How to Apply for the OAS Allowance if Your Spouse or Partner Receives GIS
Learn how to apply for the federal OAS Allowance if you are age 60 to 64 and your spouse or common-law partner receives or is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, including residency rules, the 2026 income limit, online and paper applications, payment amounts and annual renewal.
CA Canada
Benefits & Support ~ 11 min read
19 FAQ
Updated 2026-08-27
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You may qualify for the OAS Allowance if you are age 60 to 64, your spouse or common-law partner receives the Old Age Security pension and is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement, you are a Canadian citizen or legal resident, you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18, neither you nor your spouse or partner is currently under a sponsorship agreement, and your combined income is below the applicable limit. For July to September 2026, the combined annual income limit is less than $42,144 and the maximum monthly Allowance is $1,428.06. You must apply for the Allowance. Service Canada recommends applying 6 to 11 months before you turn 60, or as soon as possible if you are already 60 to 64. You can apply online through My Service Canada Account or by mail using forms ISP3008 and ISP3026.
What you need
- You must be 60 to 64 years old.
- Your spouse or common-law partner must receive the Old Age Security pension and be eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
- You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident.
- You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18.
- You or your spouse or common-law partner must not currently be under a sponsorship agreement.
- Your combined annual income must be below the Allowance income threshold that applies to your payment period.
- You need your Social Insurance Number.
- You need your spouse or common-law partner's Social Insurance Number and date of birth.
- You need information about the countries where you have lived since age 18.
- You must provide relevant income and deduction information for yourself and your spouse or common-law partner, including foreign income where applicable.
- If employment or pension income has recently stopped or decreased, have the date of the change and the new monthly amount available.
- Banking information is needed if you want to register for direct deposit.
Eligibility
The Allowance is a monthly, tax-free Old Age Security benefit for certain low-income people age 60 to 64 whose spouse or common-law partner receives the OAS pension and is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
You must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident, have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18, and meet the income and sponsorship conditions. For July to September 2026, the combined annual income of you and your spouse or common-law partner must be less than $42,144 when your spouse or partner receives GIS and the full OAS pension.
The maximum monthly amount is not guaranteed. Your actual Allowance depends on your income and marital situation. OAS benefit rates are reviewed in January, April, July and October and may increase with the cost of living.
How to do it
- Confirm that you are age 60 to 64 and that your spouse or common-law partner receives OAS and is eligible for GIS.
- Check that you meet the citizenship or legal-residency rule, the 10-year Canadian residence requirement since age 18 and the sponsorship condition.
- Check the current combined-income threshold. For July to September 2026, it is less than $42,144 when your spouse or partner receives GIS and full OAS.
- Gather your SIN, your spouse or partner's SIN and date of birth, residence history since age 18, foreign-income information if applicable, income and deduction information, and direct-deposit details if desired.
- If applying online, register for or sign in to My Service Canada Account.
- From the Old Age Security section, select Apply for Old Age Security and manage my benefits, then Your benefit(s), Apply for benefits and Application for Allowance or Allowance for Survivor.
- If applying by mail, complete ISP3008, Application for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor, and ISP3026, Statement of Income for the Renewal of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor. Use ISP3008A for completion instructions.
- Submit the application and any required supporting information to Service Canada.
- Monitor the application in MSCA. Service Canada will send a letter if it needs more information or when it makes a decision.
- Review the decision letter for your monthly amount, first payment date and any past payments that may be owed.
- File your income tax return by April 30 each year so Service Canada can review your Allowance entitlement and avoid payment disruption.
Who can get the OAS Allowance?
The federal Allowance is part of the Old Age Security program. It is intended for a low-income spouse or common-law partner who is not yet 65 but whose partner receives the OAS pension and is eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
You may qualify if all of the following apply:
- you are 60 to 64 years old;
- your spouse or common-law partner receives the OAS pension and is eligible for GIS;
- you are a Canadian citizen or legal resident;
- you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18;
- you or your spouse or common-law partner is not currently under a sponsorship agreement;
- your combined annual income is below the current Allowance threshold.
What is the income limit for the Allowance in 2026?
For July to September 2026, when your spouse or common-law partner receives GIS and the full OAS pension, your combined annual net income must be less than $42,144.
The maximum Allowance for that quarter is $1,428.06 per month.
The maximum is not guaranteed. Your actual payment depends on your combined income and the calculation performed by Service Canada.
Can the Allowance amount change during the year?
Yes. Old Age Security benefit amounts are reviewed in January, April, July and October. Payments can increase to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index and do not decrease when the cost of living falls.
This means the maximum Allowance amount and income thresholds can change during the year. Always check the current Service Canada amount for the quarter in which you are applying or receiving benefits.
When should you apply for the Allowance?
Service Canada recommends applying 6 to 11 months before you turn 60.
If you are already age 60 to 64 and have not applied, you should apply as soon as possible.
The Allowance is not something you should assume will start automatically. The Service Canada application page states that you need to apply.
How to apply for the Allowance online
You can apply online through My Service Canada Account.
- Register for or sign in to MSCA.
- Go to the Old Age Security section.
- Select Apply for Old Age Security and manage my benefits.
- Select Your benefit(s).
- Select Apply for benefits.
- Choose Application for Allowance or Allowance for Survivor.
- Complete and submit the application.
MSCA can also be used after you apply to check application status and manage certain contact and banking information.
How to apply by mail
If you prefer a paper application, Service Canada instructs applicants to complete:
- ISP3008, Application for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor;
- ISP3026, Statement of Income for the Renewal of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor.
You can also use ISP3008A, Information Sheet for Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor, for instructions on completing the application.
Submit the completed forms by mail according to the current Service Canada instructions.
What information do you need to apply?
Before applying, gather:
- your Social Insurance Number;
- your spouse or common-law partner's SIN;
- your spouse or partner's date of birth;
- information about countries where you have lived since age 18;
- foreign-income information for you and your spouse or partner, including the type of income and annual amount in Canadian dollars;
- banking details if you want direct deposit;
- information about the date employment or pension income stopped or decreased and the new monthly amount, if applicable.
What income must be reported?
When applying for the Allowance, both you and your spouse or common-law partner must report income and applicable deductions.
Income can include:
- Canada Pension Plan benefits;
- Quebec Pension Plan benefits;
- private pension income;
- superannuation income;
- foreign pension income;
- other income that must be included under the applicable Service Canada rules.
What deductions may reduce income for Allowance purposes?
Service Canada lists several deductions that may be relevant when determining income, including:
- CPP or QPP contributions;
- Employment Insurance premiums;
- elected pension split income deduction;
- union or professional dues;
- RRSP, registered pension plan or Saskatchewan Pension Plan contributions;
- eligible moving and employment expenses;
- clergy residence deduction;
- deductions reducing rental income;
- certain child or spousal support payments;
- attendant care and other disability supports deductions;
- other deductions permitted by the CRA.
How does employment income affect the Allowance?
Service Canada applies an earnings exemption to employment and self-employment income for GIS, Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor recipients.
You can earn up to $5,000 and still receive the full benefit amount under the earnings exemption. For employment or self-employment earnings between $5,000 and $15,000, the benefit is reduced by 50 cents for each dollar of earnings in that range.
Your exact Allowance remains dependent on the full income calculation for you and your spouse or partner.
What if your income dropped because you retired?
If your current income is lower than the previous year's income because you or your spouse or common-law partner retired, or because another pension was reduced or stopped, contact Service Canada.
In qualifying circumstances, Service Canada may calculate your benefit using an estimate of current-year income instead of relying only on last year's income.
How long does an Allowance application take?
Service Canada does not publish a fixed processing time on the current Allowance application page.
After you submit the application, Service Canada will mail you a letter that either:
- asks for more information; or
- gives you a decision.
Your decision letter will state:
- the monthly amount you will receive;
- the date of your first payment;
- any past payments that may be owed to you.
Can you check your Allowance application online?
Yes. After applying, you can use My Service Canada Account to check the status of your application.
MSCA also allows you to update certain information, including your mailing address, phone number and direct-deposit information once the required account settings are activated.
When does the first Allowance payment start?
Service Canada states that your first payment will be either:
- the month after you qualify; or
- the date shown on your decision letter.
If Service Canada determines that past payments are owed, those amounts will be listed in the decision letter.
How is the Allowance paid?
The Allowance is paid monthly.
You can receive the benefit by:
- direct deposit into an eligible bank account; or
- cheque if you have not chosen direct deposit.
Service Canada states that cheques are mailed during the last three business days of each month.
Is the Allowance taxable?
No. Allowance payments are tax-free and are not considered taxable income.
You must still file a federal income tax return each year because your benefit is reviewed using income information from your return.
Do you have to reapply every year?
Service Canada reviews your Allowance annually using your federal income tax return.
Each July, you receive a letter stating whether:
- your benefit is renewed and the new amount;
- your benefit is stopped;
- your benefit will start or resume;
- Service Canada needs more income information.
You generally do not submit a brand-new application every year simply because a new July benefit period begins, but you must keep your tax and personal information current.
Why is filing taxes by April 30 important?
Service Canada instructs Allowance recipients to file their income tax return by April 30 every year to avoid disruption of payments.
If you do not receive your expected July payment, contact Service Canada as soon as possible and be prepared to provide income information for both you and your spouse or common-law partner.
What happens if your spouse dies while you receive the Allowance?
If you were receiving the Allowance and your spouse or common-law partner dies, Service Canada states that you will be automatically converted to the Allowance for the Survivor.
The Allowance for the Survivor has its own eligibility and payment rules, but an existing Allowance recipient does not need to start a completely new application solely for that conversion.
When does the Allowance stop?
The Allowance is specifically for people age 60 to 64. Your entitlement can also change when your income, marital status, residency or other eligibility conditions change.
Service Canada reviews eligibility annually and can stop or change payments when you no longer meet the applicable conditions.
What if you disagree with the decision?
If you disagree with Service Canada's decision on your Allowance application, you can request a reconsideration.
The request must be submitted in writing within 90 days of receiving the decision letter.
Allowance application checklist
- Confirm you are age 60 to 64.
- Confirm your spouse or common-law partner receives OAS and is eligible for GIS.
- Confirm you meet the citizenship or legal-residency requirement.
- Confirm you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18.
- Confirm neither you nor your spouse or partner is currently under a sponsorship agreement.
- Check the current combined annual income threshold.
- Gather both SINs and your spouse or partner's date of birth.
- Gather residence history and foreign-income information.
- Gather information about recent reductions in employment or pension income.
- Apply online through MSCA or by mail using ISP3008 and ISP3026.
- Check MSCA for application status.
- Review the decision letter for your payment amount and start date.
- File taxes by April 30 every year to reduce the risk of payment interruption.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the OAS Allowance?
You may qualify if you are age 60 to 64, your spouse or common-law partner receives OAS and is eligible for GIS, you are a Canadian citizen or legal resident, you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years since age 18, the sponsorship condition is met and your combined income is below the current threshold.
What is the Allowance income limit in 2026?
For July to September 2026, the combined annual net income limit is less than $42,144 when your spouse or common-law partner receives GIS and the full OAS pension.
How much is the OAS Allowance in 2026?
For July to September 2026, the maximum Allowance is $1,428.06 per month. The actual amount depends on combined income and can be lower.
Is the Allowance taxable?
No. Service Canada states that the Allowance is a tax-free monthly payment.
Do I have to apply for the Allowance?
Yes. Service Canada's current Allowance page states that you need to apply for the benefit.
When should I apply for the Allowance?
Service Canada recommends applying 6 to 11 months before you turn 60. If you are already age 60 to 64, apply as soon as possible.
Can I apply for the Allowance online?
Yes. You can apply through My Service Canada Account by opening the Old Age Security section and choosing the Application for Allowance or Allowance for Survivor.
What forms do I need to apply by mail?
Service Canada instructs paper applicants to complete ISP3008, Application for the Allowance or Allowance for the Survivor, and ISP3026, Statement of Income for the Renewal of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor.
What information do I need for an Allowance application?
You need your SIN, your spouse or partner's SIN and date of birth, residence history since age 18, applicable foreign-income information, income and deduction information, and banking details if you want direct deposit.
Can I get the Allowance if I have lived in Canada for less than 10 years since age 18?
The current standard eligibility rule requires at least 10 years of residence in Canada since age 18. If your history includes residence or contributions in another country, contact Service Canada because international social security agreements may affect some pension situations.
How does working affect the Allowance?
Service Canada applies an earnings exemption to employment and self-employment income. Up to $5,000 of earnings can be exempt, and earnings between $5,000 and $15,000 are subject to a 50% reduction rule for the applicable benefit calculation.
What if my income dropped after retirement?
Contact Service Canada if you or your spouse or common-law partner has lower current income because of retirement or a pension reduction or stoppage. Service Canada may be able to estimate current-year income instead of using only last year's income.
How long does an Allowance application take?
Service Canada does not publish a fixed processing time on the current Allowance application page. It will send you a letter if more information is needed or when a decision has been made.
Can I track my Allowance application online?
Yes. My Service Canada Account allows you to check your application status after you apply.
When will my first Allowance payment arrive?
Service Canada states that the first payment will be the month after you qualify or the date shown on your decision letter.
Do I need to reapply for the Allowance every year?
Service Canada reviews the benefit annually using your federal tax return. Each July it tells you whether the benefit is renewed, changed, stopped or whether additional income information is required.
Do I need to file taxes to keep receiving the Allowance?
Yes. Service Canada instructs recipients to file their tax return by April 30 each year to avoid disruptions to Allowance payments.
What happens to my Allowance if my spouse dies?
If you are already receiving the Allowance and your spouse or common-law partner dies, Service Canada states that you will be automatically converted to the Allowance for the Survivor.
What can I do if Service Canada denies my Allowance application?
You can request reconsideration in writing. The request must be made within 90 days of receiving the decision letter.
Official sources
AllowanceAllowance - Do you qualifyAllowance - How much you could receiveAllowance - ApplyAllowance - After you applyAllowance - Receiving your benefitOld Age Security payment amountsMaximum Benefit Amounts and Related Figures - July to September 2026Related procedures
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