Millions of Canadians could be missing out on money they didn’t even know they had. According to the Canada Revenue Agency, there are more than 10.5 million uncashed cheques worth approximately $1.88 billion sitting unclaimed as of 2026.
These payments include tax refunds, government credits, and benefit payments. The good news is that these cheques never expire, meaning you can still claim funds issued years ago.
What Are These Uncashed Cheques?
Uncashed cheques are payments issued by the Canada Revenue Agency that were never deposited or cashed. This can happen for several reasons:
- The cheque was lost, stolen, or damaged
- The recipient forgot to deposit it
- The mailing address was outdated
- The payment was overlooked
These funds may come from tax refunds, GST/HST credits, or other government benefit programs.
How to Check for Uncashed CRA Cheques
There are two main ways to find out if you have unclaimed money: online or by phone.
1. Checking Online Through CRA My Account
The fastest and easiest method is through your CRA online account.
Steps to Follow:
- Log in to your CRA “My Account”
- Go to the “Uncashed cheques” section
- View any outstanding payments
- Download the pre-filled form (PWGSC 535) for each cheque
Before submitting your request, ensure your direct deposit details and mailing address are up to date.
Submitting the Form:
- Complete the remaining fields
- Sign and date the form manually
- Upload it via the “Submit documents” section online
- Or mail it to the Sudbury Tax Centre
If the form is filled incorrectly, the CRA will return it with instructions for correction.
2. Checking by Phone
If your cheque is not listed online, you may need to contact the Canada Revenue Agency directly.
You Must Call If:
- The cheque is less than six months old
- It relates to business taxes, trusts, or payroll
- It is not visible in your online account
After verification, the CRA will send you a pre-filled form to complete and return.
How to Receive Your Money
Once your request is processed, the CRA will issue a replacement payment.
Payment Options:
- Direct Deposit (fastest method)
- Mailed cheque (may take additional time)
Due to a high volume of requests, processing times are currently 8 to 10 weeks. Mailed cheques can take an extra 10 business days to arrive.
Uncashed CRA Cheques 2026 – Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Uncashed Cheques | 10.5 million+ |
| Total Value | $1.88 billion |
| Issued By | Canada Revenue Agency |
| Payment Types | Tax refunds, GST/HST credits, benefits |
| Expiry Status | Never expire |
| Claim Methods | Online (CRA My Account) or Phone |
| Processing Time | 8–10 weeks |
| Fastest Payment Option | Direct Deposit |
The CRA’s $1.8 billion in uncashed cheques represents a significant opportunity for Canadians to reclaim money that is rightfully theirs. By checking your account online or contacting the CRA, you can quickly determine if you have outstanding payments.
Since these cheques never expire, there is no risk in checking—even if the payment was issued years ago. Taking a few minutes today could result in a valuable financial boost.
FAQ
1. Do CRA cheques expire?
No, CRA cheques never expire, so you can claim them at any time.
2. How long does it take to receive the money?
Processing typically takes 8 to 10 weeks, plus extra time for mailed cheques.
3. Can I get the payment via direct deposit?
Yes, setting up direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your funds.