You and your family may be eligible for other Ontario tax credits. Visit ontario.ca/taxcredits to learn more.
The Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) ensures a guaranteed minimum income for Ontario seniors. It provides monthly payments to qualifying pensioners on top of the federal Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments. The Ontario Ministry of Finance administers the GAINS program and Service Canada delivers the OAS and GIS for the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development.
How does the program work?
- The GAINS payment is based on your income or combined income as a married couple or common-law couple. Every year, you must either file an income tax return or complete a GIS application to receive the maximum benefits available to Ontario seniors.
- The GAINS annual cycle begins in July of each year.
- The amount of GAINS benefit is directly linked to the amount of your federal GIS monthly payments.
- GAINS payments range from a minimum of $2.50 to a maximum of $83.00 per month.
- The Ministry of Finance mails cheques on or about the 25th day of each month. Instead of receiving a cheque, you can also set up direct deposit to your bank account.
For a chart of OAS/GIS/GAINS payment amounts based on income received from other sources, including private pension plans, see the GAINS Benefit Rate Tables.
Can I receive GAINS payments?
You are eligible to receive GAINS payments if:
- you are an Ontario resident, 65 or older, and receive the federal OAS and the federal GIS
- you are and have been a permanent resident of Ontario for the past 12 months, or you previously lived in Ontario for a total of 20 years after the age of 18
- your total income from all sources is below the level guaranteed by the province
You are also eligible to receive GAINS payments if you meet the criteria in the last 2 bullet points above and:
- you receive OAS and GIS benefits under the federal International Social Security Agreement program, and
- you have 10 or more years of Canadian residency
How do I apply?
No application is necessary. If you meet the eligibility requirements, your benefits will be determined automatically based on information the ministry receives from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and information provided on your annual income tax return.
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