What’s consider income under GIS program

When applying for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance (ALW), you, or in the case of a couple you and your spouse or common-law partner, must report your income and deductions.

Do not include income received under Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance, or Allowance for the Survivor program when complete the GIS application.

What's consider income under GIS program

What you must include as income

  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits
  • Other pension income, such as private pensions, superannuation and foreign pension income
  • Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) that you cashed during the year
  • Employment Insurance benefits
  • Interest and other investment income
  • Capital gains and taxable Canadian dividends
  • Net income from any rental properties
  • Net employment or self-employment income
  • Other income from sources such as workers’ compensation payments and alimony

What is exempted as income

  • Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor payments
  • If you are employed or self-employed and receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement, you can earn up to $5,000 and still receive the full benefit amount. For earnings between $5,000 and $15,000, your Guaranteed Income Supplement will be reduced by 50 cents for every dollar of income you receive
  • Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan contributions and your Employment Insurance premiums
  • Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan contributions and your Employment Insurance premiums of net self-employment income
  • Deductions, such as union dues, RRSP deduction, moving expenses and other employment expenses

More Read: CPP & OAS application wait time

Suggest Reading: Canada Dental Plan for Senior

Passport Canada Question: How to contact Passport Canada office

Saving in the wrong registered account can quietly destroy a low-income worker’s retirement setup. Read our guide on TFSA vs RRSP for Low Income Earners: Avoid the GIS Retirement Trap to discover why RRSP withdrawals trigger a hidden 50% benefit clawback—and how shifting to a TFSA protects your Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits.

Stop wasting money on monthly bank fees and missing out on valuable rewards! Discover how switching to Canada’s top no-fee bank accounts and zero-annual-fee cash-back credit cards can help you keep more money in your pocket. Read our article Best No-Fee Bank Accounts & Cash-Back Cards in Canada (2026 Guide) at Unemployment Canada to start saving today.
 
Discover how to maximize your tax-free government relief with complete CRA details on the newly launched Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). Learn about updated 2026 eligibility rules, enhanced quarterly payout schedules, and maximum income limits. Read our article Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026: Eligibility & Payment Schedule, at taxservicecanada.ca.
 
Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year.

* * * * Most viewed topics * * * *

FREE Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage – Online Application*

2026 CPP and OAS payment dates

Check the status of my Canadian passport application

Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the pension office.
It was created to provide general pension information only.