As the Canada Post strike drags through its fourth week, people are being reminded to check on any essential mail they may be missing.

This could include benefit cheques, or vital health-care information like appointment notices and test results.

Peter Gilmer, an advocate with the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry, said he’s worried about people receiving social assistance and disability payments.

“Certainly for people who have mobility issues, or distance issues, it becomes a real barrier to getting what are absolutely necessary benefits for survival purposes,” he said.

An agreement between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers allows for federal support payments, including the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, to be delivered during the labour dispute. But most provinces, including Saskatchewan, are holding their benefit cheques for pickup and encouraging people to sign up for online payments or direct deposit.

That’s problematic for people who have had issues maintaining bank accounts, or who have no ability to reach the office where their cheque is being held, Gilmer said.

“I think there needs to be options to make sure that, if they’re not going to rely on the mail system, then they need to make sure that there’s other delivery systems in place,” he said.

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In an emailed statement, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services said there is a new toll-free dedicated phone line for people who do not have direct deposit arrangements and need to pick up benefit cheques. That number is 1-800-667-7155.

“Any client that requires additional support in accessing their benefits can contact their income assistance worker, who will work with them to address their individual needs,” the ministry said.

Most ministry clients receive their benefit payments through direct deposit, it said.

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The postal strike is also affecting the delivery of documents related to medical care.

Lisa Vick, a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate in Weyburn, said breast cancer screening notices are typically sent by mail, but the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency is moving to using phone and email during the postal strike.

“But I don’t know if people are aware that they can sign up for email or to phone in,” she said. “So I think just spreading awareness that that is actually an option now is helpful, and that might be a good option going through in the future as well.”

She highlighted that Saskatchewan is phasing in changes to the age that women are eligible for breast cancer screening. Starting in January, the eligible age drops to 47, and there may be women who don’t realize they qualify.

“They may need to call in and find out just where they are and if they qualify — and especially to that 47 to 50 demographic, if women are in that, I just highly encourage you to call and be aware and find out if you can get in for that screening, because early detection is key,” she said.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said it has implemented contingency plans to ensure services continue during the postal strike.

“As part of those plans, the SHA is ensuring documents normally sent by Canada Post such as appointment notices, public health inspection reports, patient reports, etc., will be provided, as needed, via alternate means such as courier, email or phone call,” SHA chief operating officer Derek Miller said in an emailed statement.

Any items that were already in the mail system are being stored, and Canada Post said in an emailed statement that they will be delivered on a first-in, first-out basis when operations resume.

“However, the national strike will continue to impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends,” Canada Post said.