Amelia
A postal labour disruption is causing mail delivery delays across Canada, and that includes government cheques.
To avoid late payments, Canadians are being urged to enrol in direct deposit immediately and switch to online correspondence for notices and letters.
Below is a clear rundown of what’s happening, which payments are affected, and how to protect your money during the disruption.
What’s happening now
Since September 25, 2025, postal service has been interrupted by job action, which means some letters and cheques may arrive late or not at all.
Government programs have put contingency plans in place, but the fastest way to get paid is direct deposit.
Which payments still go out by mail during the disruption
There is a limited delivery window for specific social benefits to ensure families receive critical support. For October 2025, the following paper cheques are being delivered even during the disruption:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and related provincial/territorial child benefits
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit
- Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit
Delivery date for these cheques: October 17, 2025.
For all other benefits, credits, rebates, and tax refunds, cheque production continues, but undelivered cheques will be securely stored until regular mail resumes.
If you’re on direct deposit, your payments arrive on time; only paper notices are held.
CPP and OAS timing changes
To minimize delays for seniors not yet on direct deposit, CPP and OAS cheques are being issued early during the risk period.
For October, paper cheques are scheduled for October 17, 20 and 21, 2025, and can be deposited as of October 29, 2025 (the regular date). Direct deposit recipients remain unaffected.
What you should do now (quick checklist)
- Enroll in direct deposit for benefits, credits, and tax refunds.
- Create or sign in to online accounts to view notices digitally (My Account / My Business Account / My Service Canada Account).
- Switch correspondence to digital (email/online) so you’re alerted the moment new mail is posted to your account.
- Pay CRA electronically (online banking or CRA portals) to avoid interest and penalty from mail delays.
- If you still receive cheques, monitor the special delivery dates listed above and consider upgrading to direct deposit.
Key facts at a glance
| Topic | What to know | October 2025 details |
|---|---|---|
| Mail status | Postal service is disrupted; some items delayed or not delivered. | Disruption ongoing since Sept 25, 2025. |
| Cheques still delivered | CCB + related provincial/territorial child benefits; Alberta child & family benefit; NL disability benefit. | Delivered Oct 17, 2025. |
| CPP/OAS | Paper cheques issued early during disruption; direct deposit unaffected. | Cheques Oct 17, 20, 21; funds depositable Oct 29. |
| Other CRA payments | Cheques produced; undelivered cheques “stored securely”. | Direct deposit arrives on time. |
| Avoid delays | Enroll in direct deposit, use online accounts, enable email notifications. | Do this now to protect November payments too. |
| Paying CRA | Use electronic payments or your financial institution. | Mailed cheques/remittance vouchers may be delayed. |
How to set up direct deposit fast
- Log in to your CRA My Account to add or confirm your banking details and choose electronic correspondence.
- For CPP, OAS and other Service Canada payments, enroll via My Service Canada Account, by phone, or in person.
The bottom line
A postal strike doesn’t have to delay your money. Direct deposit guarantees on-time payments, and online accounts keep your notices flowing even while mail is slowed or paused.
If you still rely on paper cheques, note the October delivery dates above and switch to direct deposit now to secure your November payments.
FAQs
Will my tax refund cheque be mailed during the strike?
Yes, cheque production continues, but undelivered cheques are stored securely until normal delivery resumes. To get money faster, switch to direct deposit.
I’m on CPP/OAS and still get paper cheques. When will I be paid?
During the disruption, cheques are issued early (October: 17, 20, 21) and are depositable October 29, 2025. Direct deposit is not delayed.
How do I avoid penalties if my mailed payment to CRA is late?
Use electronic payments via CRA portals or your bank. Mailed payments can be delayed; electronic methods prevent interest and penalties caused by mail disruptions.