Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)

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Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) helps Ontario seniors living on a low income by providing a monthly, non-taxable payment. Your monthly GAINS payment will range between $2.50 and $83.00. The higher your income, the lower your payment.

Introduction

Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) helps Ontario seniors living on a low income by providing a monthly, non-taxable payment.

Your monthly GAINS payment will range between $2.50 and $83.00. The higher your income, the lower your payment.

The monthly GAINS payments are added to the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments you may receive. Together, the total maximum benefits from OAS, GIS, and GAINS is the guaranteed income level. 

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you:

  • are 65 years of age or older
  • receive OAS and GIS
  • live in Ontario
  • have lived in Ontario for the past 12 months or for a total of 20 years since turning 18
  • have 10 or more years of Canadian residency, and
  • have income that is a maximum of $1,992 if you are a single senior or $3,984 if you are a senior couple.

How to apply

  • If you receive a full or partial OAS pension plus the GIS, you do not have to apply for GAINS.
    • Your benefits will be determined based on information from Employment and Social Development Canada and your annual personal income tax and benefit return.

Notes

  • Every year, you must:
  • GAINS is paid:
    • around the 25th of each month, starting in July and ending in June of the following year.
    • through direct deposit. To set up direct deposit, visit Service Canada or call 1-800-277-9914

Difficulty

Easy Application
Tax filing
Yes
Jurisdiction
Provincial
Topics
Retirement