For many older adults on a small income, knowing how to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement can make a real difference to the monthly budget. The Guaranteed Income Supplement, or GIS, is a federal benefit for seniors with low income who receive Old Age Security.
At Friendship House in Brantford, seniors stretching a fixed income are among the neighbours we welcome. We do not run the GIS, but this guide explains how it works, how people get it, and how to keep payments coming.
Quick answer
How do I apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
In most cases, Service Canada enrols you automatically if it has your information, and it tells you by mail. If it has been a month since your 64th birthday and you have not received an enrolment letter, you may need to apply yourself through Service Canada. You must be 65 or older, receive Old Age Security and have a low income. File your taxes every year so payments do not stop.
What the Guaranteed Income Supplement is
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (opens in a new tab) is a monthly, tax-free payment for people 65 or older who receive Old Age Security and have a low income. Because it is tax-free, you do not pay income tax on it.
The amount depends on your income and your marital status. Canada.ca updates the maximum monthly amounts regularly, so check the current figures there or ask Service Canada.
Who can get the GIS
To qualify, you must meet all of these basic conditions. Canada.ca has the full eligibility details.
- You are 65 or older.
- You receive, or qualify for, the Old Age Security pension.
- Your income is below the limit for your situation.
- You live in Canada.
Your spouse or common-law partner’s income counts too. The amount you can receive is different if you are single, widowed or divorced than if you have a partner who receives Old Age Security.
Automatic enrolment or applying yourself
Many seniors never fill out a form, because Service Canada enrols them automatically. Here is how to tell which applies to you.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You received a letter saying you are enrolled | Nothing; read the letter and keep it |
| You received a letter asking you to apply | Follow the letter’s instructions |
| It has been a month since your 64th birthday and no letter came | You may need to apply; contact Service Canada |
| You already get OAS but not the GIS, and your income dropped | Contact Service Canada to check |
How to apply
If you need to apply, Canada.ca has an “Apply” section with the steps and forms. You can also get help from Service Canada by phone or at a Service Canada office.
- Gather your social insurance number, banking information for direct deposit and details about your income.
- Have your spouse or partner’s information ready, if you have one.
- Apply the way Canada.ca describes in its “Apply” section.
- Keep a copy of everything you send and write down the date.
- Watch your mail for a decision.
If reading forms is hard for you, ask a trusted family member or friend to help. You never have to pay anyone to apply for a government benefit.
File your taxes every year to keep the GIS
This is the most important step after you are approved. Canada.ca warns that if you have not filed your 2025 taxes, your GIS payments may stop or be reduced.
File as soon as possible to avoid a gap. If you cannot file, you can report your income directly to Service Canada to renew or confirm your eligibility. Our guide on how to file taxes for free (opens in a new tab) explains how free tax clinics help seniors with simple returns.
Keep your papers together
Benefits run more smoothly when your documents are easy to find. Keep a folder with your social insurance number, your Old Age Security and GIS letters, your tax returns and your banking details for direct deposit.
Add any letters from Service Canada as they arrive, with the newest on top. If you move, tell Service Canada and update your address with the Canada Revenue Agency so you do not miss important mail.
How family members can help
Adult children, friends and neighbours can make a big difference. Offer to help an older relative read letters, file taxes on time or call Service Canada.
Respect their privacy and let them stay in charge of their own decisions. If they want someone to speak for them, Service Canada can explain how to set that up properly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not filing a tax return because your income is low.
- Ignoring letters from Service Canada.
- Forgetting to tell Service Canada about a change in marital status or address.
- Giving personal information to callers who say they are from the government.
Other help to ask about
Seniors who receive the GIS may qualify for other programs too. If you have no dental insurance, our guide on how to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (opens in a new tab) explains the rules.
Low-income seniors who receive the GIS may also be invited to the federal Connecting Families program for low cost home internet. Watch your mail for a letter.
Beware of benefit scams
Scammers sometimes target seniors with calls or messages about pensions and benefits. Never share your social insurance number or banking details with someone who contacted you out of the blue.
Hang up and call Service Canada yourself using the number on Canada.ca. Our guide on how to spot a scam (opens in a new tab) lists the warning signs and where to report fraud.
Help for seniors in Brantford
A tight income can make winter especially hard. Friendship House at 452 Grey Street offers coffee, tea and a light breakfast from 8 a.m., a hot meal Monday to Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., and free clothing at the Clothing Closet (opens in a new tab), Tuesday to Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Our guide to free meals for seniors in Brantford (opens in a new tab) lists more local options. Everything at Friendship House is free and open to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
People 65 or older who receive Old Age Security, have a low income and live in Canada.
Do I have to apply for the GIS?
In most cases, no. Service Canada enrols you automatically if it has your information and tells you by mail. If a month has passed since your 64th birthday with no letter, you may need to apply.
Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement taxable?
No. Canada.ca describes the GIS as a monthly, tax-free payment.
Why did my GIS payments stop?
A common reason is not filing your taxes. Canada.ca says payments may stop or be reduced if you have not filed your 2025 taxes.
How much is the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
It depends on your income and marital status, and the maximum amounts are updated regularly. Check Canada.ca for the current figures.
The GIS exists to help seniors live with more dignity and less worry. Make sure your taxes are filed, watch your mail, and visit our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) whenever you need a warm meal and good company.
