What is the maximum income to qualify for the GIS in 2026?

For 2026, a single senior generally qualifies for some GIS with annual income (excluding OAS) below about $22,512; couples have higher combined thresholds. The maximum single GIS is roughly $1,100/month and reduces by about $1 for every $2 of other income. TFSA withdrawals don't count, and the first $5,000 of employment income (plus half of the next $10,000) is exempt.

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Guaranteed Income Supplement

Do you qualify for the GIS?

The GIS tops up Old Age Security for lower-income seniors — and it's tax-free. See what you might receive and the income ceiling that ends it.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a monthly, tax-free top-up to OAS for lower-income seniors. The income test excludes OAS and TFSA withdrawals but counts CPP, RRIF and employment income — so where your retirement income comes from can affect your eligibility. Enter your income to estimate your GIS.

Other annual income

CPP + RRIF + other taxable income, excluding OAS and TFSA.

Employment income

First $5,000 is fully exempt, plus 50% of the next $10,000.

Marital status

Estimated GIS

$860

Per year

$10,318

Income ceiling

$26,636

GIS reaches $0 at this counted income.

Drawing more taxable income (e.g. from a RRIF) reduces GIS — sourcing from a TFSA instead preserves it.

Estimate for education, not advice. Based on 2026 GIS figures (single-rate benefit); couple amounts vary with your spouse's OAS/Allowance status. Deliberately minimizing taxable income has real trade-offs — confirm with Service Canada.

What's next

What's your after-tax retirement income?Net income by source — TFSA, RRIF, CPP, OAS.Will your OAS be clawed back?The recovery tax — and how to keep more.Are you on track to retire?Your nest-egg target and the gap.