Thousands of low-income Canadian seniors are turning their attention to a widely discussed $1500 monthly GIS payment scheduled for 2025. While this amount has not been officially confirmed by Service Canada, it reflects an estimated total that eligible pensioners may receive when their OAS (Old Age Security) and GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) benefits are combined.
If you’re 65 or older and receiving both federal benefits, you could be among the seniors who qualify for this enhanced financial support in 2025 — potentially reaching or even slightly exceeding $1500 per month in direct deposits.
Here’s the full breakdown, including who qualifies, how much you might receive, and the official payment dates for this year.
What Is the $1500 Monthly GIS Payment?
First, it’s important to clarify the headline figure: $1500 is not a new standalone benefit, but rather a combined total for some eligible seniors receiving both GIS and OAS payments.
As of early 2025, Service Canada pays up to:
- $800.44/month in OAS for seniors aged 75+
- Up to $1086.88/month in GIS for single low-income seniors
- The combined total can reach $1454.67 or more, especially for older seniors or those whose payments are delayed or indexed higher for inflation
This number has been rounded up to $1500 in many discussions online, though no new benefit titled “$1500 GIS Payment” has been officially introduced. It is a reasonable estimate for certain recipients — especially married seniors with no additional pension income.
Who Is Eligible for the Combined GIS and OAS Benefit?
To potentially receive the estimated $1500 per month, a senior must qualify for both GIS and OAS. Here are the official eligibility criteria:
OAS Pension Eligibility
- Must be 65 years or older
- Must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident
- Must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18
- Income limits apply for eligibility
- Ages 65–74: Income must be below $148,451/year
- Ages 75+: Income must be below $154,196/year
GIS Eligibility
- Must also be 65 years or older
- Must be eligible to receive OAS pension
- Must have a low personal or household income based on marital status:
- Single, Widowed, or Divorced: Below $22,056/year
- Married (Spouse receives OAS): Below $29,136/year
- Married (Spouse receives Allowance): Below $40,800/year
- Married (Spouse receives neither Allowance nor OAS): Below $52,848/year
GIS is a non-taxable benefit designed to supplement the income of seniors with little to no additional pension or retirement savings.
Official 2025 GIS and OAS Payment Schedule
Both GIS and OAS payments follow a fixed monthly schedule. If you are approved for either or both benefits, you’ll receive your payment on these official CRA deposit dates:
| Month | GIS + OAS Deposit Date |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | January 29 |
| February 2025 | February 26 |
| March 2025 | March 27 |
| April 2025 | April 28 |
| May 2025 | May 28 |
| June 2025 | June 26 |
| July 2025 | July 29 |
| August 2025 | August 27 |
| September 2025 | September 25 |
| October 2025 | October 29 |
| November 2025 | November 26 |
| December 2025 | December 22 |
Seniors receiving direct deposit will typically see their funds by midday on the listed date, although processing times can vary slightly by financial institution.
Why This Combined Payment Matters in 2025
With rising inflation, housing costs, and food prices, many Canadian seniors are finding it harder to keep up financially — especially those who rely solely on federal pensions.
The estimated $1500 combined GIS + OAS amount offers important relief to thousands of older Canadians, particularly:
- Single seniors with no workplace pension
- Couples relying solely on federal retirement programs
- Elderly Canadians who’ve lived in Canada most of their lives but have limited savings
Though this benefit is not new, public awareness has increased in 2025 due to inflation concerns and public discussions around guaranteed income reforms.
Important Note: It’s Not a New Benefit
Let’s be clear — the $1500 GIS benefit is not a new program launched by the federal government. It is simply a high-end estimate based on existing payment structures for seniors eligible for both OAS and GIS.
This amount may vary:
- Seniors under 75 may receive slightly less due to smaller OAS payments
- Married seniors with higher household incomes may qualify for reduced GIS amounts
- Payment totals may also fluctuate based on annual reassessments and tax returns
To find out exactly how much you or your family member qualifies for, you can log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) at www.canada.ca.
Final Word: What Seniors Should Do Next
For seniors hoping to receive the full $1500 monthly total, the best course of action is to:
- Verify your eligibility through the CRA or Service Canada
- Submit your tax return each year — GIS eligibility is recalculated annually based on income
- Check your bank on the official deposit dates listed above
- Avoid misinformation — only trust details shared by official government sources
If you’re not sure about your pension eligibility, or you need help applying for GIS or OAS, you can contact Service Canada or speak with a financial advisor who specializes in government retirement benefits.