GIS direct deposit sign-up is now available through My Service Canada Account, giving Guaranteed Income Supplement recipients a new online way to manage where their payments are sent.
Service Canada added the option to the Guaranteed Income Supplement page on September 25, 2026.
The department says direct deposit can help recipients avoid delays associated with mailed payments.
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How to set up GIS direct deposit
Recipients must first call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 or visit a Service Canada location to activate notifications and alerts on their account.
That activation step is required once before the direct-deposit information can be updated through My Service Canada Account.
After activation, recipients can register for or sign in to My Service Canada Account and open the Old Age Security dashboard.
From there, they should select Profile and then choose Manage my payment destination.
Once the change is confirmed, the new banking information will appear under Payment details on the Profile page.
Service Canada’s instructions apply to people managing their OAS and GIS information online through the account.
What the change means for GIS payments
The Guaranteed Income Supplement is a monthly, tax-free benefit for eligible Old Age Security recipients with low income.
GIS is normally issued together with the OAS pension as a single payment.
Recipients can choose to receive eligible pension payments by mail or by direct deposit into a bank account in Canada, the United States or another participating country.
Those who do not choose direct deposit continue to receive a cheque by mail during the last three business days of the month.
The new MSCA option gives recipients another way to make or manage that payment choice without relying solely on paper forms or telephone support.
Recipients should confirm their banking information
Anyone changing payment details should carefully review the account information entered before submitting the request.
Recipients should also check the Payment details section after the change has been confirmed to ensure the update appears correctly.
Service Canada says updated banking information is displayed in the account after confirmation.
People who cannot access MSCA or who need help with a payment should contact Service Canada before changing their banking arrangements through another channel.
Tax filing remains important for GIS recipients
The direct-deposit update does not change the requirement to file a tax return when it is needed to renew or reassess GIS eligibility.
Service Canada warns that GIS payments may stop or be reduced if a recipient has not filed their 2025 tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Recipients who have not filed should do so as soon as possible or contact Service Canada to discuss reporting their income directly.
GIS eligibility and annual payment amounts are reviewed using income information, including information from the federal tax return.
Who can receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement
GIS is generally available to people who are 65 or older, receive the Old Age Security pension and meet the income requirements.
Service Canada may automatically enrol eligible people when it has enough information, although some applicants still need to submit an application.
People who have not received an enrolment letter within one month after their 64th birthday are advised to contact Service Canada to determine whether they need to apply.
Applications for OAS and GIS can also be submitted online through My Service Canada Account when the applicant meets the online-application conditions.
What happens next
The direct-deposit feature is now presented on the official GIS and OAS information pages and is available through the OAS dashboard in MSCA.
Recipients who prefer mailed cheques do not have to switch to direct deposit.
For those who choose the electronic option, the practical steps are to activate MSCA notifications, sign in, select the payment-destination tool and confirm the updated banking information.
The next scheduled GIS payment date listed by Service Canada is October 28, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can GIS recipients now sign up for direct deposit online?
Yes. Service Canada says GIS recipients can use the Old Age Security dashboard in My Service Canada Account to manage their payment destination.
What must be done before changing GIS banking information in MSCA?
Recipients must first call 1-800-277-9914 or visit a Service Canada location to activate notifications and alerts on their account.
Where is the direct-deposit option located in MSCA?
After signing in, open the OAS dashboard, select Profile and then choose Manage my payment destination.
Will GIS payments stop if someone does not switch to direct deposit?
No. Recipients can continue receiving payments by mailed cheque if they do not choose direct deposit.
Can GIS payments be affected by an unfiled tax return?
Yes. Service Canada says GIS payments may stop or be reduced if a recipient has not filed their 2025 tax return with the CRA.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against the official Service Canada GIS overview, OAS MSCA instructions and GIS payment guidance updated or reviewed on September 25, 2026.
Disclaimer: Payment eligibility, timing and amounts can vary by individual circumstances, so recipients should confirm account-specific information directly with Service Canada.