Security, common errors and next steps

Protect your pension and avoid payment delays

Protect your personal information: never share your Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank account number, online banking password or CRA login credentials via email, text message, social media or unofficial websites. Be immediately suspicious of any unsolicited contact claiming to be from Service Canada or the CRA and asking you to “verify your banking information” or “confirm your direct deposit details”.

Service Canada and the CRA will never ask for your banking information or SIN via an unexpected phone call, text or email. If you receive such a request, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

⚠️ Common errors that delay CPP and OAS payments

Outdated banking information: if you recently changed banks and did not update your bank account number and transit number in your My Account or by calling Service Canada, your direct deposit may be returned and take additional business days to be reprocessed and credited.

Switching banks mid-cycle: when updating your banking information for direct deposit, there is a processing period of one to two payment cycles. Do not close your previous chequing account or savings account until you have confirmed that the first automatic payment has been successfully credited to the new account.

Not checking your bank statement before visiting a branch: always verify your available balance through your bank’s mobile app or online banking before making a trip to an ATM or branch. This avoids unnecessary travel if your direct deposit is still being processed.

Incorrect mailing address on file: if you receive any correspondence from Service Canada or the CRA by mail and have moved recently, update your address through My Account or by calling 1-800-277-9914. An incorrect address can delay important notices related to your pension benefit.

✅ Recommended next steps

Confirm your next payment date now through My Account on Canada.ca or the MyCRA app and add it to your calendar. With your payment amount and date confirmed, plan your monthly budget — rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance and any scheduled bank transfers — well in advance.

If you are still receiving your pension benefit by cheque, consider enrolling in direct deposit through your My Account or by visiting your bank. Direct deposit is faster, more secure and eliminates the risk of a lost or delayed cheque affecting your available balance.

Share this guide with other CPP and OAS recipients in your family or community. Keeping everyone informed about the official Service Canada payment schedule reduces the risk of fraud and supports better collective financial planning.

For any questions, use only the official channels: canada.ca, the Service Canada helpline 1-800-277-9914 or the MyCRA app. Never click on shortened links or respond to unverified messages requesting details about your pension benefit or bank account.

If you notice any discrepancy in the amount of your automatic payment, take screenshots of your bank statement and your My Account payment history and contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914. Having this documentation ready significantly speeds up any investigation or correction.