Claims for Phoenix-related expenses

We have previously identified that we need you to demonstrate the efforts you have made trying to resolve your pay issues. It is also very important that if you have incurred financial expenses because of pay problems, you submit a claim. The Government of Canada has provided this resource; regardless if we feel it is adequate or not, it is important to use it when applicable. Each department should have a claim’s officer to help with the claims process. If a claim is refused a separate grievance related to that denial could be filed.

Here is a list of claims you can apply for:

  1. Out-of-pocket expenses such as interest charges or late fees. Check the list of eligible expenses that can be claimed for reimbursement.
  2. Reimbursement for tax advice
  3. Request an advance of government benefits, such as the Canada child benefit.
  4. Claims for impacts to income tax and government benefits; If you were owed salary from one year that was only paid the following year (for example, salary from 2017 paid to you in 2018), you might incur a financial loss related to paying a higher rate of income tax or reduced government benefits and credits such as the Canada child benefit.
  5. Severe impact claims are meant to compensate current and former employees for losses such as:
    • Leave taken because of Phoenix-related health issues; 
    • Mental anguish, such as developing a mental illness, having to see a doctor, seek counselling, go on medication, or otherwise having your mental health impacted by Phoenix; 
    • Losses related to going on disability, maternity or parental leave, in certain situations;  
    • Pain and suffering due to discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act (for example, if your disability or family status were a factor in you being adversely affected by Phoenix);  
    • Negative impacts to your career;  
    • Loss of security clearance, bankruptcy or significant credit rating impact;  
    • Forced resignation from the public service because of financial hardship.
  6. General damages for retired and former public service workersmay be eligible for up to $2,500 in Phoenix general damages. While current members automatically received the amounts on their paycheque in March of 2021, the process for members who have left or retired from the federal public service to apply for general damages only opened in December 2021.

    Former members and legal representatives of a former member or estate of a deceased member who worked for the federal public service between the fiscal years of 2016 and 2020 have the right to claim the maximum lump sum of $2,500. These damages, negotiated in October 2020 by PSAC under the Phoenix pay system damages agreement, include compensation for the late implementation of collective agreements during those years due to the Phoenix pay system. You can also submit your claim by mail.