How to Register for a GCKey To Look Up Your CPP Information Online: Part One

A few months ago I went to the My Service Canada Account website to look up some information on our CPP payments. I unpleasantly found out that they have changed their secure access method and my Personal Access Code was no longer of any use. So today I finally found the time to apply again, this time to register for a GCKey so that I could deal online with the government to check on our Canada Pension Plan contributions.

You can get a GCKey by applying electronically, by telephone, fax, mail or in person.

Getting a GCKey is slow for first time users. You will first have to request a Personal Access Code online. This PAC will be mailed to you. Then you can use it to sign up.

Part 1: How to Apply Online for a Personal Access Code for Your My Service Canada Account

To apply online for a Personal Access Code you will need:

  • your SIN
  • your first and last name as shown on your SIN card
  • your date of birth
  • your mother’s last name when she was born (not after she was married or changed it)
  • your mailing address (from your tax return) will have to be correct before you apply for a PAC
  1. With an internet browser on a secure computer, go to
    http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/online/pac/pacinfo.shtml
  2. Read the warnings about various current frauds.
    Look for and click on the link sentence:
    Are you a first-time user? Register now!
  3. Click on the link: request a personal access code online
    http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/online/mysca.shtml
  4. Read the information, then click the link: Continue to Privacy Notice Statement.
  5. Read the info, then click the link: Continue
  6. Fill in the required fields:
    • In the Social Insurance Number field, type your SIN.
    • In the First Name field, type your first name as reported on your SIN card.
    • In the Last Name field, type your last name as reported on your SIN card.
      NOTE: If you changed your last name when you married, but you didn’t change your last name on your SIN card, it will expect you to use your unmarried last name.
    • In the Date of Birth, type the year of your birth, then select the month and day of your birth from the drop-down lists.
    • In the Mother’s Last Name at Her Birth field, type in your mother’s unmarried last name.

    Review the information and if it looks correct, click on the Submit button.

  7. If all goes well, the next screen will request you to enter your Postal Code.
    • In the Postal Code field, type your Postal Code.
    • If you are a foreign resident (for example, if you are not living in Canada right now) select the Country you are living in from the drop-down list.

    Click on the Submit key.

  8. On the next screen, review the mailing address that they have on file for you. If it is correct, click on the Submit button.
    If it is not correct, click on the Cancel button. You will need to update your address with the government before you can order a Personal Access Code. See http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/oas/pension/answer_cppaddress.shtml
  9. The statement says they will mail the PAC to this address within 5-10 business days.
  10. Click on the big red Log Out button on the right side of the screen!
    To complete the Log Out, click on the Continue button.
    To increase security, close your browser session.

So now we wait…..

(Don’t forget you can telephone and request them to mail you your CPP Statement of Contributions if you don’t want to plod through all of these steps.)

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