The BC Seniors Supplement tops up federal GIS payments for low-income British Columbia seniors. Find out how much you get, whether you qualify, and how payments work.
The BC Seniors Supplement is a monthly provincial benefit paid to low-income BC seniors who already receive the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). It is administered by the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and is designed to bring low-income seniors closer to a basic standard of living.
Unlike applying for most programs, the BC Seniors Supplement is largely automatic for seniors who receive GIS — no separate application is needed in most cases. Payments begin when your GIS is confirmed by Service Canada and shared with BC.
| Situation | Monthly Supplement | Annual Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Single senior receiving GIS | up to $99.30/month | up to $1,191.60 |
| Senior couple (both on GIS) | up to $60.10/person/month | up to $1,442.40 combined |
| Spouse not receiving OAS/GIS (Allowance recipient) | up to $60.10/month | up to $721.20 |
The BC Seniors Supplement is paid on the same schedule as GIS — monthly on the last business day of the month. Amounts are not indexed in the same way as federal benefits and are subject to provincial budget decisions.
To receive the BC Seniors Supplement you must:
If you receive GIS and move to BC from another province, you should be automatically enrolled in the BC Seniors Supplement once your new BC address is updated with Service Canada and shared with the provincial government.
A low-income single BC senior in 2025 may receive income from multiple sources:
| Benefit | Monthly Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Old Age Security (OAS) | $718.33 |
| Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) — max single | $1,086.88 |
| BC Seniors Supplement | up to $99.30 |
| Total monthly (approx.) | ~$1,904 |
When your OAS, GIS, and BC Seniors Supplement arrive, make sure they land in an account with no fees. KOHO is free, earns cash back, and has tools to manage your finances. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYA| Program | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| BC Seniors Supplement | Monthly income top-up for GIS recipients |
| SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) | Rental subsidy for low-income seniors paying high rent |
| BC Bus Pass Program | Free or reduced-cost transit passes for eligible seniors |
| Pharmacare (Plan G — seniors) | Prescription drug coverage for BC seniors |
| BC Climate Action Tax Credit | Quarterly payments similar to federal Carbon Rebate (BC residents) |