Leaving Canada while receiving social assistance and various government services requires mandatory notification of the relevant services. Failure to do so may result in overpayments, penalties, termination of benefits, and legal complications. This article will take a detailed look at all stages of the process, from determining which services to notify to practical steps for completing the necessary paperwork and meeting application deadlines.
Main categories of social services that must be reported
The Canadian social assistance system consists of federal and provincial programs. Each has its own requirements for reporting a change in residency status or a prolonged absence from the country.
Provincial social assistance programs
Each province has its own rules for reporting departure. For example, in British Columbia, social assistance recipients must report any absence of more than 30 days. In Ontario, this period is only 7 days for Ontario Works and 30 days for the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Ontario Works: A person who leaves Ontario for more than seven days is not eligible for assistance unless the absence is approved by an administrator. If the recipient leaves for 14 days without approval, an overpayment is calculated for days 8–14, and assistance is canceled starting on the 8th day.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Recipients who are absent from Ontario for more than 30 days are not eligible for income support unless the absence is deemed necessary. Absence may be considered necessary for reasons related to health, attendance at a post-secondary institution outside Ontario, or in exceptional circumstances.
British Columbia: A recipient who is eligible for assistance may leave BC for less than 30 consecutive days without penalty. Recipients who are absent from BC for more than 30 consecutive days are not eligible for assistance unless they have obtained prior approval from the ministry.
Federal programs
Employment Insurance (EI): While receiving unemployment benefits, you must file reports every two weeks. If you leave Canada, this is considered a change in circumstances and must be reported to Service Canada immediately.
Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D): A change in residency status may affect your eligibility for disability benefits. You must notify Service Canada of any change in address or residency status.
Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): These programs have strict residency requirements. Extended absences may result in suspension or reduction of benefits.
Health Insurance and Provincial Health Plans
Each province requires notification of permanent departure from the province or country.
British Columbia: The fastest way to notify Health Insurance BC of a permanent move outside of BC is to submit your details online using the “MSP Permanent Move Outside of B.C.” form. The form takes about 10–15 minutes to complete. If you are moving outside of Canada, your coverage ends on the day you leave BC.
Northwest Territories: If you are moving outside of Canada, your coverage will end on the day you leave the NWT. You must notify the Health Services Administration when you permanently leave the NWT.
Quebec: You must report any change in your situation, including your stay outside Quebec. You can do this by calling the Centre de communication avec la clientèle between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Steps for notifying social services
Step 1: Identify all the programs you receive assistance from
Make a complete list of all federal and provincial programs you are participating in. This includes:
- Provincial social assistance (welfare, disability support)
- Unemployment insurance (EI)
- Provincial health insurance
- Disability assistance (CPP-D)
- Pension benefits (OAS, GIS, CPP)
- Child benefits (Canada Child Benefit, provincial child benefits)
Step 2: Find out the specific requirements of each program
Each program has its own:
- Notification deadlines (from immediate to 30 days before departure)
- Methods of notification (phone, online forms, mail)
- Documents to submit
- Consequences of late notification
Step 3: Notify of changes
Notify the following immediately:
- Provincial social assistance services (by phone or in person)
- Service Canada (for federal programs)
- Provincial health insurance plans
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your change in residency status
Documentation:
- Date of departure
- New address abroad
- Reason for departure (temporary/permanent)
- Expected length of absence
- Contact information
Step 4: Obtain confirmations and keep records
Obtain written confirmation from all services that:
- They have received your notification
- They understand the date your payments will stop
- They are aware of any repayment obligations
Legal consequences of not reporting
Overpayments: If you continue to receive payments after you leave without reporting it, any funds you received without being entitled to them will be considered overpayments that you will have to repay.
Penalties and sanctions: Some provinces impose additional penalties for failure to report changes in circumstances. For example, in the Northwest Territories, individuals who make false or misleading statements may be denied assistance for one month.
Criminal liability: In cases of intentional fraud, the case may be referred to law enforcement authorities.
Special cases and exceptions
Medical treatment abroad
Many provinces allow temporary absence for medical treatment. You must:
- Obtain prior approval
- Provide medical documentation
- Specify the maximum period of absence
Study abroad
Some programs allow payments to continue for students studying at accredited institutions abroad. Requirements include:
- Prior approval
- Proof of enrollment at the educational institution
- Regular reports on academic progress
Family circumstances
In exceptional family circumstances (illness of a close relative, funeral), temporary permission to leave may be granted.
Returning to Canada and resuming payments
If you are returning to Canada after an extended absence:
Notify immediately: all services of your return and your intention to resume participation in programs.
Reapply: In many cases, you will need to submit a new application, as your file may have been closed.
Waiting period: Waiting periods may apply before benefits resume.
Documentation: Keep all documents related to your departure and return to confirm the length of your absence.
Registration of Canadians abroad
The Canadian government offers a free service called Registration of Canadians Abroad, which allows you to:
- Receive emergency notifications
- Stay in touch with consular services
- Receive important information during natural disasters or civil unrest
Although this registration is not mandatory for social assistance purposes, it may be useful for maintaining contact with Canadian services.
Conclusion
Notifying social assistance services of your departure from Canada is a legal obligation that requires careful preparation and timely execution. The key to a successful process is to identify all the programs you are participating in early on, determine the specific requirements of each service, and comply with the notification deadlines. Keeping complete records of all communications will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth resumption of services if you return to Canada. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in significant financial consequences and legal complications, so it is important to approach this process with the utmost responsibility and attention to detail.