The GIS is a monthly non-taxable benefit for low-income Canadians who receive OAS. Find out the 2025 amounts, income thresholds, and how to make sure you're getting every dollar you're owed.
GIS amounts are adjusted quarterly based on the Consumer Price Index. Here are the maximums for January–March 2025:
| Situation | Maximum Monthly GIS | Maximum Annual (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $1,086.88 | $13,042 |
| Married/common-law — both receive OAS | $654.23 each | $7,851 each |
| Married/common-law — spouse receives Allowance | $1,086.88 | $13,042 |
| Married/common-law — spouse does not receive OAS/Allowance | $1,086.88 | $13,042 |
These are maximums for seniors with zero other income (besides OAS). GIS is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar of other income. The 2025 amounts shown are for Q1; they are adjusted in April, July, and October.
GIS is eliminated (reduced to $0) once your annual income from other sources reaches the threshold. OAS itself does not count as income for GIS purposes.
| Situation | Income Threshold (GIS = $0) |
|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $21,624 |
| Married/partner — both on OAS | $28,560 combined |
| Married/partner — spouse on Allowance | $40,272 combined |
| Married/partner — spouse not on OAS/Allowance | $51,840 combined |
GIS is reduced at a rate of 50 cents for every dollar of income you receive from sources other than OAS. This means:
TFSA strategy: Because TFSA withdrawals don't count as income, holding retirement savings in a TFSA rather than an RRSP/RRIF can significantly increase your GIS entitlement. This is one of the most powerful financial planning strategies for low-income seniors.
GIS is paid monthly, on the same date as OAS — the last business day of each month:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | January 29 |
| February 2025 | February 26 |
| March 2025 | March 27 |
| April 2025 | April 28 |
| May 2025 | May 28 |
| June 2025 | June 26 |
| July 2025 | July 29 |
| August 2025 | August 27 |
| September 2025 | September 25 |
| October 2025 | October 29 |
| November 2025 | November 26 |
| December 2025 | December 22 |
When your GIS and OAS arrive each month, 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 45ET55JSYAGIS is applied for as part of your OAS application. When you apply for OAS, Service Canada will automatically assess your GIS eligibility.
Some seniors are automatically enrolled in OAS and GIS at age 65 if Service Canada has enough information from CRA tax records. If you are automatically enrolled, you'll receive a letter from Service Canada 3 months before your 65th birthday.
If you are not automatically enrolled, apply using Form ISP-3550 (Application for the Old Age Security Pension) and include your GIS request. Apply up to 11 months before your 65th birthday. GIS is not retroactive beyond 11 months.
GIS is renewed automatically each year when you file your income tax return. If you don't file taxes, your GIS will stop. File by April 30 to avoid any interruption in July (when the new benefit year starts).