How to Apply for GIS: Step by Step

You may not actually need to submit a Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) application. Many Canadians are automatically enrolled when the federal government has enough information to determine their eligibility. The first step is therefore checking whether an application is necessary rather than immediately filling out a form. When you do need to apply for GIS, you can generally apply online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or submit the appropriate paper application. The route you take also depends on whether you are applying for GIS alone or applying for Old Age Security (OAS) at the same time.

Step 1: Find Out Whether You Need to Apply for GIS

Around the time you become eligible for OAS, watch for correspondence about your enrolment. If enough information is available, you should receive a letter shortly after your 64th birthday confirming your OAS enrolment and indicating that an attempt will be made to enrol you automatically for GIS.

You need to take action when you receive a letter asking you to apply, when the information in your enrolment letter is incorrect, or when you applied for OAS without applying for GIS. Someone who already receives OAS but has never applied for the supplement can apply for GIS separately.

If a month has passed since your 64th birthday and you have not received an enrolment letter, contact the OAS program to find out whether you need to apply. Before going further, it also makes sense to confirm who is eligible for GIS, since receiving OAS and meeting the applicable income requirements are part of GIS eligibility.

Step 2: Gather the Information for Your Application

Getting the information together first makes the application much easier to complete. You may need your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, residence history since age 18 and banking details if you want direct deposit. Married or common-law applicants may also need their partner’s SIN and date of birth.

Your financial circumstances matter as well. Be prepared to provide information about foreign income and, when applicable, a reduction in employment or pension income during the previous two years. Similar information may be required for your spouse or common-law partner.

Income is particularly important because GIS is an income-tested benefit. If you are unsure what income affects the benefit, review how GIS is calculated before completing income-related parts of the application. You can also use the GIS calculator separately if you want an estimate of what your supplement could be.

Step 3: Apply for GIS Online Through MSCA

For most eligible applicants who can use the online process, the most direct route is My Service Canada Account. You must be at least one month past your 64th birthday, must not have already submitted an application that is still being assessed, and cannot have a third party such as a trustee or power of attorney managing your OAS account.

Sign in to MSCA or create an account. From the dashboard, open the Old Age Security section and select “Apply for Old Age Security and manage my benefits.” The system will then guide you through the application that fits your circumstances.

Someone who has not yet applied for OAS can select the combined OAS and GIS application. If you already receive OAS, choose the GIS application instead. This separation is useful because you do not need to reapply for OAS merely to request GIS. For readers handling both benefits together, we explain the broader process in how to apply for OAS and GIS.

Step 4: Apply for GIS by Mail if You Cannot Apply Online

The paper form depends on which benefits you need. If you are applying for both OAS and GIS, use the Application for the Old Age Security Pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (ISP-3550). If you already receive OAS and only need GIS, use the Application for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (ISP-3025). Both are available through the official GIS application page.

Complete every applicable section, attach copies of any documents requested for your circumstances and sign each section requiring a signature. Extra information can be provided on additional paper when the space on the form is insufficient.

One detail worth checking before mailing is whether you downloaded the right application. The combined OAS/GIS form and GIS-only form serve different situations, so choosing the wrong one creates unnecessary work before your claim can be assessed.

Step 5: Submit Any Supporting Documents Requested

The documents needed are not identical for every applicant. Your residence history, income circumstances and other information in the application determine whether supporting evidence is required.

An online application does not necessarily eliminate this step. You may still be asked to provide documentation after submitting it. MSCA can show follow-up items and notifications when additional documents are required to complete an application.

Responding to those requests matters because a decision cannot be completed when necessary information is missing. Rather than sending documents that were never requested, follow the requirements generated for your particular application.

Step 6: Check Your GIS Application After Submitting It

You do not need to submit another application simply because you are waiting for a decision. You can check your application status through MSCA, where you can also manage certain contact and banking information.

After your application has been assessed, you will receive a letter. It may request further information or give you the decision. An approval letter identifies your monthly GIS amount, the date of your first payment and any past payments owed to you. If you disagree with the decision, you can request reconsideration in writing. The request generally must be made within 90 days of receiving the decision letter. That route is more appropriate than filing a duplicate GIS application because you disagree with the result.

Keep Your GIS From Being Interrupted After Approval

Applying is only the beginning of maintaining GIS eligibility. Your entitlement is reviewed as your income information changes, so keeping your tax filings current is particularly important.

GIS itself is not taxable income, but recipients generally need to file their income tax return by April 30 each year to avoid disruption to payments. The government uses tax information when reviewing continuing eligibility. If you do not file your return on time, your GIS can be reduced or stopped until the necessary income information is available.

We would put that annual tax filing deadline on the calendar once GIS begins. Missing it can create a payment problem long after the original application has been approved.

Other Questions About Applying for GIS

Can someone help me communicate with Service Canada about my GIS application?

You can authorize another person to communicate on your behalf using form ISP-1603. That authorization does not allow the person to apply for benefits for you or make certain account changes. Different requirements apply when someone must formally administer benefits for a person who cannot manage them.

Can I apply for GIS from outside Canada?

GIS eligibility generally requires you to live in Canada. Someone dealing with OAS matters while outside Canada should check the applicable residence and benefit rules before assuming the standard GIS application process applies.

What happens if my income recently dropped because I retired?

Include information about a reduction in employment or pension income when the application asks for it. A recent income reduction can matter because relying only on an earlier year’s income may not reflect your current circumstances.

Where can I get help with my GIS application?

You can use the official Old Age Security contact options for questions about GIS or a specific application. Assistance is available online, by telephone and through Service Canada locations.