Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)/Allowance Application Kit - Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers about the application letters:
- Why did I receive an application in the mail about the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?
- What am I supposed to do with the application I received?
- Where do I send the application after I have signed it?
- Should I apply if I am not eligible to receive much money?
Additional information about GIS on our site:
- How is eligibility determined for the Guaranteed Income Supplement?
- How and when will I receive my payments?
- Do I have to renew the Guaranteed Income Supplement every year?
- What other benefits may I or my spouse or common-law partner be eligible for?
- Why did I receive an application in the mail about the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?
Some seniors who are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) have not applied for it. If you received an application in the mail, it means that you have been identified through the tax system as a pensioner who may be eligible for GIS. We sent you the application to invite you to apply for the benefit.
- What am I supposed to do with the application I received?
Please look at the information carefully on the application and do the following if you wish to apply:
- If the information is correct, please sign the application and return it.
- If there are mistakes, please correct them on the application, sign the application and return it.
If you sign the application and return it to us as soon as possible, we can begin sending your monthly payment to you if you are eligible.
If you do not understand the information on the application, ask a family member or advisor for assistance, or call us free of charge from Canada or the USA. Please have your social insurance number ready when you call.
In Canada and the USA, call: English: 1 800 277-9914 French: 1 800 277-9915 TDD/TTY users only: 1 800 255-4786
- Where do I send the application after I have signed it?
With your application, we have enclosed an envelope with a return address. Please send your completed application to us in the return envelope or if you no longer have the envelope, to the address printed on the application.
- Should I apply if I am not eligible to receive much money?
If you have received an application in the mail stating that you appear to be eligible for the GIS, we encourage you to fill out the necessary information and return it to us to receive any benefits for which you may be eligible. You should know that the GIS benefit is closely linked with some provincial and territorial benefits and services. By starting to receive GIS benefits, you may become eligible for some provincial and territorial benefits, which you are not currently receiving.
If you are already receiving a benefit from a province or territory, you may wish to contact that program for information on how receiving GIS could affect existing benefits.
