Benefits for low-income seniors
When to renew your benefits
Your annual income and marital status can change from year to year. Therefore,
you must apply every year to renew the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance and the Allowance for the survivor.
The GIS is based on your annual income, or the combined annual income of both you and your spouse/common-law partner. The Allowance and the Allowance for the survivor are also based on annual income and marital status.In most cases, you can apply to renew your GIS, your Allowance, or your Allowance for the survivor benefit by simply filing your income tax and benefit return by the April 30 deadline. The Canada Revenue Agency will then give us the income information we require to reassess your eligibility.
If you do not reapply for your benefit in the spring, or if your income is higher than a certain level, your payments will end in July of that year. Allowance benefits will also stop when you reach 65 and become eligible for the Old Age Security pension. If you do not file an income tax and benefit return, or if we need more information, we will send you a renewal form. If you receive a form from us, you must complete and return it as soon as you have all the necessary income information.
Each July, you will receive a letter that tells you the amount of your new monthly payment.