Help for individuals affected by hazardous weather
On this page
The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians affected by hazardous weatherFootnote 1 across the country.
For more information, consult:
Apply for Employment Insurance
If you’re unable to work due to hazardous weather, apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits as soon as possible, even if your employer hasn’t yet issued you a record of employment.
You need your social insurance number (SIN) to apply for EI benefits. If you don’t know your SIN or don’t have one, you can find your SIN or apply for one.
To process your application, we need your mailing and residential addresses.
- Provide a mailing address where you can receive mail (you can update this address later, if required). For example, the address of a:
- friend
- family member
- temporary shelter
- Provide your usual residential address, even if you’re temporarily living somewhere else
Submit your EI reports
To receive EI benefits, you must complete and file reports online or by phone every 2 weeks.
If you receive money from an insurance company because of hazardous weather, or relief funds from the government, the Red Cross or another charitable organization, don’t declare these amounts on your EI reports. Emergency relief funds aren’t considered income for the purposes of EI. Declare all other amounts received.
Get your payments on time
To receive your payments without any postal delays, sign up for direct deposit.
If you need more help
For additional support, contact us or send us an eServiceCanada request.
Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security
The delivery of physical pension cheques by mail may be impacted by hazardous weather in areas across Canada.
To ensure timely delivery of benefits, those who have not signed up yet are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. Those affected by hazardous weather can change their address to ensure they receive their cheques.
To sign up or to make a change, Canadians can send an eServiceCanada request. A representative will contact them by telephone within 2 business days. They can also call 1-800-277-9914.
Those who still receive paper cheques are encouraged to visit Canada Post for updates and alternative delivery arrangements or pick-up locations.
For more information, please contact us.
Student loan and apprentice loan borrowers
Are you affected by a natural disaster and need help making your loan payments? You can fast track your application for the Repayment Assistance Plan.
Contact the National Student Loans Service Centre or Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre for more details.
Work-Sharing
Wildfires
Work-Sharing Special Measures to support businesses affected by the 2023 Wildfires occurring in multiple regions across Canada are effective June 25, 2023 to November 4, 2023.
Employers experiencing a decline in business activity attributable to the 2023 Wildfires in Canada can be eligible for Work-Sharing Wildfire Special Measures if they:
- are located in the affected areas, and/or
- have major customers and/or major suppliers located in the affected areas
Further details regarding the special measures posted on the Work-Sharing Overview page under the “Special measures” section. Please check the website regularly for updates.
Contact us
If a client requires further support and assistance to access service, help is available through an eServiceCanada request. This is available online and on mobile phones.
Clients can also call the Service Canada Outreach Support Centre to receive assistance from a Service Canada representative.
Service Canada Outreach Support Centre
Contact the Service Canada Outreach Support Centre toll-free at 1-877-631-2657.
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: