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EEverything low-income Canadian seniors need to know about GIS in 2025: amounts, thresholds, and how to apply./p>
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly non-taxable benefit paid to low-income Old Age Security (OAS) recipients. It is designed to ensure that Canada's poorest seniors have a basic minimum income.
GIS is only available to seniors who already receive OAS and have an annual net income below the applicable threshold. Unlike OAS, GIS is not taxable — you do not report it as income on your tax return.
| Recipient Category | Max Monthly GIS (Q1 2025) | Max Combined with OAS |
|---|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | $1,086.88 | $1,814.55 |
| Married/partnered — spouse/partner also receives full OAS | $654.23 each | $2,764.78 combined |
| Married/partnered — spouse/partner receives Allowance | $654.23 | $3,129.57 combined |
| Married/partnered — spouse/partner does NOT receive OAS/Allowance | $1,022.62 | $1,750.29 |
Amounts are adjusted quarterly. The combined OAS + GIS figures above use January 2025 OAS rates.
GIS payments phase out as your income rises. For every $2 of net income (excluding OAS), you lose $1 in GIS. Here are the income cutoffs for 2025:
| Recipient Category | Income to Receive ANY GIS | Income for FULL GIS |
|---|---|---|
| Single, widowed, or divorced | Below $21,624/year | $0 other income |
| Married — both receive OAS | Below $28,560 combined | $0 other income |
| Married — spouse/partner receives Allowance | Below $38,736 combined | $0 other income |
| Married — spouse/partner no OAS/Allowance | Below $52,056 combined | $0 other income |
Two related benefits extend support to younger low-income spouses and widows/widowers of OAS recipients:
Available to Canadians aged 60–64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives OAS and GIS. The maximum Allowance for Q1 2025 is $1,381.90/month, subject to combined income below $38,736.
Available to widowed Canadians aged 60–64 who have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship. The maximum is $1,647.34/month for Q1 2025.
Many eligible seniors are automatically assessed for GIS when they apply for OAS. However, you may need to apply separately if:
If your income dropped significantly in the current year (e.g., you stopped working), you can apply for GIS using an estimate of your current-year income rather than last year's. This can get you benefits sooner and at a higher rate.