Service Canada Customer Service Issues

It has been nearly two months since the thirty-day waiting period after being informed of this decision, and the file is still "under review." It has been a year and a half since the original claim was filed and the appeals were handled. During this time, I took a retail position for two weeks but was dismissed because they needed a cashier, and my experience was in sales, not cash handling. This happened in March [redacted], and my file was dismissed during that time. The Record of Employment (ROE) incorrectly stated that I quit, which I only discovered when the file was reopened a year later. Despite my employer's agreement to speak to Service Canada on my behalf, when Service Canada contacted me, their agent harassed me and tried to pressure me into admitting something that was not true. I reported this conduct to the complaints department, but they defended the agent, implying the issue was with me. Now, after 18 months, I am still awaiting the processing of my EI claim. I am hesitant to call again, as I do not want to feel like I have to constantly ask for what is rightfully mine, unsure of the reception I will receive.

I recently attempted to contact SERVICE CANADA and I am disappointed with their inaccessible CONTACT SYSTEM. How can a message dismiss callers with "sorry, we are too busy, call again"? To bypass this, one can dial "0-1-0" after redialing, making the system accessible to only a few. The lack of user-friendly features forces people to address the bureaucracy with stress. For instance, I am helping a senior with Alzheimers get a RATE LETTER form, which is proving to be a lengthy process. Despite having Power of Attorney, it may take up to a month to process. This situation causes unnecessary stress and urgency for such a simple request. Discovering the workaround, I will try again tomorrow. It would be beneficial if SERVICE CANADA implemented a friendlier phone system allowing queuing like other service agencies. As a retired Public Servant, I believe the original goal of SERVICE CANADA to assist Canadians has become lost, turning into a barrier due to possible budget constraints. Utilizing other systems like "Get Human" helps with accessibility, highlighting the need for equal access for everyone. We need better government responsibility for an improved system. Thank you. -Brenda W. [redacted]

When I applied for both CPP and OAS in [redacted], the pension amounts were mistakenly calculated at around $[redacted] each due to missing filings since [redacted]. In [redacted], I submitted the missing years along with the [redacted] return. I believe this has been finalized as per my GST deposits. Since I am still working, I know only one pension can be increased now. I am seeking guidance on who to contact regarding my entitlements. I understand that without asking, I may not receive back payments, only future increases upon retirement based on added contributions. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. Warm regards, Robert H. Caretaker, Bennetto Elementary 47 Simcoe St. E. Hamilton, ON Home: [redacted] Hughson St. N. Same as above

I want to lodge a complaint against the Public Service Health Care Plan provider, specifically Sun Life Financial. As a long-time member since [redacted], I encountered issues with claiming benefits for an eye exam and new lenses. Despite following instructions from several Sun Life employees, the process was confusing and unhelpful. Even after multiple attempts to submit the claim correctly, there were delays in receiving the reimbursement owed to me. The lack of clarity and excuses provided by various representatives, including the supervisor and Veterans Affairs, were frustrating. It is disappointing that navigating the system and receiving entitled benefits has been excessively complicated. As a veteran, I expected better support and efficiency from the provider. The difficulty and inefficiency I faced are unacceptable, leading me to consider canceling the plan due to the unnecessary obstacles in accessing benefits. The entire experience has been disheartening, especially considering the dedication and contributions I have made towards this health care plan over the years. The challenges encountered in utilizing the plan make it clear that improvements are needed for a smoother and more user-friendly process in the digital age. Sincerely, Linda C.

I recently signed up for EI and completed all the necessary steps. Sadly, I was laid off without any prior notice. Despite inquiring about the lack of hours and confronting my boss about the closure of my department, I was wrongly told that I quit. This misinformation could have serious consequences. I urgently need my ROE to provide to Service Canada, but I can't submit it with incorrect information about me resigning.

This morning, I received an automated call from Service Canada regarding a fraudulent activity on my social insurance number. I followed the instructions and spoke to a representative who advised me to verify the phone number [redacted] on Google, which led me to a different [redacted] number. When I mentioned calling the [redacted] number, the representative was extremely rude and abruptly hung up on me, instructing me to contact them instead. I am concerned about the legitimacy of the call and would like to confirm if this was a genuine issue with my social insurance number or if the representative's behavior was unprofessional. For any further updates, please reach me at [redacted]. Thank you.

I noticed my wallet was missing when I got home from work around 2:30 pm. Inside, I had my passport, SIN Card, Insurance Cards, Driver's Licence, a photo of my grandson, various point cards, and some Botswana Pula. After searching at home and work without finding it, I'm feeling very upset as all my important IDs are in there. I plan to keep looking around the house thoroughly and will also report the missing wallet to the police.

My Social Insurance Number has been compromised, along with my birth certificate, driver's license, and health card. I lost my wallet today between 12:00 noon and 12:30 pm. I am worried about identity theft and need guidance on what actions to take. I am unable to reach Service Canada until it reopens on Monday at 8:30 am. Please reach out to me via email.

I have been working two jobs for eight years, with EI premiums deducted from both positions. Both jobs require me to work 8 hours a day, 6 days a week consistently. Despite never having claimed EI before, I needed to file in November [redacted]. When I applied, I included both employers and provided full records for verification. My question is, will my combined earnings, EI premium deductions, and Records of Employment from both jobs be considered to ensure I receive the maximum benefits I am entitled to, given my years of premium payments to EI from both employers?

My Jamaican Passport, along with Canadian Landing Papers, was stolen during a break-in in the 70s. I reported this to the police. Over the years: 1. I obtained a replacement Jamaican Passport in [redacted]. 2. I received a Verification of Status (VOS) in place of the Canadian Landing Papers in [redacted]. 3. I acquired a PR Card in [redacted]. 4. My Canadian Citizenship was granted on 18/02/[redacted]. 5. At my Citizenship Ceremony, they kept our PR Cards, stating they would not be returned. I was aware the VOS wouldn't allow travel, but now I'm told it won't suffice for my Old Age Pension application. To be eligible, I need certified copies of my Landing Papers. Can I request these from IRCC using my VOS Document as proof of status? Thank you for your prompt response. -Sincerely, Fitzley Roy Thomas

My Record of Employment (ROE) was incorrectly labeled as "dismissed for reason of work shortage" when I was actually let go due to circumstances beyond my control. It has been over a month, and I have faced significant delays in receiving benefits, causing financial strain. I contacted Service Canada four days ago but have not received the promised follow-up. The phone lines have been consistently busy, and I am urgently in need of assistance as I am facing shortages in essentials like food and struggling to meet rent payments. My file was supposed to be escalated for emergency resolution with my employer, but I have not seen any progress yet.

Hello, I am Tracey McKenna and I have a question regarding unemployment benefits. I worked at Sobeys in Picton, Ontario throughout [redacted]. I decided to leave for another job that offered more hours since I wasn't receiving enough hours at Sobeys to make a living. I am uncertain if I am eligible for unemployment benefits due to this situation. Currently, I am working at the new job, but my hours have been reduced to only one day per week because of the impact of the Covid-19 virus. I am struggling to manage with these reduced hours as well. I have attempted to reach out to Service Canada without success due to the long wait times. I am reaching out here in hopes of finding some assistance promptly. Your timely response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and assistance.

I applied for Employment Insurance due to being laid off because of COVID-19. Unfortunately, I received a message requesting more information, and I've been struggling to reach them by phone. I keep being directed to call 1-[redacted] to complete my previous report, but I haven't been successful. I believe my application has been approved since the initial amount mentioned was $[redacted] a week, and now it shows $[redacted]. However, the funds are on hold due to missing information. I'm feeling stuck and frustrated as I've been calling every day for three weeks without any luck. When I do manage to speak to someone, I'm told they can't take my call. I've tried both numbers over [redacted] times. I urgently need the money for essential expenses such as food and bills. What should I do next?

I have applied for Medical EI benefits twice, unrelated to an injury or COVID-19. After my initial application, I had to wait two days to speak to an agent, only to discover my claim was never activated. I was then informed that an old claim was being considered instead of the new one. The agent adjusted my file to reflect my original work stoppage date on February 23 and advised me to reapply, which I did on March 27, obtaining confirmation number [redacted]20. Despite this, when I tried to report in after a week, I was informed that my claim was not active on the website and to contact a Service Canada agent. I am eager to have my claim backdated to my initial work stoppage date and have it activated promptly. Additionally, I am requesting the waiver of the first-week waiting period. Despite repeated attempts, I have been unable to get through to Service Canada due to the high call volume.

I applied for Employment Insurance (EI) on March 16 and have an access code [redacted]. My social insurance number is [redacted] [redacted] [redacted], but I haven't received any payments yet. I mistakenly applied for sick benefits instead of regular benefits due to the closure of my job from Covid-19. I have been unsuccessfully trying to reach an agent by phone every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. I have also written a letter to the office regarding my issue and re-submitted my EI application, but still no progress. My Record of Employment (ROE) was sent last month by Northshore Accounting in Simcoe for my job at the Garden Restaurant. I desperately need help as I have been without income since March 15, following all Covid-19 regulations but struggling to pay my bills and support my family. Kindly assist me in correcting my EI to regular benefits as I made an error. Thank you. Sincerely, ZK

I recently secured a part-time hairstylist position at Riverview Health Centre, starting on March 19th, [redacted], working on Thursdays and Fridays. I underwent the necessary checks (criminal record and abuse), received my ID badge, and had orientation the week prior. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my employment did not proceed. I then accepted an offer at Walmart on Taylor Ave. and worked there for two weeks before requesting a leave of absence, only to be informed I could reapply post-crisis. Given my husband's health condition (severe COPD) and the risks associated with his wellbeing, I decided to leave. I am now inquiring about my eligibility for any support. You can reach Terri at Riverview Health Centre at [redacted] or Marco at [redacted]. Thank you. - R. D. Renaud

As a self-employed figure skating coach who has experienced a loss of income due to Covid-19, I applied for the Emergency Response Benefit and have received a payment. However, after gathering more information, I am now uncertain if I am eligible. How can I stop receiving the benefits to avoid any potential penalties in the future when the arenas open and my income returns?

I am a seasonal worker for our town and work full time from mid-April to October 30th. I applied for EI in November, but my employer mistakenly reported the wrong hours worked on my ROE, leading to my claim's rejection. The error was corrected, and the proper ROE was resubmitted in early March. I also submitted a hard copy of my ROE to Service Canada. Initially, the message on my Service Canada account indicated a decision would be made by March 30th after the new information was submitted. However, the date passed, and now it states a decision will be made as soon as possible. I understand the challenges due to the coronavirus, and although others are being approved quickly, I have not received any income for months. I am hoping for a resolution soon. Thank you for any assistance.

I am seeking help with accessing my Service Canada Account to complete my Disability CPP application online due to the COVID19 restrictions. I am unable to visit in person, so I must do it digitally. However, I am encountering issues logging in as my account keeps getting locked. The first time it happened was right after I set up my digital account, and the second time, despite entering my security questions accurately, it still locked me out. This is causing a delay in receiving the financial and healthcare support I urgently need, including CPP benefits. I have been trying to contact them by phone without success due to long wait times. I am currently on hold on the 1-[redacted] number but would appreciate any help through this platform to avoid starting the process over. Thank you for your assistance; I am eagerly awaiting a response.

Hello, I am a seasonal worker and have been receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits since December [redacted]. My last two-week report was accepted, but only one week was paid out to me. When I tried to report the missing week, I discovered that my claim was inactive. I have now reapplied for benefits due to being unemployed because of Covid-19, without using up all of my 26 weeks from my previous claim. I am puzzled as to why my previous benefits were stopped, leaving me with no source of income. It has only been about 16 weeks since my last benefits were active, and I have not used up the full 16 weeks or my total 26 weeks allowed for regular benefits. I have also reported my earnings. Unfortunately, I have been unable to reach anyone by phone for assistance. Thank you for your help, John M.