Frequently Asked Questions

Payments from the Government of Canada

• I have moved and want to make sure I receive my Government of Canada cheque at the new address. How do I inform the federal government of my new address?
• How do I enroll for direct deposit?
• I receive my payment by direct deposit and plan to change my bank account. How do I make sure the payment will be deposited to my new account?
• What do I do if my Government of Canada cheque is lost, destroyed or stolen, or if my direct deposit was not made?
• Where can I, as a former federal public servant, get information about my superannuation pension?
• I received a cheque from the Government of Canada, but don't know what it's for. How do I find out?
• Can I cash a Government of Canada cheque that is dated more than six months ago?
• Do I have to pay a fee to cash a Government of Canada cheque at a financial institution (bank, credit union, trust company, caisse populaire) in Canada?
• I am the executor of a deceased relative's estate, and a payment for the deceased was recently received from a federal department. What do I do with the cheque, or with the money deposited directly in the deceased's account? Does it have to be repaid?
• I am the executor of a deceased relative's estate, and I want to make sure the government stops making payments to the deceased. How do I do that?

Payments to the Government of Canada

• How do I pay money I owe to the Government of Canada?
• I have received an invoice asking me to make a payment to the Receiver General, but I don't know what it's for. How do I find out?
• I am the executor of a deceased relative's estate, and I recently received an invoice from the Government of Canada in the deceased's name. Does the estate have to pay it?

Questions from Financial Institutions

• I work in a financial institution and have been presented a Government of Canada cheque that is dated more than six months ago. Is it stale dated?
• I work in a financial institution and have a Government of Canada cheque presented to me for cashing. How do I know if it is valid?
• I work in a financial institution and I have been presented a Government of Canada cheque dated after May 1, 2000, printed on the old design. Should I accept it?
• I work in a financial institution and we lost an encashed Government of Canada cheque en route to our data centre. How do we make a claim for settlement?

Questions from Businesses

• I am a merchant who has been presented a Government of Canada cheque for cashing. How do I know if the cheque is valid?
• I am a merchant who has lost a Government of Canada cheque I cashed for a customer. How do I recover the amount from the Receiver General?
• My company recently did some work for a federal department and we haven't been paid yet. How do I find out when we will be paid?
• What legal procedures are involved in processing an Assignment of Crown Debt?

Questions from Recipients of Foreign Payments

• Why has the Government of Canada awarded a contract to the Bank of America® for foreign banking services?
• What kinds of payments will the Bank of America® make on behalf of the Government of Canada?
• What are the benefits to recipients?
• What are the benefits to the Government of Canada?
• Will my cheque look different now that the Bank of America® is issuing payments?
• Can I continue to have my benefits issued in Canadian currency?
• Receiving my benefits in local currency is not the best for me. Can I have my benefits issued in US dollars?
• When can I have my benefits deposited directly to my bank account?
• Will there be any change to the date of delivery of my monthly benefit now that Bank of America® is issuing my cheque?
• Should I expect additional banking fees because Bank of America® will be issuing my cheque?
• I am getting a good exchange rate when I cash my cheque now. What will the exchange rate be when the Bank of America® converts my cheque to local currency?
• Will I continue to receive payment information on my cheque stub now that the Bank of America® is issuing the cheques?
• Why does the amount on the cheque stub differ from the actual cheque amount?
• You told me that effective January, 2004, I would be receiving my benefits from Bank of America® and in local currency. However, I am still receiving a Canadian government cheque. When will I start receiving a Bank of America® cheque and the benefits you described?
• I recently completed an enrollment request for Direct Deposit. How can I verify if it has been received?

Other

• Where can I read the Public Accounts of Canada?
• What is the rate of interest the Government of Canada pays on late payments?
• How do I find out if I have money in dormant bank accounts?

Payments from the Government of Canada

Q. I have moved and want to make sure I receive my Government of Canada cheque at my new address. How do I inform the federal government of the new address?

A. Please get in touch with the department responsible for the payment. If you receive more than one federal payment by cheque, please be sure to change your address for each.

Programs and Services

• Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan and Canada Student Loans, Employment Insurance: contact Human Resources and Skills Development at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml.
• Income Tax Refunds, Goods and Services Tax Credit or Rebate, Canada Child Tax Benefit: contact the Canada Revenue Agency at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html.
• Canada Savings Bonds: contact the Bank of Canada at http://www.csb.gc.ca/eng/.
• Veterans' benefits: contact Veterans Affairs Canada at http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/.
• Public Service Pension Plan: contact the Public Service Pension Centre, at http://pensionetavantages-pensionandbenefits.gc.ca/index.html.

To find out how to contact other federal departments or agencies, go to the Canada Site at http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html or call 1-800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

Q. How do I enroll for direct deposit?

A. Please contact the department responsible for the payment or, for general direct deposit information, view our general direct deposit information. If you want to have more than one federal payment made by direct deposit, please get in touch with the department responsible for each.

Q. I receive my payment by direct deposit and plan to change my bank account. How do I make sure the payment will be deposited to my new account?

A. Please contact the department responsible for the payment. It is recommended that you not close your old account until the payment has been deposited to your new one. If you receive more than one federal payment by direct deposit, please get in touch with the department responsible for each.

Q. What do I do if my Government of Canada cheque is lost, destroyed or stolen, or if my direct deposit was not made?

A. Please contact the department responsible for the payment. There may be legal forms you will have to complete.

Q. Where can I, as a former federal public servant, get information about my superannuation pension?

A. The superannuation program is administered by the Public Service Pension Centre of Public Works and Government Services Canada in Shediac, New Brunswick. Please go to Your Public Service Pension and Benefits Portal at http://pensionetavantages-pensionandbenefits.gc.ca/rtr/ppntrtr-rtrmmbr-eng.html, or call 1-800-561-7930 (within Canada and the continental USA) or 506-533-5800 (from outside Canada or the continental USA - collect calls are accepted).

Q. I received a cheque from the Government of Canada, but don't know what it's for. How do I find out?

A. Normally, the department responsible for the payment is identified on the cheque stub. Often, there is also a phone number to call if you have questions. If there is no stub, please contact the Payment Products and Services Directorate, of Public Works and Government Services Canada, at 819-956-1455, or by e-mailing the Receiver General for Canada.

Q. Can I cash a Government of Canada cheque that is dated more than six months ago?

A. Receiver General cheques are never stale dated, meaning you can cash them no matter how old they are. The financial institution (bank, credit union, trust company, caisse populaire) in Canada has the right, however, to validate the cheque by faxing a copy to the Cheque Redemption and Control Directorate in Matane, Quebec.

Q. Do I have to pay a fee to cash a Government of Canada cheque at a financial institution (bank, credit union, trust company, caisse populaire) in Canada?

A. No. By law, a financial institution (bank, credit union, trust company, caisse populaire) in Canada cannot charge a fee for cashing a Government of Canada cheque.

Q. I am the executor of a deceased relative's estate, and a payment for the deceased was recently received from a federal department. What do I do with the cheque, or with the money deposited directly in the deceased's account? Does it have to be repaid?

A. In most cases, money received during the month of death has to be repaid, but there are some exceptions. Please contact the responsible department for details. If more than one federal payment was received, please get in touch with the department responsible for each.

Q. I am the executor of a deceased relative's estate, and I want to make sure the government stops making payments to the deceased. How do I do that?

A. Please contact the responsible department for details on how to stop the payments. If the deceased was receiving more than one federal payment, please get in touch with the department responsible for each.

Payments to the Government of Canada

Q. How do I pay money I owe to the Government of Canada?

A. All departments accept payment by cheque. Make it payable to the Receiver General for Canada and send it to the department to which the money is owed. Many departments also accept payment by credit of debit card, while others allow payment by telebanking, personal computer banking, money order or travellers cheque. To determine which options are available to you, please get in touch with the appropriate department.

Q. I have received an invoice asking me to make a payment to the Receiver General, but I don't know what it's for. How do I find out?

A. The invoice was sent to you by a specific department, not by the Receiver General. The name of the department should be indicated on the invoice or envelope, so you should contact that department to discuss the invoice.

Q. I am the executor of a deceased relative's estate, and I recently received an invoice from the Government of Canada in the deceased's name. Does the estate have to pay it?

A. Yes, the estate has to pay. Please contact the responsible department for information on how to make the payment.

Questions from Financial Institutions

Q. I work in a financial institution and have been presented with a Government of Canada cheque that is dated more than six months ago. Is it stale-dated?

A. Receiver General cheques are never stale dated, as stated in Canadian Payments Association Rule G2, General Rules Pertaining to Government of Canada Paper Instruments.

Q. I work in a financial institution, and have a Government of Canada cheque presented to me for cashing. How do I know if it is valid?

A. First, look for the two most prominent security features, the watermark and the fibres.

You should then refer to Canadian Payments Association Rule G7, Verification and Collection Procedures for Receiver General Warrants.

Q. I work in a financial institution and I have been presented a Government of Canada cheque dated after May 1, 2000, printed on the old design. Should I accept it?

A. Receiver General cheques are never stale dated, as stated in Canadian Payments Association Rule G2, General Rules Pertaining to Government of Canada Paper Instruments.

For tips on how to validate a Government of Canada cheque or warrant, look for the two most prominent security features, the watermark and the fibres. You should then refer to Canadian Payments Association Rule G7, Verification and Collection Procedures for Receiver General Warrants.

Q. I work in a financial institution, and we lost an encashed Government of Canada cheque en route to our data centre. How do we make a claim for settlement?

A. The procedures to claim settlement for a lost cheque are explained in Canadian Payments Association Rule G3, Rules Pertaining to the Redemption and Settlement of Government of Canada Paper Instruments.

Questions from Businesses

Q. I am a merchant who has been presented a Government of Canada cheque for cashing. How do I know if the cheque is valid?

A. For tips on how to recognize a valid cheque, please consult the article entitled, "Message to Businesses - Security Features on Government of Canada Cheques".

Q. I am a merchant who has lost a Government of Canada cheque I cashed for a customer. How do I recover the amount from the Receiver General?

A. You must first determine which department issued the cheque, then contact it to explain the situation. You will be asked to provide information to help identify the cheque. The department will then send you the form to complete so you can request reimbursement.

Q. My company recently did some work for a federal department and we haven't been paid yet. How do I find out when we will be paid?

A. It is recommended that you first contact the office where you submitted your invoice for the product or service you provided. Payment is normally made within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. If needed, you could also contact the official responsible for the project or contract, who should follow up on your behalf. To reach the right department, please refer to your contract, or consult the Canada Site at http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html or call 1-800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

Q. What legal procedures are involved in processing an Assignment of Crown Debt?

A. Please contact the Payment Standards Division of Public Works and Government Services Canada, at 819-956-2726, for information on how to process an Assignment of Crown Debt. You may also send an e-mail to the Receiver General for Canada.

Questions from Recipients of Foreign Payments

Q. Why has the Government of Canada awarded a contract to the Bank of America® for foreign banking services?

A. Through a competitive process, the Bank of America® was awarded a contract to manage the Government of Canada's foreign banking requirements.

Q. What kinds of payments will the Bank of America® make on behalf of the Government of Canada?

A. The contract includes provisions for all Government of Canada payments to recipients outside of Canada. These payments include, for example, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Public Service Superannuation, GST Visitor Rebates and Accounts Payable.

Q. What are the benefits to recipients?

A. Recipients should see some improvement in service. Their cheques will be in the currency of the country where they live, so they should get a better exchange rate. They may see lower fees for cashing cheques.

Q. What are the benefits to the Government of Canada?

A. The Government of Canada can take advantage of the Bank of America® 's international banking network and expertise to provide recipients with better service at a lower cost.

Q. Will my cheque look different now that the Bank of America® is issuing payments?

A. The cheques will continue to display the Canada wordmark and logo on the top portion. The remainder of the cheque will be designed and signed by a Bank of America® official.

Q. Can I continue to have my benefits issued in Canadian currency?

A. No. Overwhelmingly, Canadians living abroad have asked the Government of Canada to provide cheques in the local currency of their country of residence. The benefits of this option include lower administrative fees and better rates of exchange. You may still receive your payment in Canadian currency if you direct it to a Canadian location.

Q. Receiving my benefits in local currency is not the best for me. Can I have my benefits issued in US dollars?

A. No. Overwhelmingly, Canadians living abroad have asked the Government of Canada to provide cheques in the local currency of their country of residence. The benefits of this option include lower administrative fees and better rates of exchange.

Q. When can I have my benefits deposited directly to my bank account?

A. The first direct deposit may take approximately three months after receipt of the completed enrollment form. Direct Deposit is available for recipients living in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Norway and the Czech Republic.

If you reside outside of one of these countries, please check the RG web site (http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/txt/66-eng.html) to see when direct deposit will be available to your country.

Currently direct deposit is available for most program payments. To determine if direct deposit is available for the program for which you are receiving benefits you may call the department that issues your cheque. The numbers are as follows:

Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Inquiries for Canada and the United States the toll free number is 1-800-277-9914(eng) and 1-800-277-9915(fr) other countries 613-957-1954 (collect).

Canadian Government Annuities (CGA)

Inquiries for Canada and the United States the toll free number is 1-800-561-7922 other countries (charges apply) 506-548-7972 and fax number 506-548-7428.

Veterans Affairs Pension (VAP)

Inquiries Foreign Countries Operations 00-1-800-996-22421 (toll free from UK, Germany, France, Belgium) 1-888-996-2242 (toll free from US) other countries 613-996-2242 (collect)

War Veterans Allowance (WVA)

Inquiries Ontario Regional Office-Benefit Administration. Collect calls will be accepted at 705-567-9571 ext. 4371

Canadian Forces Pension

Toll free from anywhere in Canada and the United States 1-800-267-0350 -- Bilingual Services
Any other location (Call collect) 613-952-9933 -- Bilingual Services

The mailing address is:
Canadian Forces Pensions
Specialized Services Division
1451 Coldrey Ave
Ottawa ON K1A 0S5

Public Service Pension

All regions of Canada and Continental USA (toll-free) English service - 1-800-561-7930
French service - 1-800-561-7935

Outside Canada 506-533-5800
Services for TTY (text telephone) users 506-533-5990
Fax Number 418-566-6298
Internet Site : http://www.pensionetavantages-pensionandbenefits.gc.ca

If you wish to write us at the FOLLOWING ADDRESS, please make sure that you have indicated your PENSION NUMBER (FILE NUMBER).

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Public Service Pension Center, Mail facility
150 Dion Blvd., PO Box 8000
Matane Qc G4W 6T6

RCMP Pension

Telephone: 1 1-800-661-7595
WEB: www.pbs-sra.ca

The mailing address is:
RCMP Benefits Administration Centre
c/o Morneau Sobeco
1060 University Street, 9th Floor
Montreal, Quebec
H3B 4V3

Judges' Pension

Toll free from anywhere in Canada and the United States 1-877-583-4266 -- Bilingual Services
Any other location (Call collect) 613-995-5140 -- Bilingual Services

The mailing address is:
Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs
8th floor
99 Metcalfe street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1E3

Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances

Toll free from anywhere in Canada and the United States 1-800-883-2456
Any other location (Call collect) 613-957-0440

The mailing address is:
Members of Parliament Pensions
Specialized Services Division
1451 Coldrey Ave
Ottawa ON K1A 0S5

Q. Will there be any change to the date of delivery of my monthly benefit now that Bank of America® is issuing my cheque?

A. No. The Government of Canada and the Bank of America® are working together to ensure that socio-economic payments continue to be delivered in the same timeframe that you are currently receiving your cheque.

Q. Should I expect additional banking fees because Bank of America® will be issuing my cheque?

A. No. As a result of this contract, you should benefit from a better exchange rate and may see a reduction in banking fees.

Q. I am getting a good exchange rate when I cash my cheque now. What will the exchange rate be when the Bank of America® converts my cheque to local currency?

A. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so it is impossible to pre-determine the rate. However, the Bank of America® will be able to offer a competitive rate.

Q. Will I continue to receive payment information on my cheque stub now that the Bank of America® is issuing the cheques?

A. Yes, you will continue to receive the same stub information as you are currently receiving.

Q. Why does the amount on the cheque stub differ from the actual cheque amount?

A. Where the cheque has been requisitioned in Canadian currency and converted to local currency the amount on the cheque stub reflects the Canadian dollar value of the payment before it was converted to local currency.

Q. You told me that effective January, 2004, I would be receiving my benefits from Bank of America® and in local currency. However, I am still receiving a Canadian government cheque. When will I start receiving a Bank of America® cheque and the benefits you described?

A. Please contact the department that issues your cheque to rectify the situation.

• War Veterans Allowance (WVA)
  
  Inquiries Ontario Regional Office-Benefit Administration Collect calls will be accepted at 705-567-9571 ext. 4371
• Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
  
  Inquiries Foreign Countries Operations 00-1-800-996-22421 (toll free from UK, Germany, France, Belgium) 1-888-996-2242 (toll free from US) Other countries 613-996-2242 (collect)
• Income Security Program (ISP)
  
  Inquiries Clients from the US can call 1-800-277-9914 (English) or 1-800-277-9915 (French) Foreign clients can call 613-957-1954 (this call is at their expense) Clients can also fill out a feedback page at http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/isp/contact/contact_us.shtml.
• Visitor Rebate Program
  
  1-800-668-4748 (in Canada) 902-432-5608 (outside Canada) Clients can send e-mail to: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors Clients can write to:
  
  
  Visitor Rebate Program
  Summerside Tax Centre Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
  275 Pope Road,
  Suite 104 Summerside,
  Prince Edward Island
  C1N 6C6
  Canada

Q. I recently completed an enrollment request for Direct Deposit. How can I verify if it has been received?

A. You should contact the government department responsible for the program for which you have applied for direct deposit. For example, if you have completed an enrollment form for Old Age Security or Canada Pension Plan, you would contact Service Canada. For the Canada Child Tax Benefit or the Goods and Services Tax Credit, you would contact the Canada Revenue Agency. These are examples. There are other departments that administer programs that offer Direct Deposit as a payment method. Whichever department is responsible for the payment in question should be contacted for enrollment verification.

Other

Q. Where can I read the Public Accounts of Canada?

A. The Public Accounts of Canada are tabled in the House of Commons each fall. Copies are available in most libraries, or you can read them at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/txt/72-eng.html.

Q. What is the rate of interest the Government of Canada pays on late payments?

A. The Payment on Due Date rate is based on the average Bank of Canada discount rate for the previous month plus 3 percent. Complete information is available at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/recgen/txt/71-eng.html.

Q. How do I find out if I have money in dormant bank accounts?

A. If your account has been inactive for less than ten years, contact your financial institution. When there has been no owner activity in relation to the balance for more than 10 years, and the owner cannot be contacted by the institution holding it, the balance is turned over to the Bank of Canada, which acts as custodian on behalf of the owner. You can search for an unclaimed balance by using the search form from the Bank of Canada at the following URL: http://ucbswww.bank-banque-canada.ca/scripts/search_english.cfm.

If you haven't found the information you need, you can contact the Receiver General for Canada by e-mail(RequetesRG.RGEnquire@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca) or by regular mail at:

Place du Portage
Phase III Core 11A2
11 Laurier Street, Hull, QC
K1A 0S5