GIS Benefit Increase to $1,700 in 2025: Check Payment Dates and Eligibility Criteria!

GIS Benefit Increase to $1,700 in 2025: According to the government of Canada, starting from 2025, there would be an increment in the “Guaranteed Income Supplement” (GIS), which is granted to seniors. This is a huge support for older people who happen to receive Old Age Security (OAS) pensions with meager income. The new increase will now enable single seniors to receive up to an extra $1,700 per year. Let us know in detail what is GIS; who is it for, how much will be paid, and how to apply.

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What is GIS and why is it advisable?

GIS, or Guaranteed Income Supplement, is a non-taxable monthly benefit to be calculated on a basis of low income among seniors. It is, besides that, an additional amount eligible for Old Age Security (OAS). The main objective is to create a provision for elderly citizens to assist them financially in their simple and basic needs like food, rent, medicines, and health care.

The Government of Canada thus initiated this scheme in an attempt to provide a dignified life to those old people who do not benefit from any private pension or savings.

What is the increase in GIS benefits for 2025?

The GIS benefit has risen so far by an increased amount of almost $140 for each month in 2025 so that single seniors would receive a total additional fund of up to $1,700 for an entire year. Maximum monthly GIS payments can now reach a value of $1,086.88.

Payment according to different categories:

Single senior: Up to $1,086.88/month
Both married seniors receiving OAS: $654.23/month per person
if one partner gets OAS: $1,086.88/month for that person. Note that these amounts are adjusted quarterly for inflation but never decrease.

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Eligibility criteria for GIS:

Basic eligibility

The applicant must be at least 65 years of age
A citizen or legally residing in Canada
A resident in Canada

Should be receiving an Old Age Security (OAS) pension

Income limits: It is an income-based benefit; thus only those who fall below a pre-set yearly income limit will find eligibility.

Status	Maximum Annual Income
Single, widowed, or divorced	Less than $22,056
Married (both receiving OAS)	Less than $29,136
Married (only one receiving OAS)	Less than $52,848

Note: GIS and OAS do not count toward these income limits.

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GIS payment dates in 2025

GIS will be paid every month with the OAS pension. The payment dates for 2025 include:

January 29
February 26
March 27
April 28
May 28
June 26
July 29
August 27
September 25
October 29
November 26
December 22

If you have signed up for direct deposit, generally your funds will be available in your account by noon the same day.

How to apply for GIS?

Automatic enrollment: almost all people automatically become eligible once they have reached 65, being eligible for OAS. There would be also a letter sent from the government informing you of the eligibility and payment of GIS.

If you were not sent a letter

to apply online: My Service Canada Account
or fill and send the form by mail

Requisite documents: Social Insurance Number-SIN
previous tax year earnings information
marital proof status (if applicable)
When?

It should be quite telling to note that the time to apply is almost six months before one turns 65 so that payments can be made on time.

There are several ways in which an individual’s income affects GIS payments:

GIS is an income-based scheme: thus, for every extra income of $1 that you earn above the threshold, the value of GIS that will be given to you will be reduced by $0.50.
In other words: If your income per year is $5,000 (not including OAS and GIS), then, therefore, GIS is reduced by $2,500 a year, which corresponds to a reduction of around $208 monthly.

Sources of income considered for GIS payments:

Employee salary
Canada Pension Plan/Quebec Pension Plan pensions
Withdrawals from a Registered Retirement Savings Plan
Income from rent
Pensions from other countries
Additional GIS

The Allowance: If you are aged between 60 and 64, and your spouse receives GIS, you may qualify for a temporary benefit called The Allowance until you turn 65.

The Allowance for the Survivor: If you are aged 60-64, your spouse has passed away and you are financially challenged, you may apply for this special assistance.

Conclusion: A long-due relief for the elderlies

The boosted GIS benefits in 2025 will be very significant for the senior citizens existing on low incomes. It helps them with daily expenditures while making them feel that their contributions have not been forgotten by the government and the society.

If this applies to you or someone who you know, make sure you check eligibility and apply in time.

FAQs

Q1. What is the GIS benefit in Canada?

A: The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly, non-taxable benefit provided to low-income seniors who receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.

Q2. How much is the GIS benefit increase in 2025?

A: In 2025, the GIS benefit has increased by up to $1,700 annually, which is about $140 more per month.

Q3. Who is eligible for the GIS benefit in 2025?

A: You must be 65 or older, live in Canada, receive the OAS pension, and have an annual income below a certain threshold.