Canadian seniors got a small raise this quarter. Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) were both indexed up 1.4% for October to December 2026, which Canada.ca describes as a 3.0% increase over the past year. Here are the new amounts, who still qualifies for GIS, and the one tax-filing step that keeps payments flowing.
1. What Changed for October to December 2026
OAS and GIS are reviewed every January, April, July and October and adjusted to the Consumer Price Index. The October 2026 adjustment is 1.4%. If you already receive these benefits, the higher amount arrives automatically; you do not need to reapply.
2. The New Maximum Monthly Amounts
| Benefit | Maximum per month (Oct–Dec 2026) |
|---|---|
| OAS pension, ages 65–74 | $762.50 |
| OAS pension, age 75 and over | $838.75 |
| GIS, single / widowed / divorced | $1,138.90 |
| GIS, spouse receives full OAS (each) | $685.56 |
| GIS, spouse receives the Allowance (each) | $685.56 |
The age-75 amount is higher because OAS was permanently increased by 10% for seniors 75 and older in July 2022.
3. Worked Example: What a Single Senior Could Receive
Take a single 70-year-old with a full OAS pension and almost no other income:
- OAS: $762.50 per month
- GIS (maximum): $1,138.90 per month
- Combined: $1,901.40 per month, or about $22,817 per year
For a couple where both partners receive full OAS and the GIS couple rate, each person can receive up to $762.50 + $685.56 = $1,448.06, or about $2,896 per month for the household. At 75 or older, the single maximum rises to $838.75 + $1,138.90 = $1,977.65 per month.
These are maximums. GIS is reduced as your other income rises, so most recipients receive less than the top figure.
4. GIS Income Cutoffs
GIS is for people 65+ who receive OAS and have a low income. Based on 2025 income, you must be under these annual limits for the October to December 2026 payments:
| Situation | Annual income must be below |
|---|---|
| Single, widowed or divorced | $23,112 |
| Couple, both receive OAS (combined) | $30,528 |
| Couple, spouse receives the Allowance (combined) | $42,768 |
| Couple, spouse receives neither OAS nor Allowance (combined) | $55,392 |
5. Decision Checklist: Which Benefit Applies to You?
- Age 65+, Canadian resident, income well above $23,112 (single): you likely receive OAS only, and may owe the recovery tax if income is very high.
- Age 65+, single, income under $23,112: check GIS. It is usually set up automatically if Service Canada has your information; otherwise apply through Service Canada.
- Age 65+, married, combined income under $30,528: you may both qualify for GIS at the couple rate.
- Age 75+: you should see the 10% higher OAS amount without doing anything.
6. The OAS Recovery Tax Threshold
High-income seniors repay part of their OAS through the recovery tax (the “clawback”). The net world income threshold is $93,454. Above that, OAS is reduced; the exact repayment is worked out on your tax return.
7. Keep Your GIS: File Your Taxes
This is the step people miss. If you do not file your 2025 taxes with the CRA, Canada.ca warns that your GIS payments may stop or be reduced. Even with zero income, file on time. Direct deposit through My Service Canada Account is the fastest way to get paid and manage your details.
Quick FAQ
Do I need to reapply for the October increase? No. The 1.4% indexation is applied automatically.
Are GIS payments taxable? No. Canada.ca describes GIS as a monthly, tax-free payment. OAS pension itself is taxable income.
What if my income is just over the cutoff? GIS is reduced gradually as income rises, so check your estimate with Service Canada rather than assuming you are out.
Always confirm your own amount in My Service Canada Account, since individual payments depend on your income, residence history and marital status.