The Claims Period is now open. Claimants have until July 27, 2028 to submit a Claim for compensation.
Representatives
Completing a Claim for a Person Under Disability
In some cases, you might be submitting a Claim for someone else:
A Personal Representative can submit a Claim for someone else, if the Claimant is a Person Under Disability: someone who cannot manage their own affairs.
The Claims Process is the same, but the Personal Representatives will need to provide additional documentation showing they are able to make the Claim on behalf of the Claimant.
If you are completing the Claim Form for someone who has passed away you can learn more about what’s required for Estate Representatives or Heirs.
Where to begin
The online Claims Portal is the fastest option to submit a Claim.
You can download the Claim Form or request a paper copy by calling the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.
The Claim Form asks for personal information about the Claimant, identification, admission details, and written responses to questions about their experience.
You do not need records or proof related to their admission to one of the 33 Federal Indian Hospitals operated by the Government of Canada between 1936 and 1981, unless you choose to include them.
One Claim Form
There is only one Claim Form for all Claims. If you are submitting a Claim for someone else, there may be additional information you need to provide.
Free resources and support are available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-910 to ask questions, request a paper form to be sent to you or connect with a Claims Helper. Claims Helpers are available to help you complete your Claim Form and answer your general questions about the Claims Process.
Representatives can hire a lawyer to assist them. If the Claimant receives compensation, the lawyer who assisted them can request their legal fees be paid by the Government of Canada. These fees are paid separately from a Claimant’s compensation.
Who can submit a Claim as a Personal Representative?
A Personal Representative can submit a Claim for someone else if the Claimant is a Person Under Disability: someone who cannot manage their own affairs.
A Personal Representative can be a family member, caregiver, or formally appointed decision-maker, as long as they are legally authorized to act or make decisions on behalf of the Claimant.
1. Get the Claim Form
The Claim Form is how you start the Claims Process. The easiest and fastest way to get it is through the online Claims Portal.
You can also download the Claim Form or call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and ask for a paper copy.
2. Gather your information
As the Personal Representative, you’ll complete the Claim Form with information about the Claimant and their experience:
Information about the Claimant
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Contact information (if applicable)
Information about Hospital Admission
- Name of the Federal Indian Hospital
- Approximate dates of admission
- Additional details (if known)
Details about the Claimant’s experience
- Information about psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse experienced during admission
- Additional details known to the Personal Representative
Payment Details
- Where compensation can be sent if the Claim is approved
3. Information about their admission to a Federal Indian Hospital
As part of the Claim, you will be asked to identify the Federal Indian Hospital the Claimant was admitted to. If they attended more than one, there are spaces to include that information.
You will be asked questions about their experience. You will also be asked to identify the Level of harm they experienced at a Federal Indian Hospital. Detailed information is included in the Claim Form.
There are no oral interviews. You choose what to share and how much to write. Free supports are available to help.
Additional steps for Personal Representatives
4. Appendix D – Your identification and documents
Next you will need to share information about yourself as the Personal Representative, including documents that prove you have the authority to represent the Claimant:
Required documents
- Copy of government-issued identification (photo ID if you have it)
- The Representative’s name must match the name on the ID.
- Copies of documents showing authority to act for the Claimant
These documents show that the Representative has been formally appointed to manage the Claimant’s affairs. Examples include:
- Court order naming a guardian, committee, or trustee of property or finances
- Power of Attorney dealing with property or finances Guardianship or trusteeship documents issued by a province, territory, or First Nation authority
- Supported decision-making agreements (in jurisdictions where these are recognized) for property or finances
- Appointment documents from Indigenous Services Canada
If the Claimant recently became a Person Under Disability, or if documents are being updated, people can submit what they currently have. The Claims Administrator may ask for additional information if needed.
5. Appendix D - Required information
Required information about the Personal Representative
The Claim Form requires:
- First, middle (if any), and last name
- Employer or organization, if acting in a professional role
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email, if available
The Personal Representative must write clearly and make sure this information stays up-to-date. This is important so the Claims Administrator can contact them about letters, missing information, and the Claim decision.
The Claims Administrator must have proof of Representation for the Person Under Disability before they can review the Claim.
Updating information
If you are a Personal Representative and your address, phone number, or email changes, you need to contact the Claims Administrator right away. Up-to-date information helps ensure letters and payments reach the right person.
Special Considerations
- Documents vary by province/territory.
- If you’re unsure whether a Claimant’s document qualifies, contact the Info Line.
- A Personal Representative signs the Claim Form on behalf of the Claimant.
The Claims Administrator may ask for more details if anything is missing or unclear.
6. Submitting your Claim
When you are ready, you can send your completed Claim Form in the way that works best for you. Many people choose the online option because it is the fastest and easiest, but all methods are available.
Online Claims Portal
The online Claims Portal is the quickest way to send your Claim. The Portal guides you through each section and helps make sure nothing is missed before you submit it.
Email your Claim and copies of your identification and other documents to Claims@Admin.IHSettlement.ca
Fax
Send your Claim and copies of your identification and other documents by fax to 1-416-966-5701
Mail your Claim and copies of your identification (do not send original documents) and other documents to:
FIH Claims Administrator
PO Box 5493
Station Main
Newmarket, ON L3Y 0J4
Courier deliveries are not accepted.
What happens after the Claim is submitted?
There are several steps to review the Claim. If more information is required, the Claims Administrator will contact you.
If the Claimant is eligible for compensation, payment will be made to the Claimant.
If the Claimant changes their address or contact information, contact the Claims Administrator right away to update their information to make sure they receive all letters and payment without delay.
