Who Is Eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2025?

Eligibility for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2025 depends on meeting a set of clearly defined criteria. GIS is a monthly, non-taxable supplement intended to support low-income seniors who already receive Old Age Security (OAS). Below is a simplified and fully self-contained explanation of who may qualify in 2025.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for GIS in 2025, all of the following conditions must be met:

Age

• You must be 65 years of age or older

Residency

• You must live in Canada
• You must be a Canadian citizen or a legal resident

OAS Status

• You must already be receiving the Old Age Security (OAS) pension
  GIS is not a standalone benefit—it is paid only as a supplement to OAS.

Income Limits for GIS in 2025

In addition to the core requirements, your annual income must fall below specific limits. These limits vary depending on marital status and whether your spouse or partner receives OAS or related benefits.

Eligibility is usually calculated using income from the previous tax year.

Special Rules for Immigrants

Eligibility rules may differ depending on immigration and sponsorship status.

Sponsored Immigrants

If you are a sponsored immigrant and have lived in Canada for less than 10 years after age 18, GIS is generally not payable during the sponsorship period.
Exceptions may apply in specific circumstances, such as:

• Sponsor bankruptcy
• Sponsor incarceration for an extended period
• Abuse by the sponsor
• Death of the sponsor

Non-Sponsored Immigrants

If you were not sponsored, you may qualify for GIS as long as you meet all standard eligibility requirements, including receiving OAS.

Related Benefits to Be Aware Of

Although separate from GIS, two related benefits may apply in certain situations:

The Allowance

Available to spouses or common-law partners aged 60 to 64 of a GIS recipient, provided residency and income conditions are met.

Allowance for the Survivor

Available to widowed individuals aged 60 to 64 who have not remarried or entered a new common-law relationship and whose income remains below the set threshold.

Final Overview

To qualify for GIS in 2025, you must:

• Be 65 or older
• Live in Canada as a citizen or legal resident
• Receive OAS
• Have income below the applicable threshold for your situation

Income level is the most decisive factor, and rules may vary slightly depending on personal circumstances. Understanding these criteria helps seniors better anticipate whether they may be eligible for additional monthly support in retirement.