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Federal (Canada)Seniors

Guaranteed Income Supplement

A monthly, non-taxable top-up for low-income seniors who already receive Old Age Security. File your taxes each year to keep getting it.

Estimated value
Up to $1,123.17/month for a single senior
Check if I qualify →
Apply for this first — it unlocks other benefits: Old Age Security

Who qualifies

  • You must receive Old Age Security and have income below the yearly limit for your marital status.
  • GIS is not taxable, and the limits are roughly $22,000 (single) to $53,000 (couple, both on OAS).

How to apply

  1. 1

    Apply with or after your OAS

    You can apply for GIS at the same time as OAS. Many people are considered automatically once they file taxes.

    Go to application ↗
  2. 2

    File taxes every year

    Filing on time each year is how the government recalculates your GIS. Miss it and payments can stop.

Documents you will need

  • Social Insurance Number
  • Filed income tax return
Processing time
Varies
How often it is paid
Monthly

Good to know

  • File your taxes on time every year or GIS can be interrupted.
  • If your income dropped (for example, you stopped working), you can ask for an estimate based on this year's income.

Often applied for together

Old Age SecurityBC Seniors SupplementShelter Aid for Elderly RentersBC Bus Pass Program
Official government page ↗
Last verified: September 1, 2026