With a lockout of Canada Post employees expected as early as Monday, the B.C. government is preparing to have income assistance payments and other time-sensitive documents available for pickup at local ministry or Service BC offices.

The B.C. government has an for receiving income assistance and rent subsidy cheques, provincial identity cards, student loan applications and other documents in the event of a postal disruption.

Direct-deposit payments are not affected. Non-critical mail will be held until Canada Post resumes normal operations.

Canada Post served lockout notice to take effect Monday if there is no agreement. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers asked for a 30-day extension Friday, offering to drop an unfair labour practices complaint if it is granted.

Phone and online contact are set up for questions about affected provincial departments:

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Ministry of Advanced Education and StudentAidBC

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Ministry of Children and Family Development 1-877-387-7027

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Medical Services Plan payments or 1-877-405-4909

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Ministry of Finance information about taxes and tax credits

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ ICBC inquiries 1-800-663-3051

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Family Maintenance and Enforcement program 604-660-2528

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Victim Impact Statement forms

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Public Guardian and Trustee 604-660-4444 or

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Ministry of Social Development inquiries 1-866-866-0800 or

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Vital Statistics 1-888-876-1633

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ WorkSafe BC 1-888-967-5377 or .