The federal government is making it easier for Canadians to go chequeless for their federal payments. Ottawa has simplified the website devoted to helping individuals and businesses enrol in direct deposit by the April 2016 deadline.
The website has very helpful new features including videos, infographics, a "Share this" page link, a new simplified fillable form and much more. The site was re-designed to help Canadians find information about direct deposit and to learn about the many benefits such as faster, more secure payments, reduced risk of loss or theft, no trips to the bank on blustery winter days and it's free to enrol. The new website offers visitors a new simplified downloadable direct deposit form, a chart of federal payments, information for visitors outside Canada, frequently asked questions and some interesting trivia.
For example:
• Direct deposit has been used by the federal government since 1991 and will replace cheques by April 2016.
• In fiscal year 2012–2013, the Receiver General issued approximately 315 million federal payments, about 79.3% by direct deposit.
• The Receiver General makes direct deposit payments in 48 foreign countries.
If you have not yet enrolled to receive your federal payments by direct deposit, now is the time. You can download the simplified enrolment form now at www.directdeposit.gc.ca, by calling 1-800-593-1666 for more information or to have one mailed to you. Your financial institution can also help you fill one in.
Just make sure you have your name, address and date of birth, payment type(s) and any associated personal identifier(s) such as your Social Insurance Number or your file number and a "void" cheque or your bank account information, including the account, institution and branch numbers.
