada |
| Income | Below GIS income threshold |
| Citizenship | Canadian citizen or legal resident |
Income Thresholds (2026 Approximate)
| Marital Status | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single, widowed, divorced | ~$21,624 |
| Couple (both receiving OAS) | ~$28,560 combined |
| Couple (one receiving OAS) | ~$51,840 combined |
Income includes: Employment, pensions, RRIF withdrawals, investment income, CPP.
Income excludes: OAS, GIS, workers’ compensation, social assistance.
GIS Payment Amounts
| Annual Income (Single) | Monthly GIS (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| $0 | $1,065 (maximum) |
| $5,000 | $850 |
| $10,000 | $600 |
| $15,000 | $350 |
| $20,000 | $100 |
| $21,624+ | $0 |
GIS decreases by $1 for every $2 of income over the exemption amount.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm OAS Eligibility
You must be receiving or approved for Old Age Security before GIS.
Step 2: Check if Auto-Enrolled
If Service Canada has your income information (from filed taxes), you may be automatically enrolled when you turn 65.
Step 3: Apply if Not Auto-Enrolled
- Download Form ISP-3025 (Application for GIS) from canada.ca
- Complete the form
- Attach proof of income (if not filing taxes)
- Mail to Service Canada
Step 4: Annual Renewal
- If you file taxes: Automatic renewal each July
- If you don’t file taxes: Submit renewal form ISP-3025 by June 30
GIS + OAS Combined Income
| Income Level | OAS (approx) | GIS (approx) | Total Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 income | $727 | $1,065 | $1,792 |
| $5,000 income | $727 | $850 | $1,577 |
| $10,000 income | $727 | $600 | $1,327 |
| $21,624+ income | $727 | $0 | $727 |
GIS Top-Up: Allowance for Spouses
| Benefit | Who Qualifies | Maximum Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Allowance | Spouse of GIS recipient, age 60-64 | ~$1,354 |
| Allowance for Survivor | Widowed, age 60-64 | ~$1,614 |
These bridge benefits help low-income spouses before they qualify for OAS at 65.
Tips to Maximize GIS
| Strategy | Impact |
|---|---|
| Minimize RRIF withdrawals | Lower income = higher GIS |
| Use TFSA over RRSP in retirement | TFSA withdrawals don’t count as income |
| Delay CPP to 70 | Higher CPP later, more GIS-eligible years |
| Split pension income | May lower one spouse into GIS range |