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 online directory 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:

• Ministry of Advanced Education and StudentAidBC online here

• Ministry of Children and Family Development 1-877-387-7027

• Medical Services Plan payments online here or 1-877-405-4909

• Ministry of Finance information about taxes and tax credits online here

• ICBC inquiries 1-800-663-3051

• Family Maintenance and Enforcement program 604-660-2528

• Victim Impact Statement forms online here

• Public Guardian and Trustee 604-660-4444 or online here

• Ministry of Social Development inquiries 1-866-866-0800 or online here

• Vital Statistics 1-888-876-1633

• WorkSafe BC 1-888-967-5377 or online here.