Basic HTML Version
Ontario Day to Day
Workbook 2010
23
Service Canada provides access to a wide range of Government of Canada programs and services online, in person
and by phone. You can contact Service Canada for information about applying for a Social Insurance Number, Canada
Child Tax Benefit, GST/HST credit, employment insurance, and many other programs and services.
For more information, call 1-800-622-6232 or visit
www.servicecanada.gc.ca
.
To find the nearest centre, visit
www.servicecanada.gc.ca
and click on “Find a Service Canada Centre Near You.”
SERVICE CANADA
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need
to work in Canada or have access to government programs and benefits.
You should apply for a SIN as soon as you arrive. To apply for a SIN,
go to your nearest Service Canada centre. For a list of documents you
will need, visit
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin
. If you need help
with the application, speak to your local immigrant-serving agency.
For more information call Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218 or visit
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin
SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)
In Ontario virtually everybody uses banks to deposit and
store money, make bill payments and track finances.
Banks have different types of accounts and offer
different services. To open a bank account, you need to
go to a bank of your choice and speak to a customer
service representative. You will be asked to provide
identification and personal information. You do not need
to be employed to open a bank account.
When you open a bank account, you will receive a
bank card. You can use this card at an automated teller
machine (ATM) to get cash, deposit cash or cheques, pay
bills, and more. ATMs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. There may be a fee for using ATMs. You can also
use your bank card to make purchases at many stores
through the Interac Direct Payment system.
If you need to borrow money, you can apply for credit.
There are different types of credit, such as credit cards,
lines of credit, installment loans and mortgages. With
all types of credit, you have to pay back the money
you borrow, and interest. Interest rates vary widely for
different types of credit. Use credit wisely and always
make sure you understand the repayment terms.
For more information about banking, call the Canadian
Bankers Association toll-free at 1-800-263-0231or visit
www.cba.ca
and click on “Consumer Information”.
BANKING AND FINANCE
Important: Protect your SIN and do not give it to anyone
who is not authorized.