If you’re living in Canada or planning to move, you’d have heard about the Social Insurance Number (SIN) at least once. Here’s everything you should know about it.
Read More: Home Loan Transfer: Be Careful! Take Care Of These Points Before Transferring
What is it?
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that you need to work and be paid in Canada and access government programs and benefits.
Your SIN is private, and it is illegal for anyone else to use it. You are responsible for protecting your SIN. It comes in a paper format (Confirmation of SIN letter). If you have a plastic SIN card that has not expired, it is still valid.
Where and when?
Service Canada is responsible for issuing SINs, which can be issued anytime.
Who needs a SIN?
If you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a temporary resident, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.
Children 12 years of age or older may apply for their SIN. Parents, legal guardians or representatives can apply for a SIN for children under the age of majority in their province and adults in their care.
Why?
People use the SIN to be able to work in insurable or pensionable employment and to file income tax returns.
Read More: Aadhaar Card Free Document Update Deadline Gets Over In 4 Days
The SIN also plays a role in managing government SIN-enabled programs and services. Many people need a SIN to work in Canada. Many also require a SIN to receive benefits and services from government programs.
How should you apply?
You can apply online, upload your digital documents securely, and, if eligible, view your SIN online once your application has been processed. You can also apply in person at a Service Canada Centre or by mail.
Minors applying for themselves
Children who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN. If you are under the age of majority in your province or territory and applying for a SIN, you must provide all required documents. If you cannot provide all required documents, a representative must apply on your behalf.
Indian status
If you are an individual registered under the Indian Act and you want to register your status in your SIN record, provide a Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada along with your required documents (see “Apply for a SIN” section below to obtain the list of required documents).
Additionally, you must inform the SIN Program if the death occurs in a territory or outside Canada. To report a death, provide the deceased’s SIN and proof of death. This may include a statement of death from the funeral director or a copy of the death certificate. Submit the documents by mail or in-person to a Service Canada Centre.
Informing the SIN Program of the death reduces the risk of someone else using the SIN fraudulently. You can still use the SIN for estate purposes.
