Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System payments for seniors
If you’re a senior with low income, you may qualify for monthly Guaranteed Annual Income System payments.
Information
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About the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
GAINS provides a monthly, non-taxable payment to Ontario seniors with low income.
Payments
Eligible seniors can receive up to $90 per month through GAINS for the 2025 benefit year which runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. If you had no private income in 2024, you'll receive the maximum amount.
GAINS payments are provided on top of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments you may receive from the federal government.
Based on your age and marital status, select a table below to determine your monthly GAINS payment. The data is organized by private income levels. Your GAINS payment can change during the benefit year if your private income or marital status changes. A benefit year runs from July 1 to June 30th of the next year.
- For ages 65 to 74 - Single pensioner
- For ages 65 to 74 - Married both pensioners
- For ages 65 to 74 - Married, one pensioner
- For ages 65 to 74 - Married pensioner, spouse 60-64
- For ages 75 and over - Single pensioner
- For age 75 and over - Married both pensioners
- For age 75 and over - Married, one pensioner
- For age 75 and over - Married pensioner, spouse 60-64
Data: historical GAINS benefit rates
Eligibility
You qualify for GAINS payments if you:
- are 65 years or older
- have been a Canadian resident for 10 years or more
- have lived in Ontario for the past 12 months or for a total of 20 years since turning age 18
- receive the federal OAS pension and GIS payments
- have an annual private income of up to $4,320 if you are a single senior or up to $8,640 if you are a senior couple
- different income limits apply if you are a senior whose spouse is under age 65 or is not eligible to receive OAS. Select a table above to determine your monthly GAINS payment.
Private income may include money from a workplace pension, the Canada Pension Plan, bank interest, etc.
How to apply
If you currently receive the OAS pension and GIS, you do not have to apply. Your GAINS payment will be determined based on information received from Employment and Social Development Canada and the details provided on your personal Income Tax and Benefit Return.
To receive your GAINS payment you must:
- file your income tax return every year by April 30, even if you don't have income to report, or
- complete a GIS application and send it to your nearest Service Canada office
Get your monthly payments
Payments are issued on or about the 25th day of each month, starting in July and ending in June of the next year.
To sign up for direct deposit of your GAINS payments, visit the Service Canada or call
Objections
If you are not satisfied with a decision regarding your GAINS eligibility or payments, contact the Ontario Ministry of Finance at:
If you are still not satisfied, you can complete a formal Notice of Objection form within 90 days from the written decision was mailed to you.
For example, if the decision was mailed to you on June 1st, we must receive your Notice of Objection by August 29.
Once you have completed the form send it by registered mail to:
Ministry of Finance
c/o Director, Advisory, Objections, Appeals and Services Branch
33 King Street West, Post Office Box 699, Station A
Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 8S6
Other tax credits and benefits
Find out about Ontario benefit programs you may be eligible for, or calculate your tax credits.
You can also visit the Canada Revenue Agency site for more information on credits and benefits or call