- Why did my GAINS payment amount change?
- How do I arrange for payment by direct deposit?
- Why did I not receive a T5007 slip this year?
- How do I receive GAINS payments?
- What is the guaranteed annual income level?
- Who do I contact if I have questions?
Why did my GAINS payment amount change?
GAINS and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) rates are reviewed each year based on private income reported on your income tax and benefit return for the previous calendar year. Your GAINS payments should remain the same throughout the benefit year which runs from July to June of the following year. However, there may be circumstances which will change your GAINS payment amounts such as separation, death of a spouse, or a spouse turning 60 or 65.
How do I arrange for payment by direct deposit?
If you would like to arrange for direct deposit with Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement and GAINS payments, contact Service Canada at 1 800 277-9914.
Why did I not receive a T5007 slip this year?
T5007 slips are only issued to seniors who received $500 or more in net GAINS payments in the previous calendar year.
How do I receive GAINS payments?
If you currently receive a full or partial federal Old Age Security (OAS) pension plus the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), you do not have to apply for GAINS, but you do have to file an income tax return every year.
The amount of GAINS payment is directly linked to the amount of GIS monthly payments, and ranges between $2.50 and $83.00 per eligible person. GAINS payments decline as private incomes increase. Seniors with no private income receive maximum GAINS benefits of $83.00. A single senior whose private income (from sources such as Canada Pension Plan, bank interest) amounts to $1,992 a year will not receive any GAINS payments. Similarly, couples with a combined private annual income of $3,984 will not receive any GAINS payments.
What is the guaranteed annual income level?
The income level guaranteed by the Ontario government changes every quarter to account for inflation. See the GAINS Benefit Rate Tables.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For additional enquiries about the GAINS program, contact the Ministry Information Center at 1 866 ONT-TAXS (1 866 668-8297). Program Representatives are available 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
General enquiries about the GIS and OAS should be directed to Service Canada at: 1 800 277-9914 (for service in English) or 1 800 277-9915 (for service in French).
