Thousands of Canadians could be missing out on money they’re rightfully owed from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). According to a recent report, a staggering number of CRA-issued cheques—worth millions of dollars collectively—have gone uncashed over the years. These payments include tax refunds, Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments, GST/HST credits, and other federal benefits that were never deposited or cashed by recipients. The forgotten funds may be sitting in government limbo, waiting for individuals to take simple steps to reclaim them.
The CRA has recognized the growing issue of uncashed cheques and recently launched an initiative to help Canadians track down and claim this money. Through the agency’s online portal, users now have access to a specific feature designed to alert them to any outstanding payments. As cost-of-living pressures continue to mount, this news could represent much-needed financial relief for many households—if they act soon. Here’s everything you need to know, from who’s eligible to how to claim your share of lost funds.
Overview: CRA Uncashed Cheques Program
| Program Name | CRA Uncashed Cheques Notification |
| Launched By | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Total Uncashed Amount (as of latest report) | Over $1 billion since 1998 |
| Types of Payments Affected | GST/HST Credit, CCB, Income Tax Refunds, Credit Assessments |
| How to Check | Online through CRA My Account portal |
| Claim Process Duration | Varies; May require identity verification |
What changed this year
Up until recently, Canadians had to jump through several hoops to find out if they had any uncashed CRA payments. The process was manual, requiring forms, mail-in requests, or time-consuming calls. Now, the CRA has simplified access by integrating a notification feature directly into its My Account portal. Users can log in and immediately see whether any cheques issued to them remain outstanding.
This shift comes in response to growing awareness and concern about the vast unclaimed balances residing in CRA coffers, especially during a time when many Canadians are struggling with rising expenses. According to CRA, the issue surged to prominence during the pandemic, when cheques may have gone undelivered or got lost amid address changes.
Who qualifies and why it matters
Virtually any Canadian who has ever received a government-issued payment through CRA may be eligible for an outstanding cheque. This includes individuals who moved and didn’t update their mailing address, users who misplaced physical cheques, or those who failed to deposit them in time. CRA cheques do not expire, meaning you can still claim them—even if they were issued two decades ago.
The most common uncashed payments include tax refunds, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST credits, and working income tax benefits. The problem isn’t just limited to older Canadians or those with lower incomes—students, newcomers, and even high-income earners may find forgotten funds in their CRA accounts.
“It’s surprising how many Canadians unknowingly leave money on the table. With My Account, there are now fewer excuses—checking for missing payments takes minutes.”
— Placeholder, CRA media spokesperson
How to apply step-by-step
Reclaiming your missing money is easier than ever thanks to CRA’s online enhancements. Below is a step-by-step guide to finding and requesting any uncashed cheques:
- Log into your CRA My Account: Go to the official CRA website and enter your login credentials. Set up an account if you don’t already have one.
- Navigate to the “Uncashed Cheques” section: From the main dashboard, go to “Accounts and Payments” and click “Uncashed Cheques.”
- Review listed payments: Any uncashed cheques issued to you since 1998 will appear. You will see when the cheque was issued, the amount, and the benefit type.
- Submit form to request reissue: Download Form PWGSC 535 and mail it to the address provided or follow any updated instructions displayed in your My Account.
- Complete identity verification (if applicable): The CRA may ask for additional documents before releasing funds, especially for older or high-value cheques.
It may take several weeks for the CRA to process your request and issue a replacement cheque or direct deposit.
Common reasons cheques go uncashed
The reasons for unclaimed CRA payments vary. Some of the most common include:
- Outdated addresses or name changes from marriage or legal changes.
- Lost or destroyed paper cheques that were never replaced.
- Lack of awareness that a payment was ever issued.
- Bank errors or failure to deposit within six months of issuance.
For many, it’s simply a matter of oversight or assuming no further payments are coming. But in reality, small amounts add up—and in some cases, the totals have reached thousands of dollars per individual.
Who stands to benefit the most
Low- and middle-income Canadians, as well as students and new immigrants, are likely to see the most benefit from this initiative. Many of these individuals qualified for federal credits and benefits in the past but may have been transient or unaware of the procedures needed to claim their payments.
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Low-income Canadians | Those who don’t use CRA My Account |
| Students and young adults with past tax filings | People unaware of cheque reissue options |
| Parents eligible for CCB or GST rebates | Deceased individuals without estate action |
Next steps Canadians should take now
Canadians are encouraged to log into their CRA My Account as soon as possible to check for uncashed cheques. This feature could lead to an unexpected windfall—and even if you don’t currently see any outstanding payments, regular checks are advised following new filings or address changes.
Those who prefer not to use the online system can still contact CRA directly, though the process may involve mailed forms and longer turnaround times. Either way, the key takeaway is: these funds are yours to reclaim, and there’s no penalty or expiry if the cheque was never cashed. But the sooner you act, the faster you can put that money to good use.
“I was shocked to find over $800 in missed tax refunds from years ago still waiting for me. Took less than 10 minutes to request reissuance.”
— Placeholder, Canadian taxpayer testimonial
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have an uncashed CRA cheque?
Log into your CRA My Account and navigate to the “Uncashed Cheques” section under “Accounts and Payments.” Any missing payments will be listed there.
Can someone else claim a cheque on my behalf?
Generally, no. However, legal representatives of deceased individuals or those with power of attorney may be able to submit a claim with proper documentation.
Do CRA cheques expire?
CRA cheques do not expire. Even if a cheque was issued 20+ years ago, it may still be reissued upon request if it remains uncashed.
Is there a fee to request a reissued cheque?
No, the CRA does not charge any fee to reissue a cheque. The process is free of charge, though documentation may be required.
Can uncashed payments be sent through direct deposit instead?
Yes. You can update your direct deposit information with CRA, and future payments—including reissued ones—can be sent electronically.
Where can I get help if I’m not tech-savvy?
You can call CRA’s general inquiries line to ask about your account or visit a local tax clinic or community center offering government form assistance.