Canada Confirms $1,395 GIS Payment for September 2025 – Who Will Get It and When?

Canada’s low-income seniors are set to receive an important financial lifeline in September 2025. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payment will reach up to $1,395, helping retirees cover everyday essentials such as food, rent, and medical bills. With the cost of living continuing to rise, this payment plays a critical role in ensuring financial stability for vulnerable seniors across the country.

What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?

The GIS is a monthly federal benefit offered to seniors who already receive Old Age Security (OAS) and have low annual incomes.

Unlike OAS, which is a universal pension for seniors aged 65 and above, GIS is income-tested. This means the benefit amount depends on a recipient’s annual income and family situation. It is designed to help those most in need by covering basic living expenses such as:

Rent and housing costs
Groceries and food supplies
Utilities like electricity, heating, and water
Healthcare-related expenses

By combining GIS with OAS, the government provides seniors with a more comprehensive retirement income system, ensuring that no one is left behind.

How Much Is the GIS Payment in September 2025?

For September 2025, eligible seniors may receive up to $1,395 through the GIS program.

Single or widowed seniors usually receive the maximum payout, provided their annual income falls below the CRA’s low-income threshold.
Married or common-law couples may receive slightly less, as the total household income is taken into account when determining eligibility.

This amount is reviewed quarterly and can change depending on inflation adjustments and annual income levels reported in the previous year’s tax return.

Who Qualifies for the GIS in 2025?

To be eligible for the $1,395 GIS payment in September 2025, seniors must meet the following requirements:

Age: Must be 65 years or older.
Residency: Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
OAS Recipient: Must already be receiving Old Age Security (OAS) benefits.
Income Threshold: Annual income must be low enough to qualify, based on CRA guidelines and the previous year’s tax return.
Residency at Payment Date: Must be living in Canada when the payment is issued.

Income sources that affect eligibility include pensions, employment income, and investment earnings. However, benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) or Disability Assistance do not reduce GIS eligibility.

How to Apply for GIS in 2025

The application process depends on whether you already receive OAS:

If you already receive OAS and file taxes annually: No separate application is required. GIS eligibility is automatically determined by the CRA based on your income tax return.
If you are not yet receiving GIS:
File your income tax return for the previous year.
Contact Service Canada to request GIS application forms if necessary.
Ensure all details, including banking information and marital status, are up to date.

Applicants are strongly advised to set up direct deposit to receive funds faster and avoid cheque-related delays.

GIS Payment Date – September 2025

The GIS payment for September 2025 will be deposited on:

Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2025
Method: Direct deposit (fastest) or cheque (may take longer to arrive by mail).

This payment will be issued alongside the regular OAS monthly pension. Seniors using direct deposit can expect funds in their bank accounts on the same day, while those relying on cheques may need to wait an additional 5–10 business days.

Tips to Maximize Your GIS Payments

To ensure you receive the full GIS payment available to you, consider the following:

File Taxes on Time: CRA uses tax returns to calculate GIS eligibility. Missing the deadline could reduce or delay payments.
Report Income Changes Promptly: Notify Service Canada of any income increase or decrease to avoid overpayment or underpayment.
Update Marital Status: Report changes such as marriage, divorce, or widowhood, as these affect your payment amount.
Keep Records Current: Ensure your address, banking details, and contact information are updated with CRA and Service Canada.

Why the $1,395 GIS Payment Matters in 2025

For many Canadian seniors, GIS represents more than just a monthly cheque — it is essential financial security. Rising costs of groceries, housing, and healthcare have left low-income seniors struggling.

The September 2025 GIS payment of $1,395 ensures that vulnerable seniors can maintain a decent standard of living, covering essentials and reducing the risk of poverty in retirement.

By continuing to invest in GIS, the government reaffirms its commitment to supporting seniors who contributed to Canada’s workforce and now deserve dignity and stability in retirement.

Key Takeaways

Maximum GIS payment in September 2025: $1,395.
Payment date: September 25, 2025, alongside OAS.
Eligibility: Seniors aged 65+, Canadian residents, OAS recipients with low incomes.
Application: Automatic if you receive OAS and file taxes.
Importance: Provides critical relief for seniors facing rising living costs.

FAQs – $1,395 GIS Payment September 2025

Q1: Do seniors need to apply for the $1,395 GIS payment?
No. If you already receive OAS and file taxes, GIS is applied automatically. However, seniors not yet on GIS may need to apply through Service Canada.

Q2: When will the GIS payment for September 2025 be deposited?
The payment will be issued on September 25, 2025, through direct deposit or cheque.

Q3: Is the $1,395 GIS payment taxable?
No. GIS is a tax-free benefit, meaning you don’t have to pay income tax on it.

Q4: What income level qualifies for GIS in 2025?
Eligibility depends on adjusted annual income. Generally, seniors with very low or modest income (based on CRA thresholds) qualify for the maximum GIS.

Q5: Can GIS payments change during the year?
Yes. GIS amounts are reviewed quarterly (January, April, July, October) to reflect inflation through the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

What Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?