The Claims Period is now open. Claimants have until July 27, 2028 to submit a Claim for compensation.
Claims Helpers
Get free, one-on-one help from Claims Helpers to understand the Claims Process and complete your Claim Form under the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement.
Free resources and support are available to help you understand the Claims Process and complete your Claim Form. Supports include the Claims Administrator, Class Counsel and Claims Helpers who can help you fill out your Claim Form. Claimants can also hire a lawyer to assist them.
Claimant Support Program
The Claims Process involves sharing information about your experience while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital. Some people may find this difficult. Others may need help understanding each step, the identification required or organizing their thoughts as they prepare their Claim Form. Everyone moves through this process differently and is encouraged to go at their own pace.
The Settlement includes a dedicated Claimant Support Program so Class Members can receive one-on-one support from Claims Helpers, who are trained in trauma-informed and culturally grounded practice. They explain the process in easy-to-understand language, help people understand the Claim Form, and support Claimants as they prepare their statement and documents. Claimants can pause at any time and return whenever they feel ready.
Support is free and centred on the Claimant’s comfort and pace for timing, information, and communication preferences. Your information is secure at all times. No one has to go through this process alone; help is available for free at every step.
Call 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to talk to a Claims Helper.
There are other free resources and supports to help you
- The Claims Administrator can answer questions about the Claims Process and Claim Form. They can also provide status updates on your Claim.
- Class Counsel can answer your legal questions about the Settlement and the Claims Process.
- You can hire your own lawyer. If you receive compensation, the lawyer who assisted you can request their legal fees be paid by the Government of Canada.
What do Claims Helpers do?
Claims Helpers provide one-on-one support. They explain the Claims Process in plain language and help you understand what information is needed. You choose what you want to share, when to share it, and how quickly to move. You can bring a support person if that feels right.
Support can include:
- helping you understand the process and what each step involves
- providing you with information about getting identification
- explaining the Claim Form and what each part is asking
- helping you get a paper copy of the Claim Form or understand how to use the online Claims Portal
- providing guidance as you prepare your written responses
- helping you understand letters or updates
- connecting you with wellness or cultural supports
You can pause at any time and continue when you feel ready.
Who can get help?
Help is available is for all people who want support while moving through the Claims Process, including:
- Primary Class Members who experienced physical, verbal, psychological, and/or sexual abuse while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the Government of Canada
- Estate Representatives or Heirs sending a Claim for a Primary Class Member who has passed away
- Personal Representatives helping someone who needs support managing their affairs or an Heir who is a minor
- Family members or supporters who want general information so they can help someone they care about
Claims Helpers follow privacy and security best practices. They cannot share a Claimant’s personal information with family or other helpers who are not official Representatives of the Claimant. They can provide general information, answer questions about the process, and offer resources.
What Claims Helpers can and cannot do
Claims Helpers are trained in trauma-informed and culturally grounded practice. They offer information, support, and guidance while respecting each person’s comfort and pace.
Claims Helpers can:
- explain the Settlement and the Claims Process
- provide information about identification needs
- help you understand the Claim Form
- provide one-on-one support as you complete your Claim Form
- help you understand letters from the Claims Administrator or request a Reconsideration
- offer information about wellness and cultural supports
- connect you with the Claims Administrator or Class Counsel when needed
- connect you with Hope for Wellness for immediate emotional support at any time
Claims Helpers cannot:
- decide compensation
- confirm whether a Claim will be accepted
- provide legal advice
- influence the Claims Administrator
- share your private information without permission
- complete a Claim without your involvement
- send your Claim Form
- submit a Claim
- provide information about the status of your Claim
- provide health or wellness supports
- issue identification
