CRA Has 160 Unclaimed Cheques Over $100K- Find Out If You’re Owed A Share of $1.7 Billion

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) currently holds over $1.7 billion in uncashed payments, and 160 of those cheques are each worth more than $100,000.

This astonishing amount includes forgotten tax refunds, benefits, and government disbursements that have gone unclaimed by Canadians—some simply due to an outdated address or missed mail.

If you’ve ever filed a tax return, received government benefits, or moved homes, there’s a chance that some of that money could be yours.

Snapshot of CRA Unclaimed Cheques

Detail	Information
Total Unclaimed Amount	Over $1.7 billion
Cheques Worth Over $100,000	160 cheques
Common Causes	Address change, lost mail, banking errors, unaware
How to Check	CRA My Account → Related Services → Uncashed Cheques
Action to Take	Request cheque reissue via Canada Revenue Agency online
Expiry Policy	No expiry – CRA cheques can be reissued anytime
Official Platform	CRA My Account

Why Are So Many CRA Cheques Unclaimed?

There are several common reasons Canadians miss out on Canada Revenue Agency-issued payments:

1. Change of Address

When people move and fail to update their Canada Revenue Agency records, mailed cheques may never reach them.

2. Misplaced or Lost Paper Cheques

Paper cheques are vulnerable to being lost, discarded, or damaged.

3. Unaware of Payment

Some recipients, especially with small refunds or benefits, may not realize they were ever owed anything.

4. Banking or Account Changes

Outdated direct deposit information can delay or prevent successful transfers.

5. Estate Claims

Cheques issued to deceased individuals may go unclaimed unless properly followed up by the estate.

How to Check for Unclaimed CRA Cheques

Verifying whether you have an uncashed cheque is simple and secure through the CRA’s online portal.

Step-by-Step Process:

Log into CRA My Account
Access your account at CRA My Account. First-time users can register using their Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other personal details.
Go to ‘Uncashed Cheques’
Under the “Related Services” section, select ‘Uncashed Cheques’.
View and Review Payments
A list will show any uncashed amounts, including issue dates and amounts.
Request a Reissue
Click the option to request a replacement cheque or direct deposit. Reissued payments typically arrive within a few weeks.

Who Should Check for Unclaimed CRA Cheques?

This is relevant to a wide range of Canadians, including those who have:

Claimed tax refunds
Received GST/HST credits
Been paid Canada Child Benefits (CCB)
Claimed Climate Action Incentives
Received provincial or COVID-19 relief funds

Even if it’s been over a decade since you filed a return or moved, checking takes only minutes—and could lead to a substantial payout.

What If You Find an Uncashed Cheque?

If your Canada Revenue Agency account lists any unclaimed amounts:

Click on the cheque entry
Choose “Request Reissue”
Confirm your mailing address or direct deposit details
Wait for the reissued payment to arrive (generally within 4–6 weeks)

Expert Advice: Don’t Miss Out

Tax professionals emphasize the importance of checking your account regularly.

“Many people are shocked to find thousands of dollars waiting for them. It’s especially common among retirees or frequent movers,” says Amanda L., CPA based in Toronto.

Setting up email notifications and direct deposit is highly recommended to prevent similar issues in the future.

How to Keep Your CRA Details Updated

To avoid losing future payments, consider these best practices:

Review your Canada Revenue Agency account annually, especially during tax season
Update your address immediately after moving
Set up direct deposit to avoid lost or delayed cheques
Enable email notifications for any new Canada Revenue Agency messages or alerts

With $1.7 billion in unclaimed CRA cheques—including 160 worth over $100K each—many Canadians may unknowingly be owed money.

A quick login to Canada Revenue Agency My Account could reveal a significant payout. Don’t let your money go unclaimed—check today and secure what’s rightfully yours.

FAQs

Do CRA cheques ever expire?

No. CRA cheques never expire. Even cheques issued over a decade ago can still be reissued.

Can someone else claim a cheque on my behalf?

Yes, in cases involving deceased individuals, the estate or executor can request reissuance following Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.

Is there a deadline to check for uncashed cheques?

There’s no fixed deadline, but it’s best to check regularly to avoid long delays in recovering the funds.