Can I work part-time and still get GIS?

Yes. You can work part-time and still receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Employment does not automatically cancel GIS, although your benefit may decrease as your countable income rises.

Under the current GIS earnings exemption, the first $5,000 of annual employment or self-employment income is ignored. For earnings between $5,000 and $15,000, only half is counted. If you earn $15,000 from work, for example, $5,000 remains for the GIS income calculation. Earnings above $15,000 receive no additional exemption. This special treatment applies to work income—not CPP, workplace pensions, or RRSP/RRIF withdrawals. If both partners receive GIS and work, each person has their own earnings exemption.

GIS itself is tax-free, but your employment income is still reported for income-tax purposes. Service Canada generally recalculates GIS each July using income from the previous calendar year's tax return, so file every year. Your actual payment also depends on your marital status, combined household income, and your spouse or partner's benefit status. Review how different income sources affect GIS or contact Service Canada for your own calculation.