Ontario’s Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) is providing low-income seniors with a non-taxable monthly payment of up to $90 starting in July 2025. These payments run through to June 2026, helping cover essential costs for thousands of older Ontarians who already receive Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Whether you’re turning 65 this year or already receiving federal retirement benefits, GAINS could offer additional support, but eligibility is based on your private income, age, and marital status. Here’s everything you need to know about GAINS payments in 2025–2026, including how much you can receive, who qualifies, and when payments are issued.
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What is the GAINS Program?
The Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) tops up federal OAS and GIS benefits with monthly payments of up to $90, offering financial assistance to low-income seniors living in the province.
GAINS is meant to ensure a minimum guaranteed income for older adults who have spent their lives in Ontario and now face retirement on a limited income.
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2025–2026 GAINS Payment Amounts
For the benefit year starting July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, eligible seniors may receive up to $90 per month, depending on their private income.
Maximum GAINS Amount:
- Up to $90/month
- Up to $1,080 annually
If you had no private income in 2024 (such as workplace pensions, RRSP withdrawals, or investment earnings), you will likely receive the maximum GAINS payment.
GAINS payments are added to your federal OAS and GIS payments, giving seniors a more complete income support package.
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GAINS Eligibility Criteria (2025–2026)
To qualify for GAINS payments this year, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be 65 years or older
- Receive both OAS and GIS payments
- Be a Canadian resident for at least 10 years
- Live in Ontario — either:
- For the past 12 consecutive months, or
- For a total of 20 years since age 18
Have annual private income under the limits below:
- Single senior: Less than $4,320/year
- Senior couple: Less than $8,640/year (combined)
Your private income includes money from:
- CPP/QPP benefits
- Workplace pensions
- Interest or dividends
- Rental income
- RRSP withdrawals
OAS and GIS payments are not counted as part of your private income.
If your spouse is under 65 or not receiving OAS, different income thresholds apply.
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Payment Tables Based on Age and Marital Status
The amount you receive under GAINS also depends on your marital status and age group. Ontario has separate payment charts for:
- Ages 65–74:
- Single pensioner
- Married: both pensioners
- Married: one pensioner
- Married: pensioner with spouse aged 60–64
- Age 75 and Over:
- Single pensioner
- Married: both pensioners
- Married: one pensioner
- Married: pensioner with spouse aged 60–64
Each group has slightly different income thresholds and payment amounts. The less private income you have, the higher your GAINS benefit will be — up to the $90/month maximum.
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How to Apply for GAINS
If you’re already receiving OAS and GIS, you do not need to apply separately for GAINS.
Your eligibility is automatically assessed using:
- Information from Service Canada, and
- Details from your annual tax return
Important:
- You must file your income tax return every year by April 30, even if you have no income to report.
- If you are not yet receiving GIS, complete and submit a GIS application to Service Canada.
When Are GAINS Payments Made?
GAINS is paid monthly, typically on or around the 25th of each month, beginning in July and ending the following June.
2025–2026 GAINS Payment Schedule:
- Start Date: July 25, 2025
- End Date: June 25, 2026
These payments are separate from your federal OAS and GIS amounts but are deposited on the same day if you’ve set up direct deposit.
To sign up for or update your direct deposit information, contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
Final Notes
The GAINS program continues to be a crucial part of Ontario’s commitment to supporting its aging population. With rising housing costs and inflation straining seniors’ budgets, the up to $90/month GAINS payment ensures that low-income retirees are not left behind.
If you or someone you know is approaching age 65 or currently receiving OAS and GIS, check to ensure taxes are filed and income details are accurate. Doing so guarantees your GAINS payments arrive on time, starting July 2025.