Canada. Human Resources and Skills Development

Income Security Programs, Old Age Security Program, Guaranteed Income Supplement
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Record #: OAK0206 Last Modified: 25 Feb 2013 Last Full Update: 02 Oct 2012
Category Links to Other Records
Older Adult CategoriesFinancial - Assistance Programs ; Financial - Pensions ; FINANCIAL (ALL)
Location, Telephone & Internet
Located In CommunityHalton Region
Site Locationsee description for local offices
Toll Free Phone1-800-277-9914
TTY Phone1-800-255-4786
Websitewww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/oas/gismain.shtml
Contact Information
Mailing Addressc/o Service Canada 
PO Box 5100 
Station D 
Scarborough, ON M1R 5C8
Description & Services
Areas ServedHalton Region
DescriptionThe 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 
HoursTelephone agents Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm; 
Automated Telephone Information system Mon-Sun 24 hours
EligibilityAges: 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.
ApplicationYou 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.
FeesNone
LanguagesEnglish ; French
Other Details
Wheelchair AccessibilityFully Accessible - Service Canada Centres
FundingFederal
Other Links for Searching
Service CategoriesGuaranteed Income Supplement