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Canada. Human Resources and Skills Development Income Security Programs, Old Age Security Program, Guaranteed Income Supplement
Share: [  Suggest an Update |  Suggest Volunteer Opportunity ] Record #: OAK0206 Last Full Update: 02 Oct 2012
Record Details
Alternate Name	GIS ; HRSDC ; Old Age Pension ; SDC
Former Name	HRDC ; Human Resources and Social Development ; Social Development Canada
Contact Numbers
Toll Free Phone	1-800-277-9914
TTY Phone	1-800-255-4786
Contact Information
Located In Community	Halton Region
Site Location	see description for local offices
Mailing Address	c/o Service Canada  PO Box 5100  Station D  Scarborough, ON M1R 5C8
Wheelchair Accessibility	Fully Accessible - Service Canada Centres
Website	www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/oas/gismain.shtml
Service Details
Areas Served	Halton Region
Description	The Old Age Security program is one of the cornerstones of Canada's retirement income system. Benefits include the basic Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance. The Old Age Security program is financed from Government of Canada general tax revenues. All benefits payable under the Old Age Security Act are adjusted in January, April, July and October if there are increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index.     The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet the certain income requirements.    Guaranteed Income Supplement payments may begin in the same month as Old Age Security pension payments.   Recipients must re-apply annually for the Guaranteed Income Supplement benefit by filing an income statement or by completing an income tax return by April 30.   Therefore, the amount of monthly payments determined for the year may increase or decrease according to reported changes in a recipient's yearly income.   Unlike the basic Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement is not subject to income tax. The Guaranteed Income Supplement is not payable outside Canada beyond a period of six months, regardless of how long the person has lived in Canada.    For a list of OAS/GIS/GAINS payments, see the GAINS Benefit Rate Tables.    See website for rates and full details of the program.    Local offices for further information:   Burlington Service Canada Office  Georgetown Service Canada Office  Milton Service Canada Office  Oakville Service Canada Office
Hours	Telephone agents Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm;  Automated Telephone Information system Mon-Sun 24 hours
Eligibility	Ages: 65 year(s) and up    To receive GIS benefit, a person must be receiving an OAS pension. The yearly income of the applicant or, in the case of a couple, the combined income of the applicant and spouse, may not exceed certain limits. Application forms are forwarded automatically to persons receiving Old Age Security.  See website for more details on criteria for eligibility.
Application	You must apply to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The application kit will describe what documents, if any, are needed.  To get an application form call 1-800-277-9914 (TTY: 1-800-255-4786).  You must re-apply annually for the GIS by filing an income statement or by completing an income tax return by April 30.
Fees	None
Languages	English ; French
Funding	Federal
Service Level	(40) Federal Government
Indexing
Service Categories	Guaranteed Income Supplement