Millions of Canadians may be sitting on unclaimed money and not even know it. In 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continues to report billions of dollars in uncashed government cheques.
These payments may include tax refunds, GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefits, and more—money that belongs to you but was never deposited or cashed.
What Are CRA Uncashed Cheques?
Uncashed CRA cheques are payments that were issued by the government but have not been deposited or cashed by the intended recipient. These cheques could be from:
- Tax refund payments
- Benefit programs such as the GST/HST credit or Canada Child Benefit
- Other federal programs issued by the CRA
There are several reasons why these cheques go unclaimed:
- The recipient moved and never updated their mailing address
- The cheque was lost or misplaced
- The amount was small and overlooked
- The recipient didn’t know they were eligible for a benefit
Importantly, CRA-issued cheques never expire, so you can claim them even years later.
How to Find Out if You Have an Uncashed Cheque
Anyone who’s ever received CRA payments should verify if they’re missing money. You can check for uncashed cheques quickly and securely through your personal CRA account. This section will typically display the number of uncashed cheques and the total value.
If any uncashed cheques are listed, you can request replacements. You’ll need to complete and submit a confirmation form to verify your identity and ensure the funds reach you.
Overview of Uncashed CRA Payments (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total uncashed cheques | Over 10 million |
| Total value of unclaimed funds | Estimated at $1.7 billion |
| Average cheque value | Approx. $150 per recipient |
| Range of years unclaimed | From 1998 to present |
| Claim processing time | Typically 8–10 weeks |
How to Claim Your CRA Uncashed Cheques
If you discover that you have uncashed cheques, claiming them is straightforward. After verifying your account and the amount, you’ll be required to:
- Complete a short confirmation form
- Ensure all information is accurate and legible
- Submit it electronically or by mail
- Wait for processing, which may take several weeks
Once approved, a replacement cheque will be sent to you directly.
Tips to Avoid Missing Future Payments
To make sure you never miss another government payment:
- Register for Direct Deposit: This is the fastest and most secure method of receiving CRA payments directly into your bank account.
- Keep Your Contact Info Updated: Always update your address and banking information if you move or switch banks.
- Check Your Account Annually: Even if you don’t expect a refund or benefit, it’s smart to review your CRA account once a year to ensure everything is up to date.
If you haven’t reviewed your CRA account recently, you could be missing out on unclaimed government payments. With billions of dollars left uncashed, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check.
Whether it’s a tax refund or a benefit you forgot you were eligible for, your money is still waiting—and it’s never too late to claim it.
FAQs
Can I still cash a cheque from several years ago?
Yes. CRA cheques do not expire, regardless of the issue date. You can request a replacement if the original was lost or damaged.
What kinds of payments show up as uncashed?
Uncashed payments may include income tax refunds, child benefits, GST/HST credits, and other federal disbursements.
How long will it take to receive a new cheque once I submit the request?
Typically, it takes about 8 to 10 weeks for processing and mailing of replacement cheques.