How to Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Service Canada tries to enrol you in the GIS automatically when you start OAS. If you get a letter asking you to apply, or you get OAS but never applied for GIS, apply online in My Service Canada Account or mail Form ISP-3025 (GIS only) or ISP-3550 (OAS and GIS).

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 10, 2026 How we check our facts

Did your income drop recently?

GIS normally uses last year's income. If you retired or your pension income fell in the last 2 years, include that on your application. It can mean a higher GIS sooner.

After you apply

You'll get a decision letter by mail. Each July, your GIS is recalculated from your tax return. File your taxes every year, or report your income directly to Service Canada, so your payments don't stop.

Couples

GIS for couples uses your combined income. If your spouse or partner is 60 to 64, they may qualify for the Allowance.

Step by step

Check your letter.
Around your 64th birthday, Service Canada writes to confirm your OAS and whether it will enrol you in GIS automatically.
Gather your information.
Your SIN and date of birth, your spouse's if you have one, where you have lived since 18, any drop in work or pension income in the last 2 years, income from other countries, and your banking details.
Apply online in My Service Canada Account.
Go to Old Age Security, then "Apply for Old Age Security and manage my benefits". Choose the GIS-only application if you already get OAS.
Or apply by mail.
Form ISP-3025 for GIS only, or ISP-3550 for OAS and GIS together. Sign in pen.

Phone numbers

CPP and OAS (also Personal Access Codes for returning CPP/OAS clients)

1-800-277-9914

Agents: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time. Automated: 24/7.

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-957-1954 (collect, Eastern time)

TTY: 1-800-255-4786

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 2026: Amounts and Income Limits The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a tax-free monthly payment for low-income seniors who get OAS. For October to December 2026, a single senior can get up to $1,138.90 a month if their income is under $23,112. Most people are enrolled automatically with their OAS. How to Apply for Old Age Security (Online or Form ISP-3550) Most people are enrolled in OAS automatically and get a letter around their 64th birthday. If you get a letter asking you to apply, or none arrives within a month of turning 64, apply online in My Service Canada Account or by mailing Form ISP-3550. Online applications take about 14 days. How to Sign In to My Service Canada Account (MSCA) Go to the official My Service Canada Account page, choose the sign-in option you registered with (Interac Sign-In Partner, GCKey, or B.C./Alberta provincial sign-in), then complete multi-factor authentication. First time? Register once using the Interac verification service or a Personal Access Code (PAC).

Frequently asked questions

I get OAS but not GIS. Can I still apply?

Yes. Apply online in My Service Canada Account with the GIS-only application, or mail Form ISP-3025.

Do I reapply for GIS every year?

No. Filing your tax return each year renews it. If you do not file, you may need to report your income directly.

Sources

Apply for the GIS (canada.ca, 2026-09-09) (canada.ca)
Guaranteed Income Supplement (canada.ca)

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.