News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswickers who receive monthly social assistance will receive their cheques in the mail this week, one week earlier than normal. Social Development Minister Sue Stultz made this announcement today.

"Every month, the department produces more than 24,000 social assistance cheques for New Brunswickers," said Stultz. "We recognize how important it is for people to get their cheques on time."

Due to a possible work stoppage at Canada Post,  the Department of Social Development is mailing monthly social assistance cheques today, May 25. People who receive social assistance can expect to receive their monthly payment by Friday, May 27.

Cheques being delivered will be dated for June 1. Therefore, clients should verify with their financial institution before trying to cash their cheques prior to this date to avoid potential delays.  
"Temporary arrangements have also been made to help New Brunswickers who interact with the Department of Social Development by mail should there be a work stoppage at Canada Post," Stultz said. "Since the primary focus of the department is serving New Brunswickers, we want to ensure any possible disruption of mail delivery does not interfere with its normal operations."

Until further notice, recipients and suppliers who receive daily payments and submit invoices to the department by mail will need to visit their regional office. Suppliers and recipients are encouraged to call their regional office in advance to make sure their payment is available.  Electronic fund transfers to suppliers will continue as usual.

"The possible work stoppage is a good time to remind clients that they can avoid a potential delay in receiving their monthly cheques by signing up for direct deposit," Stultz said. "Direct deposit is safe, convenient and easy to set up. I encourage clients to contact their case manager to find out more about direct deposit."

LINK:

●    Department of Social Development: www.gnb.ca/socialdevelopment