The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a lifeline for thousands of senior citizens in Canada. This scheme is a means of relief for the elderly who have very limited income and who depend on government help for their daily expenses.
However, recently a rumor has created a stir on social media and the Internet – claiming that the GIS payment will increase by $1,717 in March 2025. There has been a lot of confusion among the elderly about this news.
The purpose of this article is to clearly state that this claim is completely false and misleading. There has been no announcement of any such increase from the Canadian government, nor is there any evidence.
What is GIS and why is it important?
The Guaranteed Income Supplement i.e. GIS is a non-taxable benefit, which is given to senior citizens who are 65 years of age or above and whose annual income is very low. Its purpose is to help seniors who have limited pension or income sources meet food, housing, medical care, and other essential needs.
The GIS payment increases or decreases according to the person’s income. That is, if your annual income is high, the GIS amount will be less, and if your income is very low, the GIS payment will be higher.
This system is different from Old Age Security (OAS). OAS eligibility is based on the person’s residence and tenure in Canada, while GIS is determined based on income.
What is the truth of the $1,717 GIS hike?
The news of a direct and one-time increase of $1,717 in GIS payment in March 2025 is completely false. It is just an online rumor, which has no truth.
The reality is that the amount of GIS is slightly revised every quarter (three months) according to the inflation rate. This revision is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
So far, no extraordinary or special increase in GIS payments has been announced for March 2025. In reality, the maximum GIS payment for a single senior citizen is currently about $1,086.88 per month.
GIS Payment Details (January–March 2025 Quarter)
Beneficiary Status Maximum Monthly GIS Payment
Single, widowed or divorced $1,086.88 (if annual income ≤ $22,056)
Married/common-law (when spouse is receiving OAS) $654.08 (combined income ≤ $29,112)
Married/common-law (when spouse is not receiving OAS) $1,086.88 (combined income ≤ $52,176)
Married/common-law (when spouse is receiving Allowance) $654.08 (combined income ≤ $39,552)
These figures are for January to March 2025 and the next revision will be in April 2025.
When is the next GIS payment revision?
Changes to GIS payments are made every quarter:
- April 2025: Next planned revision
- July 2025: Next expected change
- October 2025: Last revision of the year
These changes are intended to ensure that seniors’ purchasing power does not decline due to inflation.
Eligibility Criteria for GIS
If you want to receive GIS, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Age: At least 65 years or older
- Residence: Legally residing in Canada
- Income: Annual income is below the government-set limit
- Receiving OAS: You must be receiving Old Age Security (OAS) benefits
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for GIS.
How to apply for GIS?
There are two ways to apply for GIS:
Automatic Enrollment
If you are already receiving OAS, you are likely to have been automatically enrolled for GIS as well. You will receive a notification from Service Canada.
Manual Application
If you are not automatically enrolled, you can apply through the following means:
- Online: Through My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- By post: Complete the GIS application form and send it to Service Canada
Note: When applying, it is important to keep your income and contact details up to date so that payments are not delayed.
Conclusion:
GIS is an extremely important benefit for Canadian seniors. It is awarded based on income and is revised quarterly according to inflation. The claim of a GIS payment increase of $1,717 in March 2025 is completely unfounded and misleading. There is no such plan or announcement from the government. If you are or want to be a beneficiary of GIS, please get information only from the government website or Service Canada. Do not believe rumours and plan your future finances based on real facts
FAQs
Q1. Is it true that Canadian seniors will receive a $1,717 GIS payment in March 2025?
A. No. This claim is false. There is no official announcement or confirmation from the Canadian government about a $1,717 increase in the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for March 2025.
Q2. What is the actual GIS amount seniors can receive in March 2025?
A. As of January–March 2025, the maximum monthly GIS amount for a single senior is $1,086.88, depending on income level. The payment varies based on marital status and household income.
Q3. What is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?
A. GIS is a non-taxable monthly benefit provided to low-income seniors in Canada who are 65 years or older and receiving Old Age Security (OAS). It is designed to assist with basic living costs like housing, food, and healthcare.
Q4. Why is the $1,717 GIS rumor circulating online?
A. This is likely due to misinformation spread via social media or clickbait articles. It has no factual basis or support from official government sources.
Q5. When will the next GIS payment increase happen?
A. The next scheduled adjustment will take place in April 2025, based on quarterly inflation updates through the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Increases are typically minor and reflect cost-of-living changes.
