GIS Work Income Exemption — Earn Up to the Limit Without Losing the Full Supplement
What Is It?
Low-income seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) can earn some work income without losing the full benefit. Service Canada says:
- the first $5,000 of employment or self-employment income is fully exempt, and
- the next $10,000 is partially exempt at 50%
What Most People Don’t Know
- The exemption applies to both employment and self-employment income.
- This rule exists specifically to let seniors keep more of what they earn.
- The exemption also matters for some Allowance recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will earning a small amount of work income automatically wipe out my GIS?
A: No. Service Canada explains that the first $5,000 is fully exempt and the next $10,000 is partially exempt.
Does the exemption apply only to wages?
A: Service Canada’s toolkit says it applies to employment or self-employment income.