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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

Update to Canada Post services delivery: there may be delays in getting your Personal Access Code (PAC) by mail when you register for My Service Canada Account (MSCA). You can also 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.

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Canadian Dental Care Plan

During the Canada Post service disruption, the processing of applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was not impacted. However, we did experience delivery delays for all CDCP related mail due to the postal service disruption.

  • 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 2
  • 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 all clients to sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays in payment. 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.

Note: If you obtained or updated your access code during the postal disruption, please disregard any access code letter you receive in the mail.

We have measures in place to ensure that you continue to receive EI services and benefits. Additional information and instructions will be posted here, 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 the 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

Canada Post services have resumed, but the disruption created a backlog. While students should continue to apply, there may be delays in the delivery of important documents. To apply for Canada Student Grants and Loans, contact your province or territory.

For Canada Apprentice Loans, apply online at the Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre (CALSC).

Our online services are the best way for borrowers to manage their loans.

For help, contact:

  • Canada Apprentice Loans, at 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

As of December 17th, 2024, postal services have resumed

Canada Post is delivering the cheques on December 18th, 2024, to ensure clients receive their cheques by the payment due date of December 20th, 2024.

Payments issued by direct deposit will be deposited on December 20th, 2024.

Regular mail delivery dates will resume in January 2025 to ensure clients receive their cheques by the payment due date of January 29th, 2025.

Payments issued by direct deposit will be deposited on January 29th, 2025.

Non-receipt of Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments

If you did not receive your November or December cheques during the postal disruption, please call Service Canada.

Mailed correspondence during the Postal Disruption

Some letters created during the postal disruption will be dated much earlier than the date received by the client. Where additional information or documentation is requested in those letters, Service Canada will extend the period for clients to provide the requested information to account for the mail delivery delays.  Clients are encouraged to reply to all requests for additional information and documentation as soon as possible.

Clients can upload supporting documents using the upload supporting document function in their My Service Canada Account (MSCA). This function is only available for Death benefits, Disability benefits and Survivor’s pensions.

Clients who want to submit documentation in person can visit a Service Canada Centre to drop them off. You can find the Service Canada Centre nearest to you using the Find a Service Canada office page.

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

Apprenticeship Grants

We encourage all apprentices 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 apprentices to apply and submit any supporting documents for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant online to avoid delays.

If supporting documents, from your provincial or territorial apprenticeship issuing authority, are delayed due to the postal disruption, please submit your application online to secure your submission date.

Decision letters on applications will be delayed during a postal disruption.

Passport Program

Mail delivery of passports is gradually resuming

As of December 19, Canada Post has started picking up passports we held during the labour disruption for delivery. However, delays are expected as they catch up.

If you already applied and need your passport urgently

Call us at 1-800-567-6868 (TTY: 1-866-255-7655) or visit us at any Service Canada location to ask for your file to be transferred for pickup. You must provide proof of travel and may need to pay additional fees.

Canada Summer Jobs

Applications submitted by mail could be delayed by Canada Post service disruptions. As all applications must be received or date stamped by December 19, 2024, we strongly encourage submitting your application through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) or the online fillable application form, by messenger service, or in person at a Service Canada Centre. See the Canada Summer Jobs website for more information on how to apply.

Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program – Call for Concepts – Step 1

Applications submitted by mail could be delayed by Canada Post service disruptions. As all applications must be received or date stamped by January 24, 2025, we strongly encourage submitting your application through email or by messenger service. See the Personal Support Worker Retirement Saving Innovation Program – Call for Concepts – Step 1 for more information on how to apply.

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