How to use the GIS calculator
- 1 Choose your situation: single, widowed or divorced, or a couple who both receive OAS.
- 2 Enter your yearly income not counting OAS, such as CPP, pensions and RRIF withdrawals (combined for couples).
- 3 Enter any part from employment or self-employment.
- 4 Read your estimated GIS a month and a year.
Worked example
A single senior with $6,000 of CPP and pension income and no earnings. All $6,000 counts. The GIS of $1,138.90 is reduced to about $805.57 a month ($9,667 a year). With full OAS of $762.50, total monthly income from the two is about $1,568. With $12,000 of income, $8,000 of it from work, only $5,500 counts and the GIS is about $836.82.
Keeping your GIS
- File a tax return every year so the GIS is renewed.
- Hold savings in a TFSA: withdrawals do not reduce GIS.
- Plan RRIF withdrawals carefully.
- Report a change if your income drops.
Plan CPP with the CPP Calculator, RRIF income with the RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Calculator, and check the GST Credit Calculator.
Features
Current rates
October to December 2026 maximums and income limits.
Earnings exemption
First $5,000 of employment income and half of the next $10,000 not counted.
Total income
Shows GIS plus the full OAS pension.
When to use it
Retirees on low income
See how much CPP or a small pension reduces GIS. Estimate CPP with the CPP Calculator.
RRIF withdrawals
Withdrawals count as income. Plan them with the RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Calculator.
Working seniors
See the effect of part-time work with the earnings exemption.
Saving in a TFSA
TFSA withdrawals do not reduce GIS. Compare with the RRSP vs TFSA Calculator.
Related Benefits and Retirement tasks
Frequently asked questions
How much is the GIS in October to December 2026?
Up to $1,138.90 a month for a single, widowed or divorced senior, and up to $685.56 a month each when both spouses receive OAS. Together with the full OAS of $762.50 (65 to 74), a single senior can get $1,901.40 a month.
What is the income limit for the GIS?
For October to December 2026, under $23,112 a year for a single senior, not counting OAS, and under $30,528 combined for a couple who both receive OAS.
How does income reduce the GIS?
For a single senior, the GIS falls by about $1 for every $2 of income, and the top-up part falls faster at low incomes. CPP, pensions, RRSP and RRIF withdrawals, EI and investment income all count. OAS and TFSA withdrawals do not.
Is employment income treated differently?
Yes. The first $5,000 of employment or self-employment income is not counted, and only half of the next $10,000 is.
Which year's income is used?
The GIS for July 2026 to June 2027 is based on your 2025 income. Service Canada recalculates it every July after you file.
Is the GIS taxable?
No. It is not taxable, although you must report it on your return.
How do I apply?
Many people are enrolled automatically. If you were not, apply online through My Service Canada Account or with form ISP-3026.
How often do GIS amounts change?
Every January, April, July and October, in line with inflation. They rose 1.4% in October 2026.
Does this cover every situation?
No. It covers single seniors and couples who both receive OAS. If your spouse gets the Allowance or no OAS, different amounts apply.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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