Common menu bar links
Guaranteed Income Supplement
Applying for the Guaranteed Income Supplement
You must apply in writing to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement. There are two ways to apply:
- You can request an application form by calling the toll-free number.
- You can indicate on your Old Age Security pension application that you also want to apply for the Supplement.
If you did not qualify for a Supplement in the past, but you think you might be eligible now, you should apply as soon as possible. Call us for an application form.
Normally, individuals must apply for the Supplement on their own behalf. If you are applying for someone else, please contact us for more information.
What documents will I need to provide?
If you are married and applying for the first time, you must provide a marriage certificate. Common-law couples must sign a "statutory declaration."
Couples married in Canada - If you don't have your marriage certificate, there are two ways to get it:
- You can get a certificate from the institution in which you were married.
- You can contact the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the capital city of the province or territory in which you were married.
Couples married outside Canada - If you don't know how to get a copy of your marriage certificate, call us.
Common-law relationships - You must provide a statutory declaration that gives the date when you and your partner began living together. Call us for a copy of this form and for help to complete the declaration. This applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex common-law relationships.
Do I need to renew the Supplement every year?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is based on your previous year's income, or the combined annual income of both you and your spouse or common-law partner. Since your annual income may change from year to year, you must renew the Supplement each year.
However, most seniors can renew their Supplement automatically. In most cases, if you file your income tax return by April 30, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency will give us the necessary income information.
If you do not file a tax 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 possible.
Each July, you will receive a letter that tells you the amount of your monthly payment for the new year.
If you do not reapply for the Supplement in the spring, or if your income exceeds the stated maximum, you will receive only the basic Old Age Security pension starting in July of that year. You should reapply if your income drops below the maximum income levels mentioned below.
