New to the public service
Disclaimer: Changes in your work or life situation
The information on this page applies to departments and agencies served by the Pay Centre. If your department or agency is not served by the Pay Centre, contact your departmental compensation unit.
Please request additional guidance from your manager, departmental human resources and finance, as pay-related information and processes are subject to change.
Employment types
In the federal public service (full or part time), these are the types of employment:
- indeterminate (permanent)
- term more than 6 months
- term more than 3 months and less than 6 months
- term less than 3 months
- seasonal worker
- casual (no more than 90 days)
- student
- as and when required
- ministers exempt staff
- governor-in-council appointees
Terms and conditions of employment
The letter of offer that you signed when you began your job contains information about your collective agreement and terms and conditions of employment that you are subject to. Refer to the relevant authorities such as your collective agreement and/or the various terms and conditions of employment specific to your classification group for more information.
Pay and benefits
As part of the staffing process, your departmental human resources representative will have you complete the following mandatory forms:
- Pay action request form
- Tax forms
- Direct deposit enrolment request (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
- Oath or Affirmation (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
Once completed, the representative will send a copy by either fax or mail to the Pay Centre on your behalf. Please keep the original documents for your records.
Within a few days of receiving these mandatory forms, the Pay Centre will provide you with information and direction with respect to your benefits. To ensure you are able to make informed decisions regarding your benefits, you will also be provided with information with respect to any voluntary benefits you may be eligible for.
Understanding your pay
Please visit How public service pay works for information on these topics and others:
- When you get paid
- Calculating your gross pay
- How you get paid (direct deposit)
- Source deductions
Visit What to do if you are having pay issues if you experience any difficulties with your pay, including if you are missing pay or have a question about your deductions.
Accessing your pay details
There are 3 main systems that you will need to access for different purposes.
Video: How to navigate MyGCPayMyGCPay, where you can easily view your HR and pay information, for example to:
- View your pay stubs
- View benefits information
- View employment information and print your proof of employment
- Monitor enquiries submitted to the Pay Centre
If you are unable to access the Government of Canada network, you may be able to sign in through external access.
Video: How to report time entries in PhoenixPhoenix (only available via a Government of Canada network) should be used to submit requests or update your information that relates to pay, for example to:
- Enter paid overtime
- Update your direct deposit information
- Timesheet entry
- To select your section 34 manager
More: Phoenix resources
MyGCHR is used by many departments and agencies across the government of Canada for time or HR related requests, for example to:
- Submit sick leave, vacation, etc.
- Update your personal information such as home address, phone number, email, emergency contacts, etc.
More: Find out if your department or agency is serviced by MyGCHR
Training
The following training from the Canada School of Public Service are recommended for new employees and can help you understand and navigate the different systems.
Understanding your benefits
For information about your pension and benefits, visit:
Page details
- Date modified: