The GIS Guide: How to Get the Maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement in 2026

If you are a senior living on a fixed income, Old Age Security (OAS) is often not enough to cover the basic cost of living. That is where the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) comes in.

Unlike the CPP, which you earned through working, the GIS is a "Top-Up" designed specifically for low-income seniors. In 2026, the maximum GIS payment has reached a record high to help combat inflation, but the rules for "keeping" that money are stricter than ever.

One small increase in your income—like selling a few stocks or receiving a small bonus—can trigger a "Clawback" that reduces your GIS cheque by 50 cents for every dollar you earned.

This is the Official 2026 GIS Guide. We breakdown the income limits for singles and couples, the "July 1st" recalculation rule, and the specific ways you can legally lower your income to stay eligible for the maximum supplement.

Quick Answers: GIS 2026

What is the maximum GIS payment for 2026?

For the benefit period starting in 2026, the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement for a single senior is approximately $1,108.74 per month. This is paid in addition to your OAS. For couples where both spouses receive OAS, the maximum GIS is approx. $667.31 each.

What is the income limit for GIS in 2026?

To qualify for the GIS as a single senior, your individual net income (excluding OAS) must be below $22,488. For couples where both receive OAS, the combined family income limit is approx. $29,616. If your income exceeds these thresholds, your GIS eligibility drops to zero.

Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement taxable?

No. The Guaranteed Income Supplement is tax-free. While you must report it on your tax return (Line 14600), you do not pay income tax on it. However, because it is based on your other taxable income, things like CPP payments can reduce the amount of GIS you receive.

Official 2026 GIS Payment Schedule

The GIS is deposited on the same day as your OAS and CPP.

• January: Jan 28, 2026
• February: Feb 25, 2026
• March: Mar 27, 2026
• April: Apr 28, 2026
• May: May 27, 2026
• June: Jun 26, 2026
• July: Jul 29, 2026
• August: Aug 27, 2026
• September: Sep 25, 2026
• October: Oct 28, 2026
• November: Nov 26, 2026
• December: Dec 22, 2026

How the "July Recalculation" Works

Just like the Canada Child Benefit, the GIS operates on a "Benefit Year" that starts in July.

• January to June 2026: Your payments are based on your 2024 income.
• July to December 2026: Your payments are based on your 2025 income.

If your GIS suddenly drops in July, it is because you earned more money last year. Because the GIS is a poverty-reduction tool, the government reduces your payment by $0.50 for every $1.00 of other income you receive.

The "Earnings Exemption" Rule

If you are a senior who still works a part-time job, there is a special rule that protects your GIS. In 2026, the Earnings Exemption allows you to work without losing your full supplement.

• The First $5,000: You can earn up to $5,000 from employment or self-employment income, and it is completely ignored by the GIS calculation.
• The Next $10,000: For the next $10,000 you earn, the CRA only counts 50% of it toward the clawback.
• Total Protection: You can earn up to $15,000 in wages while only having $5,000 "count" against your GIS.

Street Reality: This exemption only applies to working income. It does not apply to RRSP withdrawals or private pensions. If you need extra money, it is better to work a part-time job than to withdraw from your RRSP, as the work income is protected.

Why Your GIS Was Suspended

If your cheque didn't arrive this month, it is almost always for one of these three reasons:

1. You Forgot to File Taxes

The GIS is automatic, but only if the government knows your income. If you or your spouse fail to file your tax return by the April deadline, the CRA has no "income data" for you. They will suspend your GIS starting in July until your taxes are filed.

2. Out of the Country for >6 Months

You can only receive the GIS if you live in Canada. If you leave the country for more than 6 consecutive months, your payments will stop. You must call Service Canada when you return to the country to restart them.

3. Drastic Income Increase

If you sold a property or took a large lump-sum RRSP withdrawal last year, your income may have spiked above the $22,488 limit. This results in an automatic suspension for the entire benefit year.

The "Form ISP3041" Strategy (Income Drop)

What happens if you had a high-paying job last year, but you retired this year?

Normally, the CRA would look at your high 2025 income and deny you the GIS for 2026. However, you can ask them to ignore last year's income and look at your current situation instead.

• The Form: ISP3041 (Statement of Estimated Income).
• The Trigger: You must have a "loss or reduction" of pension or employment income.
• The Result: The CRA will calculate your GIS based on what you expect to earn this year, giving you access to the supplement immediately instead of waiting a year.

Need to Bridge the Gap?

If the GIS and OAS aren't enough to cover your rent or groceries, you aren't alone. Many seniors use flexible "Daily Pay" roles to supplement their income without hitting the high clawback thresholds.

👉 Find Daily Pay Jobs at BetterPayJobs.ca

About the Author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian labour market researcher and digital entrepreneur specializing in government benefit data and cost-of-living support. As the founder of CanadaPaymentDates.ca and BetterPayJobs.ca, Jeff helps newcomers, students, and workers navigate the Canadian social safety net—from tracking CRA payment schedules to finding entry-level work.

Sources

• Employment and Social Development Canada: GIS Payment Amounts 2026
• CRA: Income tax filing for seniors

Note

Official 2026 payment dates and benefit amounts are determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial governments. While we strive to keep this information current, government policies and schedules are subject to change without notice. All data in this guide is verified against official CRA circulars at the time of publication and should be treated as an estimate. We recommend confirming the status of your personal file directly via CRA My Account or by calling the CRA benefit line at 1-800-387-1193.