Disruption of Canada Post services
Employment and Social Development Canada and Service Canada have measures in place to ensure that clients continue to receive services and benefits during a disruption of Canada Post services.
My Service Canada Account
When you register for My Service Canada Account (MSCA), there may be delays in getting your Personal Access Code (PAC) by mail. You can request a PAC in person or by phone. Otherwise, you can register for MSCA and verify your identity using the Interac® verification service if this option is available to you.
On this page
- Canadian Dental Care Plan
- Canada Disability Benefit
- Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime
- Employment Insurance benefits
- Social Insurance Number
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Wage Earner Protection Program
- Work-Sharing Program
- Canada Student Grants and Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans
- Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
- Apprenticeship Grants
- Passport Program
- Labour Standards Complaints
- Canada Summer Jobs
- Grants and Contributions Programs
Canadian Dental Care Plan
During a Canada Post service disruption, the processing of applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is not impacted. However, we will experience delivery delays for all CDCP related mail.
- We encourage you to choose digital communication when you apply, and sign up for My Service Canada Account to access official correspondence online related to your eligibility status under the CDCP
- To review the status of your application, you can use the status checker tool or dial 1-833-537-4342, select your preferred language, then press 3
- If your status is eligible-enrolled and you require your member ID and coverage start date, you can contact us at 1-833-537-4342 or visit the Contact Us section
- Before receiving treatment, make sure to confirm your coverage with your oral health provider to avoid unexpected costs
- Apply to the CDCP
Canada Disability Benefit
To avoid payment delays, we strongly encourage all clients to sign up for direct deposit. It is the most reliable and efficient method of payment and is not affected by a Canada Post services disruption. For clients who are not enrolled in direct deposit and receive their payments by cheque, delays may still occur. Clients who would like to receive their next payment by direct deposit must provide the information as soon as possible, by contacting Service Canada.
Clients applying for the Canada Disability Benefit should use the online application, as paper submissions may cause processing delays. If you have a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and are potentially eligible to the Canada Disability Benefit, you can access My Service Canada Account (MSCA), for an invitation to apply letter to access a streamlined application. Please note that mail-outs, including decision letters, will be affected during the strike.
Please consult the Canada Disability Benefit for additional information.
Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime
We encourage all applicants to sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays. Direct deposit is the most efficient and surest method of payment and will not be impacted by a postal disruption.
We encourage applicants to submit their application and supporting documents (signed copies of the Employment Form(s) and Incident Report Form) online.
Decision letters on applications will be delayed during a postal disruption.
Employment Insurance benefits
We encourage you to sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays in payment due to postal service disruptions. Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable payment method that is not affected by mail delivery issues.
If you’re expecting your access code, a cheque or paper reports by mail, or want to sign up for direct deposit, contact the Employment Insurance (EI) program.
We have measures in place to ensure that you continue to receive EI services and benefits. Additional information and instructions will be posted on this page, if necessary.
Social Insurance Number
Individuals who are applying for themselves and are eligible for a My Service Canada Account are encouraged to apply online and opt to receive their SIN digitally. They will be able to view their SIN by signing into their My Service Canada Account.
Individuals who urgently require their SIN and are not eligible for a My Service Canada Account are encouraged to apply in person at a Service Canada Centre. If everything is in order, they will receive their SIN during their visit.
Individuals who are unable to visit a Service Canada Centre and are not eligible for a My Service Canada Account may still apply through courier services. If everything is in order, their SIN and documents will be returned by courier services.
Employers looking to confirm the SIN of a current or former employee may call Service Canada at 1-866-274-6627.
Individuals who have forgotten their existing SIN, may find it on their income tax return, tax slips, record of employment or RRSP contribution documents.
For information on how to apply for a SIN, update a SIN record or obtain a Confirmation of SIN, visit the Apply, update or obtain a SIN Confirmation page.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications are submitted using LMIA Online. If you’re unable to use LMIA Online, consult the LMIA Online troubleshooting section or contact the Employer Contact Centre.
If you pay for LMIA fees by certified cheque, money order or bank draft, we recommend using a courier. You could also email EDSC.PTET.PILOTETEF-TFWP.EFTPILOT.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca to arrange an online banking payment.
Wage Earner Protection Program
We encourage all applicants to sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays. Direct deposit is the most efficient and surest method of payment and will not be impacted by a postal disruption.
We encourage applicants to apply for the Wage Earner Protection Program online to avoid delays. Applications submitted by mail during a postal disruption will be accepted outside the 56-day application deadline.
Decision letters on applications will be delayed during a postal disruption.
An extension will be granted for Wage Earner Protection Program review and appeal requests submitted by mail during a postal disruption.
Work-Sharing Program
Processing of applications for Work-Sharing agreements will not be impacted by a Canada Post service disruption.
We encourage all employers to submit their completed forms by email to their Regional Work-Sharing Unit , to drop off their applications at their nearest Service Canada Centre or send them directly to the closest processing centre by courier.
Canada Student Grants and Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans
In the event of a Canada Post labour disruption, students should continue to apply for Canada Student Grants and Loans. To apply, contact your province or territory for details. For Canada Apprentice Loans, apply online at the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre (CALSC).
Submitting loan documents to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)
Students can register for an online account and complete the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) electronically by following Step 4: Submit your loan documents instructions. Using online services will prevent a labour disruption from affecting your ability to submit documents to the NSLSC.
Receiving grant and loan payments
Borrowers are encouraged to set up direct deposit so that funds can be transferred directly to their bank accounts. Direct deposit is the standard way the Government of Canada delivers payments and is the fastest and safest way to get your money. Log in to your NSLSC or CALSC account to enroll.
Making loan payments
If you make payments via cheque or money order, it is recommended that you set up a Pre-Authorized Payment Plan via your online NSLSC or CALSC account.
You can also make payments through your bank online or by telephone banking. Contact your financial institution or visit its website to add Canada Apprentice Loan or National Student Loans Service Centre to your bill payment list. Use your loan number as your account number.
Please note that during a Canada Post labour disruption, you are still responsible for making your loan payments on time.
Receiving information about your grants and loans
Notices about your grants and loans are sent to your NSLSC or CALSC online accounts. Log in and make sure that your information is up to date. For critical or time-sensitive information, the NSLSC or CALSC may also try to contact you by telephone.
Applying for the Repayment Assistance Plan
You can apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) online through the NSLSC or CALSC websites. To apply, sign in to your account and choose “Repayment Assistance.”
Applying for the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit
To apply for the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit (SPDB), contact the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) at 1-888-815-4514 or the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre (CALSC) at 1-855-844-5670. To submit your SPDB documents, you can courier the documents to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (c/o Client Services Division, 140 Place du Portage, Hull, QC K1A 0J9) at your own expense, to ensure timely processing. You can also wait until the service disruption is over to submit your documents. Please note that during the adjudication process, you are still responsible for making your loan payments on time. You may also apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan online through NSLSC or CALSC websites.
For further assistance regarding your loan
For Canada Student Grants and Loans, contact the NSLSC:
- 1-888-815-4514 (within North America)
- 800 2 225-2501 (outside North America)
- TTY: 1-888-815-4556
For apprentice loans, contact the CALSC:
- 1-855-844-5670 (within North America)
- 905-283-1766 (outside North America)
- TTY: 1-855-844-5671
Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
To avoid payment delays, we encourage all clients to sign up for direct deposit as it is the most reliable and efficient method of payment that will not be affected by any postal service interruptions.
You can sign up for direct deposit by calling Service Canada using the phone numbers listed below, by accessing your My Service Canada Account, or by visiting a Service Canada Office.
For clients who are not enrolled in direct deposit, Service Canada will take proactive steps to help ensure monthly payments are received on time. To minimize delays, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) cheques will be issued early each month until the risk of postal disruption has passed.
Canada Post will deliver paper cheques to those who do not have direct deposit even during a full postal disruption as per the following:
| Month | Cheques will be delivered on: | Payments will be dated and able to be deposited as of: |
|---|---|---|
| September | September 19, 23 and 24, 2025 | September 25, 2025 |
| October | October 17, 20 and 21, 2025 | October 29, 2025 |
*This chart will be updated as required to include additional months.
Non-receipt of Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments
In the event of a postal strike, clients who have not received their cheques can contact Service Canada by using the phone numbers listed below or by visiting a Service Canada Office.
Clients with a Post Office (PO) Box may experience delays or difficulties receiving their cheques. To avoid any disruption, we strongly recommend that you:
- sign up for Direct Deposit or
- provide a residential mailing address where your cheque can be delivered safely
We are committed to maintaining the highest level of service during this time. The fastest and surest way to receive your payment is by signing up for direct deposit. This method ensures your funds are deposited directly into your bank account, unaffected by any postal service interruptions.
Submitting documentation for the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security during a postal strike
To ensure receipt of your supporting documents during the postal strike, clients can submit documents for CPP in one of the following ways:
- online: use the “Upload Supporting Documents” feature available in your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). This is a fast, secure, and efficient way to submit your documents without needing to visit an office
- in person: if you prefer to submit documents physically, you can visit your nearest Service Canada Office
Contacting the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
For further assistance call us:
Canada and the United States Toll-free: 1-800-277-9914
Canada and the United States TTY: 1-800-255-4786
Outside Canada and the United States: 1-613-957-1954 (Call collect)
For further information on how to contact us, please consult Contact us - Canada.ca
Apprenticeship Grant
We encourage you to sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays in receiving your cheque. Direct deposit is the most efficient and surest method of payment that will not be impacted by a postal disruption. It is secure, convenient and reliable.
Please note that the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and Apprenticeship Completion Grant ended on March 31, 2025. Applications are no longer being accepted. The deadline for submitting supporting documents is 12 months from your application deadline date but no later than March 31, 2026.
You have the following options to provide your supporting documents during the postal disruption:
- submit your supporting documents online
- send your documents by courier, at your own expense
- submit your supporting documents in person at a Service Canada Centre
Passport Program
Passport services are available during a Canada Post labour disruption.
Passport application processing is not affected. An alternate courier has been retained to ensure passports will continue to be delivered wherever possible.
If your passport is stuck in the mail, it will be delivered when the labour disruption ends. If you need your passport urgently, call us at 1-800-567-6868 (TTY: 1-866-255-7655) or visit any Service Canada location.
If you’re planning to submit a passport application, please apply early.
To learn more about the ways to get your passport, visit the Passport Program website.
Labour Standards Complaints
During a Canada Post service disruption, the processing of complaints filed with the Labour Program is not impacted.
However, complaints sent through mail may arrive late.
We encourage you to send your completed labour standards complaint form by email to NA-ERO-GD@labour-travail.gc.ca. For more information, visit the Filing a labour standards complaint web page.
Canada Summer Jobs
To avoid delays in receiving cheque payments during a Canada Post service disruption, we encourage you to sign up for direct deposit or to renew your enrolment. This form can be submitted in your Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account, encrypted and sent by email to the Service Canada representative identified in your funding decision email, sent by messenger service, or dropped off in person at a Service Canada Centre.
All the documents required for your project can be submitted online using the links in your funding decision email, or by signing up for GCOS.
Grants and Contributions Programs
To avoid delays in receiving cheque payments during a Canada Post service disruption, we encourage you to sign up for direct deposit or to renew your enrolment. This form can be submitted in your Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account, encrypted and sent by email to the Service Canada representative identified in your funding decision email, sent by messenger service, or dropped off in person at a Service Canada Centre.