Potential 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.

On this page

• Canadian Dental Care Plan
• 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

Canadian Dental Care Plan

During a potential Canada Post service disruption, the processing of applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is not impacted. However, we may experience delivery delays for all CDCP related mail.

• We encourage you to sign up for My Service Canada Account to access official correspondence 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

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 would not be impacted by a possible 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 potential 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:
May	May 20, 2025	May 28, 2025
June	June 17, 2025	June 26, 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 would be available during a potential 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 you chose to have your passport mailed to you, you can still get the tracking number using the Passport Application Status Checker, whether it was sent by Canada Post or an alternate courier.

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 potential 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 webpage.