Ash Smith
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a vital lifeline for low-income Canadian seniors, offering monthly financial support to supplement Old Age Security (OAS).
For Q3 of 2025, maximum GIS payments are set at $1,097.75 for single seniors earning less than $22,272 annually.
Couples who both receive OAS may receive up to $660.78 each per month, provided their combined annual income stays below $29,424.
However, many seniors unknowingly jeopardize their GIS payments through preventable missteps. Here are five warning signs your GIS may be at risk—and what you can do about it.
1. You Missed the Tax Filing Deadline
Failing to file your income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by the annual deadline is the leading reason GIS payments are suspended.
Even if your income is zero or very low, you must file taxes to prove eligibility for GIS. If you missed the 2024 filing deadline, your 2025 GIS payments could be paused or delayed until your return is received.
2. Your Income Has Increased Beyond the Threshold
GIS is income-tested, and every extra dollar you earn could reduce your GIS benefit by 50 cents. For 2025:
| Category | Annual Income Threshold | Max GIS Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single, divorced, widowed | $22,272 | $1,097.75 |
| Couples (both OAS recipients) | $29,424 | $660.78 (each) |
| Couples (one OAS recipient) | $53,376 | Varies |
Receiving income from other sources like employment insurance, Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), or part-time work can unintentionally push you over the threshold, resulting in reduced or discontinued GIS payments.
3. You’ve Been Outside Canada for Too Long
If you leave Canada for more than six consecutive months, your GIS payments are automatically stopped.
This rule applies even if you plan to return. GIS is strictly for Canadian residents, and there’s no international portability for this benefit unless a social security agreement exists with another country (which is rare for GIS).
4. Your OAS Has Been Disrupted
Since GIS eligibility hinges on receiving Old Age Security, any suspension or disqualification from OAS directly halts your GIS. This can happen if:
- You failed to submit documents for OAS review
- You no longer meet Canadian residency requirements
- Your status changes (e.g., becoming a non-resident)
5. You Didn’t Report Changes in Marital Status
Marital status impacts GIS calculations significantly. Events such as marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse must be promptly reported to Service Canada. Failure to do so can result in:
- Overpayments, which must be repaid
- Unexpected reductions in future payments
- Investigations or delays in benefit reassessment
Investing to Supplement Your GIS Income
While GIS offers important support, many seniors find it insufficient to meet rising costs. A smart and low-risk strategy is to invest in blue-chip dividend-paying stocks, like Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS), which currently offers a dividend yield close to 6%.
Bank of Nova Scotia – Key Financial Highlights (Q2 2025):
- Adjusted Earnings: $2.1 billion or $1.52 per share
- Dividend: Raised to $1.10 per quarter
- Equity Tier-One Ratio: 13.2%
- Share Buyback Program: 20 million shares
- Wealth Management Earnings Growth: 17%
- Global Markets Fee Income Growth: 26%
With a conservative credit strategy and consistent performance in international markets, BNS aims for 5-7% annual earnings growth, supporting future dividend increases through 2029.
If you rely on GIS payments to support your retirement, staying compliant with the program’s rules is crucial.
Missing tax deadlines, earning beyond income limits, leaving Canada, losing OAS eligibility, or failing to update marital status can result in the suspension or reduction of your payments.
Stay proactive and supplement your income with dividend-generating investments like BNS to ensure a stable financial future.
FAQs
What happens if I miss my tax filing deadline for GIS?
Your GIS payments may be suspended until you file your return with the CRA. You must file annually, even with no income.
Can I receive GIS if I leave Canada temporarily?
Yes, but only for up to six months. Staying abroad longer results in automatic GIS suspension unless covered by an international agreement.
How is GIS affected by my spouse’s income?
GIS for couples is based on combined income. If your total earnings exceed set thresholds, both individuals may see reduced or discontinued payments.