Is Your Pension Too Low? You Might Qualify for GIS (Up to $1,000+/mo)
Published on January 25, 2026 • By RetireMinute Team
Many Canadians calculate their CPP and OAS and panic because the total seems too low to live on. But there is a hidden pillar of the Canadian retirement system designed exactly for this situation: the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
What is GIS?
GIS is a monthly tax-free benefit for Old Age Security (OAS) pensioners who have a low income and are living in Canada. Unlike CPP, you don't contribute to it. It is a safety net provided by the government.
How Much Can You Get in 2026?
The amounts are adjusted quarterly for inflation. As of early 2026, the maximum estimated amounts are:
- Single / Divorced / Widowed: Up to ~$1,108 / month
- Couples (Both receiving OAS): Up to ~$667 / month (each)
*Note: Amounts vary if your spouse is under 65 or not receiving OAS.
The Income Test: What Counts?
To qualify, your annual income (excluding OAS) must be below the threshold (approx. $22,488 for singles in 2026). However, knowing what counts as "Income" is crucial.
- CPP / QPP benefits
- Workplace Pensions
- Rental Income & Investment Income (Interest, Dividends)
- Foreign Pensions
- RRSP / RRIF withdrawals
- Employment Income (partial exemption applies)
- OAS Pension: Your OAS payments do not count as income.
- TFSA Withdrawals: Money from a Tax-Free Savings Account does not affect your GIS.
How to Check with RetireMinute Calculator
Our calculator currently estimates your total retirement income. Here is how to interpret the results to see if you might get GIS:
Step-by-Step Check:
- Run the calculator (be sure to enter any Rental Income in 'Other Monthly Fixed Income').
- Scroll down to the "Breakdown" section.
- DO NOT look at the 'Total Available'. instead, sum up these items only:
- CPP/QPP
- Workplace Pension
- Other Fixed Income (Rental, etc.)
- Savings Drawdown (Only if it comes from RRSP/RRIF)
- The $1,874 Rule: If the sum of the items above (excluding OAS) is below ~$1,874/month, you likely qualify for GIS!