CRA Confirms $1395 Monthly GIS Deposit – Full Eligibility Rules and Payment Schedule

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has officially confirmed a major increase in the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefit, with a $1395 payment scheduled for November 27, 2025. This marks the most significant financial top-up in recent years for low-income seniors, many of whom continue to face rising costs for housing, healthcare, food, and daily essentials.

Designed to cushion inflation’s impact, this increase will be automatically deposited to eligible seniors already receiving Old Age Security (OAS). According to CRA officials, this move aligns with Canada’s broader effort to safeguard retirement income in a time of economic uncertainty.

What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a non-taxable monthly payment made to low-income seniors who are already receiving OAS. Unlike pension programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), GIS targets individuals based on annual income levels and is adjusted regularly to keep pace with inflation.

Every year, the CRA reviews seniors’ tax returns to determine GIS eligibility. Payments are reviewed and adjusted quarterly, ensuring that even minor cost-of-living shifts are reflected in the financial assistance provided.

Why Did the CRA Approve the $1,395 GIS Payment?

The decision to raise the GIS benefit comes amid continuous inflationary pressure. According to economic experts and senior advocates, retirees have been especially vulnerable to recent increases in:

• Food prices
• Rental and housing costs
• Medical services and essential drugs “This GIS increase is a direct response to the reality that inflation has hit seniors the hardest,” explained Catherine Dupont, Senior Policy Analyst at the Canadian Centre for Economic Justice.

Official Overview – $1,395 GIS Payment (November 2025)

Category	Details
Program Name	Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Administered By	Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Monthly Payment Amount	Up to $1,395 (for single seniors)
Effective Date	November 27, 2025
Payment Type	Non-taxable, monthly
Eligibility	Low-income seniors receiving OAS
Income Threshold	Below $21,624 (Single)
Payment Mode	Direct deposit or mailed cheque

GIS Payment Amounts by Category – November 2025

The November 2025 GIS update introduces increased payments across all categories:

Category	New Monthly GIS Amount	Annual Increase
Single Senior	Up to $1,395	+$225
Married (Both Receive OAS)	Up to $925 each	+$180
Married (One Receives OAS Only)	Up to $1,140	+$210

These updated amounts will appear in the November 27, 2025 OAS deposit for those already enrolled in GIS.

Who Qualifies for the $1,395 GIS in November 2025?

To receive the enhanced GIS payment, seniors must meet the following eligibility conditions:

1. Age Requirement

You must be 65 years or older at the time of application or review.

2. OAS Recipient Status

You must be currently receiving Old Age Security (OAS) payments.

3. Income Limits

Household Type	Annual Income Threshold
Single	Below $21,624
Couple (Both OAS)	Below $28,560
Couple (One OAS)	Below $40,272

4. Residency Criteria

You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18.

“Low-income seniors form the backbone of this policy — and automatic enrollment means help reaches them faster,” said Michael Grant, Financial Advisor at the Canadian Retirement Institute.

When Will the November 2025 GIS Be Deposited?

Eligible seniors will receive the new GIS amount automatically with their November OAS payment:

Payment Type	Method	Date
Direct Deposit	CRA-linked bank account	Thursday, Nov 27, 2025
Mailed Cheque	Canada Post	Nov 29 – Dec 2, 2025

Seniors are encouraged to update their banking details and address information in their My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to avoid delays.

How to Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement

If you’re not receiving GIS yet but believe you qualify, here are the application options:

a) Online Application (Recommended)

• Log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
• Click on “Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement”

b) Apply by Mail

• Fill out Form ISP3025
• Send the completed application to your local Service Canada office

c) Automatic Enrollment

• If you already receive OAS and your income is below the limit, you may be automatically enrolled

Note: Late applicants may be eligible for up to 11 months of retroactive payments.

What to Do If Your GIS Payment Doesn’t Arrive

If your GIS deposit or cheque hasn’t arrived by early December:

1. Wait 10 business days past the scheduled date
2. Check your CRA or MSCA account for updates
3. Ensure your bank and address details are correct
4. Call Service Canada’s OAS/GIS department to request a payment trace

Additional Support for GIS Beneficiaries

Eligible GIS recipients may also access other financial programs, including:

Program	Eligibility	Annual Value
Ontario GAINS	Low-income seniors on OAS + GIS	Up to $996/year
BC Seniors Supplement	OAS + GIS recipients	Up to $99/month
Quebec Senior Assistance	Age 70+, low-income Quebec residents	Up to $2,000/year
Allowance for Survivor	Age 60–64, widowed, low income	Varies
GIS Top-Up	Extremely low-income seniors	Additional monthly funds

These programs vary by province and require separate applications in most cases.

Why the November 2025 GIS Increase Is a Big Deal

This is not just a routine cost-of-living adjustment. It’s the largest GIS increase since 2021, and it reflects the federal government’s proactive response to a rapidly evolving financial landscape for older Canadians.

“This is not just an adjustment — it’s a reaffirmation that no Canadian senior should be left behind in retirement,” said Dr. Elaine Morris, Public Policy Expert at the Canadian Seniors Council.

By combining the $1,395 GIS payment with existing OAS support, provincial benefits, and programs like the Canada Carbon Rebate, the government is helping ensure that seniors can maintain their standard of living without fear or financial instability.