Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and spousal allowance

Definition

Guaranteed Income Supplement paid to persons aged 65 years and over, and the Allowance or the Allowance for the Survivor paid to 60‑ to 64‑year‑old spouses of old age security recipients or widow(er)s by the federal government during the reference period.

For the 2021 Census, this included the one‑time payment issued in 2020 aimed at providing income support for seniors due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. Seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement received $200.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Statistical unit(s)

• Person

Classification(s)

• Not applicable

Reported in

2021 and 2016 (100% data).

Reported for

Population aged 15 years and over in private households

Question number(s)

Variable derived based on administrative tax and benefit records received from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Responses

Positive dollar value or nil

Remarks

See 'Remarks' under total income.

This variable is a component of Old Age Security pension (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). See also income sources.

For more information, please refer to Appendix 2.4 Components of income in 2020.

For additional information about COVID‑19 benefits, data collection method, coverage, reference period, concepts, data quality and intercensal comparability of the income data, please refer to the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.