OAS and GIS in Canada: Eligibility, Payments, and Income Limits
Understanding OAS and GIS Payments
If you’re a senior in Canada, you may be eligible for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)—two key government benefits designed to provide financial support for low-income seniors. However, eligibility rules, payment amounts, and income limits can be confusing.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- ✅ Who qualifies for OAS and GIS?
- ✅ How to apply for OAS and GIS benefits
- ✅ What happens if you live outside Canada?
- ✅ Does having a high bank balance affect eligibility?
- ✅ Are OAS and GIS taxable?
- ✅ How much can a low-income couple receive?
- ✅ GIS income limits: How much can you earn before losing benefits?
- ✅ Is GIS really guaranteed, or can it be taken away?
Let’s dive in!
OAS and GIS Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Old Age Security (OAS) Eligibility
You qualify for OAS payments if you:
- ✔ Are 65 or older
- ✔ Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- ✔ Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 (for partial OAS)
- ✔ Have lived in Canada for 40 years after age 18 (for full OAS)
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Eligibility
You qualify for GIS benefits if you:
- ✔ Receive OAS
- ✔ Have low income (below the government threshold)
- ✔ Live in Canada
GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit, but it is income-tested and recalculated every year based on your annual income tax return.
How to Apply for OAS and GIS
Applying for OAS
- ✅ Many seniors are automatically enrolled at age 65.
- ✅ If not, you can apply through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by submitting a paper application.
- ✅ Apply 6 months before your 65th birthday to avoid delays.
Applying for GIS
- 🚨 GIS is NOT automatic—you must apply separately.
- ✅ Apply when you apply for OAS.
- ✅ Eligibility is reviewed every year based on your income tax return.
What Happens If You Live Outside Canada?
OAS Payments for Expats
- ✔ If you lived in Canada for 20+ years after age 18, you can receive OAS worldwide.
- ❌ If you lived in Canada for less than 20 years, you must reside in Canada to get OAS.
GIS Payments for Seniors Living Abroad
- ❌ GIS payments STOP if you leave Canada for more than 6 months.
- ✅ You must be physically present in Canada to continue receiving GIS.
Does Having a Million Dollars in the Bank Affect OAS & GIS?
- 💰 OAS is NOT asset-tested—your savings don’t matter, but your income does.
- ⚠ If your annual income exceeds $90,997 (2024 limit), OAS will be clawed back (reduced).
- 💰 GIS is income-tested, not asset-tested—you can have a high bank balance, but if it generates little or no taxable income, you may still qualify.
- ⚠ Withdrawals from RRSPs, investments, or pensions can increase your income and reduce your GIS.
Are OAS and GIS Taxable?
- ✔ OAS is taxable and subject to the OAS clawback if your income is too high.
- ❌ GIS is non-taxable, but it can be reduced or eliminated if your income exceeds the limit.
How Much Can Low-Income Seniors Receive?
Maximum OAS and GIS Payments (2024)
| Status | OAS (per month) | GIS (per month) | Total (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Senior | $1,065.47 | $1,065.47 | $2,130.94 |
| Couple (both on OAS & GIS) | $1,065.47 | $641.35 | $3,413.64 (combined) |
| Couple (only one on OAS & GIS) | $1,065.47 | $1,472.58 | $2,538.05 (combined) |
🚨 GIS decreases as your income increases. See income thresholds below.
GIS Income Limits: How Much Can You Earn Before Losing GIS?
GIS benefits are income-dependent, meaning your payments decrease as your income increases.
1. Single Seniors (Receiving OAS)
| Annual Income (excluding OAS) | Monthly GIS Payment | Total (OAS + GIS) |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $5,760 | $1,065.47 | $2,130.94 |
| $10,000 | $812.97 | $1,878.44 |
| $15,000 | $488.97 | $1,554.44 |
| $20,000 | $164.97 | $1,230.44 |
| $21,624+ (cut-off) | $0 | $1,065.47 |
📌 Key Takeaways:
- ✔ If you have no income, you get the maximum GIS ($1,065.47/month).
- ❌ If your income exceeds $21,624, you no longer qualify for GIS.
2. Couples (Both Receiving OAS)
| Combined Annual Income | GIS per Spouse | Total for Couple (OAS + GIS) |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $9,648 | $641.35 | $3,413.64 |
| $15,000 | $493.35 | $3,018.64 |
| $25,000 | $93.35 | $2,218.64 |
| $28,560+ (cut-off) | $0 | $2,130.94 |
3. Couples (Only One Receives OAS)
| Combined Annual Income | GIS for OAS Recipient | Total for Couple |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $5,760 | $1,472.58 | $2,538.05 |
| $10,000 | $1,060.08 | $2,125.55 |
| $20,000 | $335.08 | $1,400.55 |
| $28,560+ (cut-off) | $0 | $1,065.47 |
Is GIS Guaranteed, or Can It Be Taken Away?
- 🚨 GIS is NOT guaranteed forever. While unlikely, the government could change eligibility rules or income thresholds.
- ✅ As long as you qualify, you’ll continue to receive GIS, but your monthly payments can change based on your income.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments!
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