Hey, there! You are probably here because you want to know the basics such as registering an account or perhaps want a refresher on how to access My Service Canada Account. Well, this article is for you! Let’s get started.
First things first, What is it? My Service Canada Account or simply MSCA is a secure online portal by the Canadian government to enable you to access all your information about your different government benefits that we will cover in full detail below.
If you’re a new immigrant (or planning to live and stay in Canada) you must register for the MSCA, it’s mandatory and you’ll eventually be signing up anyway.
What Information Can I Access with my MSCA Account?
With an MCSA account, you can apply, view, edit and update all your personal information for Employment Insurance or EI, Canada Pension Plan or CPP, Canada Pension Plan Disability, Old Age Security or OAS and your Tax information. ‘Hope that catches your attention! Continue reading.
Employment Insurance (EI)
Employment Insurance or simply EI provides financial assistance as regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs temporarily (or permanently) through no fault of their own (due to shortage of work, or seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job. You can apply for EI benefits as soon as you stop working. Below is the more detailed information about Employment Insurance.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
The Canada Pension Plan or simply CPP is a retirement pension plan from the government. It’s a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire. If you qualify, you’ll receive the CPP retirement pension for the rest of your life. Below is the more detailed information about CPP.
Canada Pension Plan Disability
CPP Disability is financial support from the government as benefits for contributors to the CPP who have found themselves no longer able to work due to personal illness(es) and/or severe injury. It is paid to the individual until they reach the age of 65.
Old Age Security (OAS)
Old Age Security or simply OAS is a universal retirement pension program from the government that is made available to most residents and citizens of Canada who have reached 65 years old.
How Do I Access My Service Canada Account?
Hold on. Do not overthink, you’re done before you know it! Take it slow!
For a new user like you, You have three ways to register for your My Service Canada Account. These are Register with the GC Key, Register with your bank, lastly Register with your province. Hang on, We will discuss the step-by-step procedures below.
STEP 1: Visit My Service Canada Account login page
STEP 2: If you are an existing user click on any of the sign options below:
- Option 1 – Sign in with the GCKey
- Option 2 – Sign in with your bank
- Option 3 – Sign in with your province digital ID (Alberta Only)
If you are a new user, you will need to register:
- Option 1 – Register with the GCKey
- Option 2 – Register with your bank
- Option 3 – Register with your province digital ID (Alberta Only)
I’m a New User: How to Register for My Service Canada Account
There are different ways you can register or create for your MSCA as a new user. These include registering with the GCKey, registering with your bank, and registering with your province. We’ll tackle each of these in detail below.
Option 1: Register with the GCKey
A GCKey is a unique electronic access (e-access) issued by the Government of Canada for use with multiple online Government services (e-services). To use GCKey to access MSCA you must:
- A GCKey ID
- A Personal Access Code (PAC)
1. Request a Personal Access Code (PAC)
A Personal Access Code or simply PAC is your key to accessing secure online services. You need to have an access code before you can register for MSCA with GCKey.
You will need the following:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Parent’s family name at birth
- Postal code if you are a Canadian resident or your country of residence if you are a foreign resident
2. Receive PAC
Service Canada will provide you with an access code. You need this code to register for MSCA. If you apply online, you will receive it by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
3. Sign up for GCKey (skip this step if you have your GCkey)
GCKey is required to access multiple Government Canada e-Services, if you don’t have it yet – now is the time to sign up.
- Sign up for a GCKey user ID and password if you do not have one.
- If you have forgotten an existing GCKey user ID you will need to create a new one.
4. Register for MSCA with your GCKey
You will need the following:
- Personal Access Code (PAC)
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Option 2: Register with your Bank
To use your bank institution (Sign-in Partner) to access MSCA you must have:
- A verified Sign-in Partner
- An access code either EI Access Code (AC), or Personal Access Code (PAC)
Access codes are used to help validate your identity for MSCA and keep your account secure.
- Determine if your bank is a verified Sign-in Partner.
- Request access code. An access code is your key to accessing secure online services. You need to have an access code before you can register for MSCA with GCKey.
- Receive access code – Service Canada will provide you with an access code. You need this code to register for MSCA. If you apply online, you will receive your access code by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
- Register for MSCA with a verified Sign-in Partner.
Option 3: Register with your province digital ID
If you’re from Alberta and British Columbia you only need your DIGITAL ID to log in. If not, follow Option 1 or 2.
This service is only for Alberta and British Columbia at this time.
I’m an Existing User: How to Login for My Service Canada Account
Same with the New User, There are different ways you can login or sign-in for your MSCA as an existing user. These include registering with the GCKey, registering with your bank, and registering with your province. We’ll tackle each of these in detail below.
Option 1: Sign In with the GCKey
To sign-in simply enter the required user name and password. If you do not have yet a GCKey, you must register first as part of your MSCA registration with GCKey. If ever you have forgotten an existing GCKey user ID you will need to create a new one.
Option 2: Sign In with your Bank Partner
- To sign-in simply go to the Secure Key Concierge area
- Next is to select your Bank Sign-In Partner from the choices
- Then submit to enter to your account and access it.
Option 3: Sign In with your province digital ID
As of this time, This option is only available for Alberta and British Columbia residents.
If you’re from Alberta and British Columbia you only need your DIGITAL ID to log in. If not, follow Option 1 or 2.
