If your spouse or common-law partner is an Old Age Security (OAS) pensioner receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), you could receive up to $1,364.17 in Allowance benefits this year.
The Allowance is a non-taxable, income-based benefit re-calculated every year. Depending on changes to your annual net income, your Allowance payment increases if the cost of living rises but will not decrease if the cost of living goes down.
This guide covers the rudiments of the Allowance benefits as part of the GIS program, how much you can get, the income threshold, who is qualified and how to apply for this benefit.
Latest Payment Adjustment
The GIS Allowance is an additional financial aid the government pays along with the OAS. The Allowance benefit amounts are re-calculated each July based on your income in the previous year.
The GIS benefit amounts and income levels are adjusted quarterly to reflect any increase in the cost of living. The reviews are conducted in January, April, July, and October.
In the event of an inflation rise, the Allowance is also expected to increase. Data from the Consumer Price Index is used to determine if an increase is needed. The GIS Allowance benefit amounts are updated every four months.
Overview of the GIS Allowance Benefit
The GIS Allowance is a monthly, non-taxable payment provided to individuals aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner is eligible for the GIS benefit. The GIS is a benefit available under the OAS program.
If you were a beneficiary of the Allowance and your spouse or common-law partner has passed away, your classification will automatically be changed to Allowance for the Survivor.
Maximum Payment and Income Threshold
The amount of the Allowance you get depends on your income from the previous year and your marital status. Eligible individuals can get a maximum monthly payment of up to $1,364.17 for the period of July to September 2024.
To receive this benefit, your annual income plus the annual income of your spouse or common-law partner must be less than $40,272 (the combined income of the couple).
Here are the payment dates.
Related: Government Benefits for Seniors Living At Home
GIS Allowance Benefit Payment Dates
The Allowance benefits are issued on the payment dates for the OAS pension, GIS, Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor.
- January 29, 2024
- February 27, 2024
- March 26, 2024
- April 26, 2024
- May 29, 2024
- June 26, 2024
- July 29, 2024
- August 28, 2024
- September 25, 2024
- October 29, 2024
- November 27, 2024
- December 20, 2024
How to Receive the GIS Allowance Benefit
You can receive your GIS Allowance benefit through direct deposit to your Canadian bank account or by cheque.
How to Keep Receiving the Allowance
File your taxes by April 30 every year to keep receiving your Allowance benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
You are entitled to receive the Allowance if you meet the following conditions:
- You are between 60 and 64
- You are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident
- Your annual net income is less than $40,272 (the combined annual income of the qualifying couple)
- Your spouse or common-law partner qualifies to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the full OAS pension
- You have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since turning 18
How to Apply for the GIS Allowance Benefit
You can apply for the GIS Allowance benefit 11 months before your 60th birthday, or as soon as possible if you are already 60 to 64 years old.
GIS will send you a letter to inform you when you can get your first payment. In some cases, you will be asked to apply for the benefit.
To apply for the GIS Allowance benefit, follow these steps:
- Determine if you are eligible to apply.
- Prepare the information you will need, such as:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Information about your spouse or common-law partner
- The date you want your benefits to start
- Banking information to use when opening a direct deposit account
- The countries you have lived in since age 18
- Submit your application via either of these:
- Wait for Service Canada’s decision letter. If you are qualified, you will get a notification on the date you will receive your first payment and how much you will get.
Other OAS Benefits
Below are other OAS programs you may be eligible for:
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
This is a monthly, non-taxable income for low-income OAS pensioners aged 65 or older. Your annual income must be lower than $21,768. The maximum GIS payment amount you can receive is $1,072.93.
Allowance for the Survivor
If you have a spouse or common-law partner who passed away and you are between 60 and 64 years old, you may be eligible for this benefit. Your annual income must be less than $29,328. If you qualify, you can receive up to $1,626.20 per month.
