If you receive Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan benefits, or Old Age Security — or if you ever will — Service Canada holds your records. When you move, updating your address there is a separate step from the CRA, and it's one most Canadians miss.
Why Service Canada Is Separate from the CRA
This surprises many Canadians. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada are two distinct federal agencies under different departments. CRA manages tax accounts, benefits like the GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit, and RRSP/TFSA records. Service Canada manages employment programs (EI), public pensions (CPP), and retirement benefits (OAS/GIS).
Changing your address with one does not update the other. You need to contact both separately after a move.
- Income tax returns
- GST/HST credits
- Canada Child Benefit
- RRSP/TFSA room
- Business accounts
- Employment Insurance (EI)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- SIN records
Method 1 — Online via My Service Canada Account (Fastest)
Go to My Service Canada Account
Visit canada.ca and search "My Service Canada Account," or go directly to canada.ca/my-service-canada-account. Sign in using GCKey or your Sign-In Partner (online banking credentials).
Navigate to Personal Information
From the dashboard, select Profile and Preferences, then Personal Information.
Update your mailing address
Select Update mailing address. Enter your new full address including postal code. Changes are applied immediately.
Verify your direct deposit details
While in your profile, confirm your direct deposit banking information is current. Address changes don't affect direct deposit, but it's worth verifying both while you're there.
Method 2 — By Phone
Monday–Friday, hours vary by region
Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:30pm local time
For hearing-impaired callers
Have ready: your SIN, date of birth, and current address on file to verify identity.
EI Claims — Address Update While on Benefits
If you are currently receiving Employment Insurance, keeping your address current is mandatory. Missed or misdirected notices about your claim can result in payment interruptions or compliance issues.
When submitting your regular EI report, there is a section for reporting changes. You can also log in to My Service Canada Account at any time to update mid-claim. Do not wait until your next report — update it as soon as you move.
CPP and OAS — What's at Stake
For CPP and OAS recipients, an outdated address means pension statements, tax slips (T4A), and correspondence from Service Canada go to the wrong location. If you don't have direct deposit — or if Service Canada needs to contact you about your benefits — a wrong address creates real problems.
Importantly: if your direct deposit account changes at the same time as your address (common when switching banks after a move), update both in the same session via My Service Canada Account to avoid any payment gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my address with Service Canada?
Log in to My Service Canada Account at canada.ca/my-service-canada-account. Under "Personal Information," select "Update address." Changes take effect immediately in the system. You can also call 1-800-622-6232 (Employment Insurance) or 1-800-277-9914 (CPP/OAS) to update by phone.
Does updating my CRA address also update Service Canada?
No. CRA and Service Canada are separate government systems with separate databases. Changing your address with CRA does not update Service Canada, and vice versa. You must update each separately — through My Account (CRA) and My Service Canada Account (Service Canada).
What happens if I don't update my address with Service Canada?
EI benefit payments, CPP cheques, OAS payments, and GIS payments will be sent to your old address. If you receive direct deposit, payments continue — but important notices, T4As, and correspondence will be misdirected. CRA may have trouble matching your tax records if the address differs between agencies.
How do I update my address for EI while receiving benefits?
Log in to My Service Canada Account and update your personal information. If you are currently on an active EI claim, changes appear immediately. You can also report the change on your next EI Report Card in the "Changes to Report" section. Keeping your address current on an active claim is mandatory.
Can I change my CPP and OAS address by mail?
Yes. Write to Service Canada at the address listed on your most recent benefit statement. Include your full name, Social Insurance Number, date of birth, old address, new address, and a signature. Allow 4–6 weeks for processing. Online via My Service Canada Account is significantly faster.
Service Canada done. Now for the rest.
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