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
During a disruption of Canada Post mail services, 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.
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 Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans
- Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
- Apprenticeship Grants
- Passport Program
- Canada Summer Jobs
- Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program – Call for Concepts – Step 1
Canadian Dental Care Plan
During the Canada Post service disruption, the processing of applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will not be impacted.
In the case of rotating postal strikes, you may experience delays in receiving your mail, but deliveries will continue.
In the event of a full postal disruption, we expect delivery delays for all CDCP related mail due to the postal service disruption.
- We encourage all Canadians to sign up for My Service Canada Account to access your CDCP decision letter
- To review the status of your application, please use the status checker
- As a reminder, please ensure you have your membership card before booking an appointment with your provider for care.
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 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 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 Loans and Grants 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.
For further assistance regarding your loan
For Canada Student Grant 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
We encourage all Canadians to sign up for direct deposit. Direct deposit is the most efficient and surest method of payment that will not be impacted by a postal disruption. You can sign up by calling Service Canada.
Service Canada will issue early release of CPP and OAS cheques every month until there is no longer a risk of postal disruption to ensure clients receive their monthly payments on time. Canada Post will deliver those cheques even during a full postal disruption as per the following:
| Month | Cheques will be delivered on | Payments will be dated |
|---|---|---|
| November | November 20, 2024 | November 27, 204 |
| December | December 18, 2024 | December 20, 2024 |
Non-receipt of Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments
The fastest and surest way to get your payment is by signing up for direct deposit. Clients who have not received their cheques can contact Service Canada.
Clients who have a Post Office (PO) Box could face difficulties obtaining their cheque. It is recommended that clients update their account with their direct deposit information or provide us with a residential address to ensure their payment is not impacted by the postal disruption.
Submitting documentation for the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
For the Canada Pension Plan, clients can also submit supporting documentation using the upload supporting document function in their My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
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 Government of Canada contacts
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
Canadians who have applied for a new passport and chose to get it by mail will have it sent to them as soon as mail service resumes. If they have already submitted an application and are in urgent need of a passport, they should call 1-800-567-6868 (TTY: 1-866-255-7655) or visit a Service Canada Centre to request to have their passport transferred to one of the 60 Service Canada locations that offer pick up service.
If a client mailed their passport application just prior to the start of the Canada Post labour dispute, it’s possible that Service Canada has not received the application. In these cases, we will not be able to process the application until mail service resumes.
Canadians who will be travelling in the next 6 weeks should apply for their passport as early as possible at a Service Canada point of service that offers 10-business day service to avoid any delays by mail. Those travelling in more than 6 weeks can visit a Service Canada Centre that offers 20 business day service to submit their application or submit their application by courier.
Canadians are encouraged to consult the Canada Post website for updates on service interruptions before sending any application by mail. Note that there is no impact to mail service for clients residing in the United States.
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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