Many recipients who are still getting checks in the mail will have to pick them up this month

After years of talk, in May PEI adopted direct deposit for social benefits like Financial Assistance and Disability Support.

Many didn’t get the paperwork done and will have to pick up their cheques due to the postal strike.

The simple system change required a visit to the local government office to sign a form and deliver a blank cheque. From then on, monthly social benefit cheques are automatically deposited in the bank before month end.

However, not everyone could get to the government office to finish the paperwork in time.

While direct deposit clients got their deposit yesterday on June 28th, there are thousands of Islanders who had to make appointments to pick up theirs due to the postal strike.

On PEI, clients are advised to call their support worker or the following offices: Charlottetown 368-5996, Summerside 432-2740, Montague 838-0700, O’Leary 859-8824, or Souris 687-7016.

Things aren’t much better in Ontario. The Ontario government issued a press release advising those who don’t get their ODSP and Ontario Works cheques by direct deposit to pick them up.

“Citizens who receive Ontario Works and ODSP cheques by mail will have to pick up their July cheques to ensure they get them on time,” according to a press release.

“Canada Post only resumed its regular operations today (June 28) after back-to-work legislation ordered postal workers back to their jobs.”

“Those who receive their cheques by direct deposit “do not need to attend,” the press release said.

For more information on where to pick up your cheque in Ontario call 705-564-4515 or your local office.