The Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) ensures a guaranteed minimum income for Ontario senior citizens by providing monthly payments to qualifying pensioners.

You do not need to apply for GAINS. The Government of Ontario provides money to seniors who get the federal Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), so that they do not fall below the provincial guaranteed income level.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, your benefits will be determined automatically from information received from Human Resources Development Canada.

You are eligible to receive GAINS payments if:

1. you are 65 or older, and receive the full or partial federal Old Age Security (OAS) and the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

2. you are and have been a permanent resident of Ontario for the past 12 months, or you previously lived in Ontario for a total of 20 years after the age of 18; AND

3. your total income from all sources is below the level guaranteed by the province.

Effective July 2000, you are also eligible to receive GAINS payments if:

1. you are a recipient of OAS and GIS benefits under the federal International Benefits program;

2. you have 10 or more years of Canadian residency and meet requirements 2) and 3) above.

Contact Information: 1-800-263-7965

Additional Information available at: Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System