How do I resume social benefits after returning to Canada?

Returning to Canada after a long absence often involves a number of bureaucratic tasks, one of the most important of which is regaining access to social benefits. These include Old Age Security (OAS) pension benefits, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits, Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, as well as provincial health insurance and other social benefits. To resume full benefits, you must meet the requirements of each program, gather the necessary documents, and meet the deadlines.

1. Assess your eligibility for benefits and confirm your residency

First, you need to find out what benefits you were receiving before you left Canada and which of them were suspended due to your prolonged absence. OAS and CPP are federal programs, while provincial health insurance and some social assistance programs are administered at the provincial level.

The first step is to confirm that you are once again a tax resident of Canada. To do this, submit Form NR73, “Determination of Residency Status,” to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or apply for residency automatically through regular residence and tax payments. Your tax residency status affects your OAS, CPP, and EI benefits, as well as your eligibility for tax credits.

2. Resuming pension payments: OAS and CPP

2.1 Returning to OAS

Old Age Security is a monthly payment based on the number of years you have lived in Canada. If you miss several months due to your departure, this program will automatically suspend your payments. To resume OAS:

  1. Write an official letter to Service Canada indicating your return date and period of absence.
  2. Include copies of documents confirming your presence in Canada after your return: passport stamps, rental or purchase agreement, utility bills.
  3. Send the package by registered mail or use the My Service Canada Account online service.

Once your application has been processed (usually 6–8 weeks), payments will resume, taking into account the missed period. If you have been away for less than six months, you can apply for a “bypass” payment to reduce the gap.

2.2 Reactivating CPP payments

The Canada Pension Plan is an insurance plan to which you contributed while working in Canada. Even if you have already reached retirement age, you will need to reactivate your account to receive your benefits:

  1. Log in to My Service Canada Account and check the status of your account. If access is restricted, gather a set of documents to confirm your identity: photo ID, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate.

  2. Write an official letter to Service Canada indicating the date of your return and request that your access to your online account be restored.

  3. Wait for a letter with reactivation details (usually 4–6 weeks) and set up direct deposit.

If you traveled outside Canada during your absence but did not receive CPP, the system will calculate the amount owed and you will be paid for the months you did not receive payments.

3. Applying for unemployment benefits (EI)

Employment Insurance is based on hours worked and employer contributions. If you have been absent for more than a year, your previously accumulated hours may be lost. Upon return:

  1. Go to Job Bank and register as a job seeker to resume your active job search.

  2. Build up your work experience: find temporary or permanent work and accumulate a minimum of 420–700 hours (depending on your region) to apply for EI.

  3. Once you have accumulated the required hours, submit a new EI claim through Service Canada, attaching proof of hours worked (pay stubs, contract, system record).

Some provinces allow you to transfer some of your hours if you worked abroad for a Canadian affiliate. Check with your local EI office for details.

4. Restoring provincial health insurance

Each province has its own rules for returning to the health insurance program. In most cases:

  1. Gather the necessary documents: passport with stamps, proof of address in the province (rental agreement, utility bills), proof of resident status.
  2. Submit an application to the regional health ministry in person or online.
  3. Pay the mandatory waiting period (usually 0 to 3 months), if applicable.

Once your application has been processed (4–8 weeks), you will receive a new health card. It is recommended that you continue your international or private insurance coverage during this time to avoid any gaps in coverage.

5. Additional programs and social benefits

In addition to the main federal and provincial programs, former residents may be eligible for:

  • housing subsidy supplements (GST/HST credit, Canada Workers Benefit);
  • family support programs (Canada Child Benefit) — you will need to update your information on the number of children and your income;
  • utility subsidies for low-income families. For each of these programs, you must file an updated tax return for the period of your return and, if necessary, submit supporting documents (proof of your child's education, rental agreement).

6. Practical tips and time frames

– Plan to start the process immediately after moving: it is best to complete the collection of documents and submission of applications within the first month. – Use My Service Canada Account to track the status of all applications and exchange documents electronically. – If possible, contact Service Canada and Provincial Health hotlines to verify requirements and avoid delays. – Keep copies of all documents sent and recommended receipts for mailing.

Conclusion

Resuming social benefits after returning to Canada requires a series of steps: confirming your tax residency status, gathering proof of return, writing official applications to Service Canada and provincial agencies, and paying attention to processing times. Careful preparation of documents and timely application to the relevant authorities will minimize the interruption in payments and allow you to quickly return to full social security coverage.