In recent weeks, news has been circulating online about a $1395 Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Allowance supposedly being distributed to seniors in September 2025. While such headlines quickly gain traction among retirees and their families, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made it clear: there is no official confirmation of a $1395 GIS benefit.
Instead, the real GIS amounts remain in the range of $660.78 to $1097.75 per month, depending on marital status, income level, and whether a spouse or partner also receives the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. Any claims suggesting a fixed $1395 payment are unverified and should be treated cautiously until the government issues an official update.
This report examines what GIS actually provides in 2025, who qualifies, how much beneficiaries can expect, and why misinformation about inflated figures continues to circulate.
What Is the GIS Allowance?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly, non-taxable benefit that provides extra income to low-income seniors aged 65 and older who already qualify for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. Unlike CPP or private pensions, GIS does not require contributions. It is meant to cover basic living and medical expenses for retirees struggling to make ends meet.
Key facts:
- Paid monthly to eligible seniors.
- Amount varies based on annual income and marital status.
- Designed to reduce poverty rates among older Canadians.
- Distributed automatically if beneficiaries apply for OAS and meet income thresholds.
Fact Check: The \$1,395 Rumour
The claim of a \$1,395 GIS allowance has no basis in official announcements. According to CRA:
- The maximum GIS for single seniors, widowed, or divorced individuals is around $1,097 per month.
- Seniors with a spouse or common-law partner who receives OAS typically get a reduced GIS, capped at $660 per month.
- The alleged \$1,395 payout is not listed in the official CRA benefit tables for September 2025.
This means any social media posts or informal sources referencing $1395 are misleading. Beneficiaries should always rely on canada.ca or CRA’s MyAccount portal for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for the GIS Allowance 2025
To qualify for the GIS benefit in 2025, seniors must:
- Be 65 years or older.
- Be receiving the Old Age Security pension.
- Have an annual income below certain thresholds:
- Single, divorced, or widowed: Income under $22,272.
- With spouse/partner (both receive OAS): Combined income under $29424.
- With spouse/partner (one receives OAS, the other does not): Income under $53376.
These criteria ensure that only low-income seniors receive GIS support.
Real GIS Amounts for 2025
The CRA has confirmed the following monthly GIS amounts for eligible seniors in 2025:
Beneficiary Condition | Annual Income Limit | Maximum Monthly GIS |
---|---|---|
Single, divorced, or widowed | Under $22,272 | Up to $1,097 |
With spouse/partner (both get OAS) | Under $29,424 | Up to $660 |
With spouse/partner (one gets OAS, one does not) | Under $41184 | Up to $660 |
With spouse/partner (no OAS for partner) | Under $53376 | Up to $1,097 |
This table confirms that no GIS category reaches \$1,395 as of September 2025
Payment Dates for GIS in 2025
GIS payments are made on the same schedule as OAS. For 2025, the monthly deposit dates are:
- January 29
- February 26
- March 27
- April 28
- May 28
- June 26
- July 29
- August 25
- September 25
- October 29
- November 26
- December 22
Beneficiaries should check their bank accounts or mailboxes around these dates for deposits.
How to Apply for GIS Benefits
Eligible seniors can apply through:
- Online – via CRA’s MyAccount portal.
- By Mail – by completing the GIS application form and mailing it to Service Canada.
- In Person – at a Service Canada Centre.
Applicants will need to provide:
- Proof of income (T4 or T4A slips).
- Identification documents (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
- OAS pension confirmation.
Why False Numbers Spread
Misinformation about higher benefit amounts like $1,395 tends to circulate for three reasons:
- Social media amplification of unofficial posts.
- Confusion between different benefit programs (OAS, GIS, Allowance, Survivor’s Benefit).
- Wishful interpretation of budget discussions or advocacy group proposals.
While advocates are lobbying for GIS increases, any real change must be confirmed in the federal budget or CRA announcements.
Government’s Objective with GIS
The Canadian government continues to frame GIS as a poverty-reduction tool:
- Helps seniors cover rent, food, and medical bills.
- Offers non-taxable income support that supplements OAS.
- Provides options for spouses and survivors to maintain stability in retirement.
Quick Facts (September 2025)
Item | Details |
---|---|
Rumoured Amount | $1,395 GIS Allowance (not confirmed) |
Official GIS Range | $660 – $1,097 monthly |
Payment Date | September 25, 2025 |
Beneficiaries | Low-income seniors aged 65+ receiving OAS |
Authority | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
Frequency | Monthly |
Application | Online, mail, in-person (Service Canada) |
5 FAQs
Q1. Is the \$1,395 GIS allowance confirmed for September 2025?
No. The CRA has not confirmed any $1,395 payment. The maximum GIS remains around \$1,097.
Q2. Who qualifies for GIS in Canada?
Low-income seniors aged 65+ who already receive OAS and meet income thresholds.
Q3. How much GIS can I get in 2025?
Between $660 and $1,097 monthly, depending on income and marital status.
Q4. When will the September GIS payment be made?
On September 25, 2025, following the standard OAS/GIS schedule.
Q5. How do I apply for GIS?
Through CRA’s online portal, by mail, or at a Service Canada Centre with proof of income and OAS details.