Stick to the Facts
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Millions of Canadians are sitting on unclaimed government money, and it could be yours. From tax refunds to pension payments, carbon rebates, and benefits, the federal government has issued billions in cheques that remain uncashed. The good news? Discovering if the government owes you money is easier than you might think.
Understanding the Scope of Unclaimed Government Funds
Canadians have left more than $2 billion in uncashed government cheques unclaimed. These payments include:
- Tax refunds and credits issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Pension payments
- Benefit payments
- Carbon rebates
- COVID-19 subsidies and emergency support
Data from Conservative finance critic Adam Chambers reveals that in the past four fiscal years alone, nearly 3.9 million government-issued cheques went uncashed, totaling $2,159,665,155. That’s a significant sum that could be waiting for you.
How to Check for Uncashed Government Cheques Online
The quickest way to see if the government owes you money is by logging into your CRA online account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Sign in to your CRA account
- Look for the “Uncashed Cheques” tab – this usually appears on the right-hand side of your screen if you are using a computer
- Review your uncashed payments – this list includes personal cheques such as tax refunds, tax credits, and benefit payments that are more than six months old
This method is fast, secure, and allows you to immediately see what money you may have overlooked.
What to Do About Recent or Special Payments
If you’re trying to check newer payments, business-related cheques, or trust cheques, you will need to contact the CRA by phone.
You should also call if you are searching for uncashed COVID-19 benefits or subsidy payments.
No matter which route you take, you will need to fill out a claim form. Once submitted online or by mail:
- If you are registered for direct deposit, the funds will be sent directly to your bank account
- If not, a paper cheque will be mailed to your address
Why Direct Deposit is the Best Option
To avoid missing future payments, the federal government encourages Canadians to register for direct deposit. Benefits include:
- Instant deposits to your bank account without waiting for a cheque
- Reduced risk of losing or forgetting payments
- Faster access to emergency or unexpected payments
You can sign up for direct deposits through your CRA online account or by visiting your bank. Keep in mind, this service cannot be set up over the phone.
The Cost of Paper Cheques
Although cheques are still used, the federal government prefers direct deposits for efficiency. The cost of issuing a paper cheque is about $1.83, and with millions of payments issued each year, this adds up.
Currently, only 8.51% of federal payments are made by cheque, meaning most Canadians already benefit from the convenience and cost savings of direct deposit.
Tips for Never Missing Government Payments Again
- Register for CRA online access – you can track payments and tax information anytime
- Sign up for direct deposit – receive funds quickly and securely
- Check for uncashed cheques regularly – older cheques may still be waiting for you
- Keep your mailing address updated – ensure paper cheques reach you if needed
Following these simple steps will help ensure you never leave government money unclaimed again.
Conclusion
Millions of Canadians are leaving government money unclaimed, but it doesn’t have to be you. By checking your CRA account, filing any necessary forms, and signing up for direct deposit, you can access your tax refunds, benefits, and other government payments quickly and securely. With billions unclaimed, taking these steps is both practical and financially wise.