The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) continues to be a lifeline for many seniors in Canada. Administered by Service Canada, it provides monthly, non-taxable payments that help low-income retirees meet essential expenses. With 2025 underway, seniors and their families are focused on the updated Canada GIS Payment Schedule, benefit amounts, and the eligibility rules they must meet to qualify.
Canada GIS Payment Schedule 2025
| Payment Dates | Same as Old Age Security (OAS) monthly schedule |
| Monthly Maximum (Single) | Around $1,065 |
| Monthly Maximum (Couple, both OAS) | Around $641 each |
| Eligibility Age | 65 years and older |
| Income Cutoff | $21,624 (single) / $28,560 (couple) / $51,840 (one spouse OAS) |
| Application | Automatic with OAS in most cases |
What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a federal benefit designed to support low-income seniors who already receive Old Age Security (OAS). Unlike the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), GIS does not require contributions during working years. Instead, it is funded from federal tax revenue.
Since it is non-taxable, GIS payments go straight into seniors’ pockets without creating additional tax burdens or reducing refunds. This makes it a vital support for households that depend on limited income.
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Canada GIS Payment Schedule 2025
In 2025, Service Canada continues to issue GIS payments on the same days as OAS benefits. Seniors can expect their monthly deposits on the following dates:
- 29th January 2025
- 26th February 2025
- 27th March 2025
- 28th April 2025
- 28th May 2025
- 25th June 2025
- 29th July 2025
- 27th August 2025
- 25th September 2025
- 29th October 2025
- 26th November 2025
- 22nd December 2025
Payments are deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts. Seniors who still rely on mailed checks should allow extra time for postal delivery.
Amount Breakdown in 2025
The amount of GIS depends on marital status and income. Service Canada reviews income levels annually using tax returns. For July 2025 to June 2026, the breakdown is:
- Single, widowed, or divorced seniors
- Maximum monthly GIS: about $1,065
- Income cutoff: about $21,624 annually
- Married or common-law couples (both receiving OAS)
- Maximum monthly GIS per person: about $641
- Income cutoff: about $28,560 combined annually
- Married or common-law couples (only one spouse receiving OAS)
- Maximum monthly GIS per eligible spouse: about $1,065
- Income cutoff: about $51,840 combined annually
These amounts are subject to annual indexing, ensuring they adjust with inflation and the cost of living.
Eligibility Rules
To qualify for the Canada GIS Payment Schedule, applicants must:
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Already qualify for Old Age Security.
- Live in Canada.
- Have an income below the maximum thresholds set by Service Canada.
- File an annual tax return, as this is how eligibility is assessed.
Income considered includes Canada Pension Plan, private pensions, work income, and investment earnings. OAS itself does not count towards income for GIS purposes.
Application Process
Most seniors do not need to apply separately for GIS if they already receive OAS. Service Canada can assess eligibility automatically. However, an application is required if:
- A person is applying for OAS and GIS together upon turning 65.
- A senior’s income changes significantly due to retirement or other events.
- The applicant recently immigrated to Canada and has just qualified for OAS.
Applications may be completed online via the Service Canada portal, by mail, or at a Service Canada office.
How Income Changes Affect GIS
Because GIS is income-tested, any shift in income directly impacts the benefit:
- Higher income – Increases from work, private pensions, or RRSP withdrawals may reduce GIS.
- Lower income – Decreases in earnings may increase GIS.
- Sudden drops – Seniors can request reassessment without waiting for the next tax year if their income falls sharply.
This flexibility ensures seniors receive accurate benefits reflecting their current situation.
Why the GIS Matters
For low-income seniors, the Canada GIS Payment Schedule is more than a set of dates — it represents financial security. Rising housing costs, healthcare expenses, and everyday essentials make it difficult for retirees to manage with limited resources.
GIS provides a guaranteed minimum income, reducing poverty among older Canadians and allowing them to maintain dignity and stability in retirement.
FAQs About Canada GIS Payment Schedule 2025
Payments follow the OAS schedule, with deposits on the last week of each month.
Around $1,065 monthly for single seniors, and $641 for each spouse in a couple where both receive OAS.
Not usually. Service Canada can determine eligibility automatically for most seniors already on OAS.
CPP, private pensions, earnings, and investments are included. OAS is excluded.
Yes, increases can reduce payments, while decreases may qualify you for more.
The Canada GIS Payment Schedule for 2025 confirms steady monthly support for low-income seniors. With payment dates aligned to OAS, clearly defined income thresholds, and inflation-linked adjustments, GIS continues to safeguard the most vulnerable retirees.
For seniors and their families, staying aware of eligibility rules, income reporting, and reassessment options ensures the right level of support is received. At a time when costs remain high, GIS remains one of the most important lifelines for Canadian seniors.
