Frequently Asked Questions

A class action is a lawsuit which provides a method for a large group of people with common claims to jointly advance one large claim. Class actions allow a large group of people to receive compensation for psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse committed against them.

The individuals included in a class action are called Class Members. Unless they exclude themselves by opting out, Class Members are included in the lawsuit.

The Government of Canada has agreed to pay compensation to eligible Class Members who suffered psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse at a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the Government of Canada. Compensation ranges between $10,000 and $200,000, based on the severity of abuse. The Settlement does not provide compensation for medical malpractices or claims related to medical treatment.

Eligible Class Members will receive a single payment reflecting the most severe abuse they suffered while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital.

The Settlement also includes the creation of a Foundation that will manage two separate funds:

• a Healing Fund that will provide $150,000,000 to support healing, wellness, reconciliation, protection of languages, education and commemoration activities;
• a Research and Commemoration Fund that will provide $235,500,000 to support research and education and the preservation of the history of Federal Indian Hospitals and locating burial sites associated with the Hospitals.

The Settlement also provides for a $150,000,000, funding increase to existing Indigenous Services Canada programs to support the health and wellness of Class Members through the implementation of the Settlement.

The Healing Fund is part of the Settlement. It includes $150,000,000 to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture, heritage, and commemoration for Class Members and their families. The Healing Fund is meant to support community-based work over time, not for individual compensation.

The Healing Fund and the Research and Commemoration Fund will be managed by a new, independent Foundation. This Foundation will be guided by Indigenous voices and will be Indigenous-led. It will not be run by the Government of Canada.

The Foundation Engagement Team will engage class members and their families through a cross-country engagement process to inform the structure, activities and design of the Foundation to be created as per the Settlement Agreement.

Learn more about the Foundation Engagement process by emailing Info@ihfes.ca

The Research and Commemoration Fund is part of the Settlement. This $235,500,000 fund will support:

• Research and education about Federal Indian Hospitals
• Preserving and sharing the stories of Class Members and their families
• Locating burial sites connected to Federal Indian Hospitals

The Research and Commemoration Fund is for long-term community work, not for individual compensation.

The Healing Fund and the Research and Commemoration Fund will be managed by a new, independent Foundation. This Foundation will be guided by Indigenous voices and will be Indigenous-led. It will not be run by the Government of Canada.

The Foundation Engagement Team will engage class members and their families through a cross-country engagement process to inform the structure, activities and design of the Foundation to be created as per the Settlement Agreement.

Learn more about the Foundation Engagement process by emailing Info@ihfes.ca

Federal Indian Hospitals were a network of hospitals across the country that were operated by the Canadian Federal Government, for the treatment of individuals who were admitted. Abuses, including psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse, were committed against people admitted to Federal Indian Hospitals.

There are 33 Federal Indian Hospitals included in the Settlement.

We recognize the term “Indian” can be painful, harmful, and reflects past policies, discrimination, and trauma. We use the term when referring to Federal Indian Hospitals because that was the term used at the time, and it appears in legal and administrative documents. Using this term in this context is done for clarity and accuracy to match what people remember and what the Settlement includes.

If you did not Opt Out of the Settlement by August 25, 2025, and have remained in the class action, you are considered a Class Member, and the Settlement applies to you. This means you are eligible to make a Claim for compensation under the Settlement in recognition of harms you experienced.

However, you will not be able to start an individual lawsuit against the Government of Canada regarding harms experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital, which means you will be releasing the federal government from liability for all psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital.

Nothing in the Settlement requires you to give up your right to start a lawsuit against a province or religious institution for its involvement in a Federal Indian Hospital, or other hospitals and medical facilities.

Please read the Settlement Agreement carefully and contact Class Counsel if you have any questions.

Class Counsel are the law firms that are representing Class Members. They are:

• Koskie Minsky LLP
• Cooper Regel, a member of Masuch Law LLP
• Klein Lawyers LLP
• Merchant Law Group LLP

You can contact them at no cost.

Yes. If you are a Primary Class Member (all persons who were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the federal government), you can hire your own lawyer (not Class Counsel, listed above) to help with your Claim. There are also free supports available through the Claimant Support Program.

Even if you hire a lawyer, the Claims Administrator will send all updates and decisions directly to you.

You should not have to pay anyone to help with your Claim. If you hire a lawyer, they will be paid by the Government of Canada directly, it will not come out of your compensation.

Class Counsel (the lawyers representing Class Members) will be paid directly by the Government of Canada. These fees have already been approved by the Court. Their fees are separate from compensation paid to Class Members.

If a Primary Class Member (all persons who were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the federal government) hires their own lawyer and their Claim is approved, the Government of Canada will pay a practicing lawyer in good standing an amount up to 5% inclusive of disbursements, plus applicable taxes, of the value of the compensation amount. This payment is not deducted from your compensation.

In rare cases, a lawyer may be paid up to an extra 5%, but only if the Federal Court approves it.

Deloitte LLP has been appointed as the Claims Administrator for this Settlement.

They are responsible for managing the Claims Process, reviewing Claims, and sending out compensation to Approved Claimants.

The Claims Administrator is paid directly by the Government of Canada as part of the Settlement. This payment is separate from compensation for Class Members and the funding for the Healing Fund and the Research and Commemoration Fund.

No. The Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement is separate from other Settlements.

Receiving compensation from another Settlement does not affect your eligibility for this one.

You may be eligible for the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement if:

• You were admitted to one of the 33 Federal Indian Hospitals included in Schedule D of the Settlement Agreement, during the time these hospitals were operated by the Government of Canada, and,
• You experienced psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse while admitted.

If you have questions about eligibility or the Claims Process, free help is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-1901 or email GeneralInfo@IHSettlement.ca.

The Settlement does not provide compensation for medical malpractice or other claims connected to medical treatment at a Federal Indian Hospital.

Individuals with medical claims can pursue those claims on an individual basis if they wish, outside of this process.

Eligible Primary Class Members (all persons who were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the federal government) can claim compensation under the Settlement for any psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse they suffered at a Federal Indian Hospital and pursue individual medical claims.

For further information about this, please contact Class Counsel.

The Settlement includes two classes:

• Primary Class Members: all persons who were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated by the federal government.
• Family Class Members: All persons who are spouses or former spouses, children, grandchildren or siblings of the members of the Primary Class and the spouses of the children, grandchildren, or siblings of the Primary Class Members. For a full definition, please refer to the Settlement Agreement.

Only Primary Class Members are eligible for direct compensation in the Settlement.

All Class Members will benefit from the work of the Foundation and additional funding to existing Indigenous Services Canada programs.

The Claims Administrator won’t know if you are eligible until you submit a Claim.

Once you send in your Claim Form and any supporting documents, the Claims Administrator will carefully review everything to decide if you meet the requirements set out in the Settlement Agreement.

Each Claim is reviewed individually based on the information you provide.

If you’re unsure whether you are included in the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement, help is available.

You can:

• Visit www.IHSettlement.ca/Contact to get free support or connect with legal help
• Call the Claims Administrator at 1-888-592-9101 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, except for holidays) to ask questions or get more information about the process

Support is available to help you understand your options and complete the Claim Form if needed. Call 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to be connected to a Claims Helper for direct support.

If you started your own legal proceeding against the Government of Canada about what happened at a Federal Indian Hospital, and you did not withdraw that case before the Opt Out deadline, you are considered to have opted out of the Settlement.

This means you are not eligible to receive compensation through this Settlement.

If you are unsure about your legal status or what this means for you, you can contact Class Counsel or call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

No. The Opt Out deadline has passed.

To be removed from the Settlement, you needed to submit a signed and dated Opt Out Form by August 25, 2025. If you did not do this, you are included in the Settlement.

This means you can submit a Claim for compensation if you meet the eligibility criteria.

These dates are the period when the Government of Canada was responsible for operating and managing Federal Indian Hospitals.

The Settlement only includes harms that happened during that period.

Yes. If you believe you are eligible for compensation, you can submit a Claim no matter where you live now.

The Claims Administrator will keep your information private, but some parts of your Claim might be shared with certain people involved in the Settlement, including:

• The Government of Canada
• The Independent Reviewer
• The Exceptions Committee
• Class Counsel

These groups may see your information or the amount of your compensation, but only as part of the Claims Process. Your information will not be shared publicly.

The Settlement will provide compensation to eligible Primary Class Members who suffered psychological, verbal, physical and/or sexual abuse while they were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital while it was operated and managed by the Government of Canada.

Yes. Even though you may have provided details or contact information to register your interest in the Settlement, that does not count as a Claim for compensation. To be eligible for compensation, you must complete and submit a Claim Form.

If you have questions about eligibility or the Claims Process, free help is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-1901 or email GeneralInfo@IHSettlement.ca.

To be eligible for compensation you must have been admitted one of the 33 Indian Hospitals during the years it was managed by the Federal government, which are between January 1936 and December 1981.

If you have questions about eligibility or the Claims Process, free help is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-1901 or email GeneralInfo@IHSettlement.ca.

The Settlement Agreement includes 33 Federal Indian Hospitals that were managed by the Federal Government between January 1936 until December 1981. If you attended another hospital, it may have been operated by a different government or religious organization.

Yes. Some Federal Indian Hospitals had name changes or were known by other names. You can check the different names of the Federal Indian Hospitals included in the settlement on the Claim Form or on the website.

You’ll be asked to include a clear copy of government-issued identification (ID) photo ID if you have it, such as a driver’s licence, passport, Status Card, Inuit Beneficiary Card, Métis Citizenship Card, or provincial or territorial identification, and your Social Insurance Number. Do not send originals, only send copies.

A full list of accepted identification is available at www.IHSettlement.ca.

If you need assistance with identification, a Claims Helper can explain your options. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to be connected to a Claims Helper for direct support.

Documentation is not needed, but if you have or can access copies of documentation, it would be helpful to include in your Claim Form.

You are encouraged to give the month(s) and year(s) you were admitted, if you can remember them. If the exact month is not clear, a general estimate is accepted, such as “spring 1968” or “around 1972.” If dates are unclear, approximate years or a range of years can still be included.

The Claim Form includes a full list of all Federal Indian Hospitals that are part of the Settlement. You can select the hospital or hospitals from this list. If the hospital name is remembered but not clearly listed, you can write the name in the space provided.

Compensation for eligible Primary Class Members is set out in the Settlement Agreement. Each level reflects different types of harms experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital. The Settlement does not include compensation for medical malpractice or for claims connected to medical treatment.

The individual compensation amounts are:

• Level 1: $10,000
• Level 2: $50,000
• Level 3: $100,000
• Level 4: $150,000
• Level 5: $200,000

Only one level of compensation is available per eligible Primary Class Member.

Learn more about compensation

If you do not agree with a compensation decision you can request a Compensation Reconsideration. This means an Independent Reviewer, who is not part of the Claims Administrator’s office, will look at your Claim again.

Your decision letter explains how to request a Reconsideration and the timeframe for doing so. You do not need to rewrite your Claim. The Independent Reviewer will decide if more information is needed.

If you want help understanding your decision letter or the Reconsideration process, free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

The payment process begins only after your Claim is fully reviewed and a compensation decision has been made. This means your admission to a Federal Indian Hospital has been determined and your level of compensation has been decided.

Once this final decision is reached, the Claims Administrator will arrange payment. The time this takes can vary from person to person. Some Claims may require extra steps, such as confirming banking details or mailing a cheque to the address you provided.

If the Claims Administrator needs any information from you to complete the payment process, they will contact you by mail, phone, or email, depending on what you shared on your Claim Form.

If you have questions about your payment or want to confirm your contact information, free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

When your Claim is approved and the final level of compensation has been determined, the Claims Administrator will arrange your payment.

Compensation is sent directly to the Claimant, or in some cases the Estate, Heir or representative, in one of two ways:

1. Direct deposit: If you chose direct deposit in Part 3 of your Claim Form and shared your banking details, the payment will be deposited into that account.

2. Mailed cheque: If you did not choose direct deposit, a cheque will be mailed to the address you provided on your Claim Form. Keeping your mailing address up to date helps make sure your payment reaches you.

For more information, call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

The name on the bank account needs to match the person receiving the compensation.

For living Claimants, the bank account holder’s name needs to be the same as the Claimant. Payments cannot be deposited into another person’s bank account.

For deceased Primary Class Members, the bank account holder’s name needs to be:

• the estate of the deceased Primary Class Member (if there is a Grant of Authority), or
• the same as the Heir Claimant listed in the Claim Form and Estates Protocol.

If you are unsure which bank account to use, or if you need help completing the payment section, free support is available.

You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

The Settlement explains that compensation for harms experienced in a Federal Indian Hospital is treated as a personal injury payment. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) considers personal injury payments non-taxable, and they are not counted as income for tax purposes.

This means your compensation is not expected to affect:

• social assistance
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits

The Government of Canada has also committed to working with provincial and territorial governments, and with federal departments, to help ensure that compensation does not affect the amount, nature, or duration of social benefits.

If you have questions about your benefits or need support, you can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

The Settlement is not structured in that way. Every approved Claimant will receive compensation.

If your Claim was denied, on the basis of missing information (Claims Protocol, s. 19 – 20), eligibility (Claims Protocol, s. 28-38), or compensation (Claims Protocol, s. 57-67), you can request a reconsideration. This means an Independent Reviewer, who is separate from the Claims Administrator, will look at your Claim again.

Your rejection letter will explain:

• why your Claim was not accepted
• how to request a reconsideration

You do not need to rewrite your Claim. The Independent Reviewer will look at everything you already submitted.

If your Claim was denied, on the basis of Claimant date of death (Settlement Agreement s. 6.01(3)), prior settlement, or a Claimant birthdate that precludes Indian Hospital admission during the eligible dates of operation, there will be no reconsideration option (Settlement Agreement s. 3.08 (1)).

If you want help understanding your decision letter or the Reconsideration process, free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

The Claims Period opened on January 27, 2026, which is the first day a Claim can be submitted. The last day to submit a Claim is July 27, 2028.

The timing for compensation payments will be different for each eligible Claim, especially if additional information is needed.

Free help is available at every stage. If you have questions about timing or what to expect, you can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

Learn more about what happens after you submit your Claim

No. There is no cost to take part in the Settlement.

You do not have to pay anyone to submit a Claim or to receive compensation.

Claims Helpers can help you learn more about the process and help you with the Claim Form at no cost.

You can choose to hire a lawyer to assist you.

If your Claim is approved, the lawyer who helped you may ask for their legal fees to be paid by the Government of Canada. These fees are not taken out of your compensation.

Learn more about supports or call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

The Claims Process includes completing a Claim Form and sharing basic information about who you are and your experience while admitted to one of the 33 Federal Indian Hospitals.

It also includes providing identification and any other required documents, if needed.

After a Claim is submitted, it is reviewed to confirm eligibility and, if eligible, to decide compensation. You may be contacted if more information is needed.

Free support is available throughout the process. Claims Helpers can answer general questions and help you understand each step.

Learn more about the process

No. Providing your name and contact details to receive updates does not mean you submitted a Claim.

To submit a Claim for compensation, you need to complete and send in a Claim Form during the Claims Period.

If you are not sure whether you have submitted a Claim, or if you need help getting started, free support is available. Claims Helpers can answer general questions and help you understand next steps. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to speak with a Claims Helper.

The Claims Process is designed to be as clear and respectful as possible.

You complete a Claim Form and share information in writing, at your own pace. There are no interviews, hearings, or questioning about your experience.

Some Claims may require additional information or documents.

Free help is available throughout the Claims Process. Claims Helpers can answer general questions and help you work through the steps in a way that feels manageable.

Learn more about the process at Claimants or call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

You do not need to have documents to submit a Claim.

If you have documents or information, including them with your Claim may be helpful, but they are not required.

Examples of information that may help include hospital or clinic records, government records, transportation records, school records, correspondence or letters, or personal notes.

Do not send original documents. Only send copies. Documents you send will not be returned.

If you do not have documents, you can still submit a Claim and share what you remember in your own words.

If you are unsure what to include, free help is available by calling the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

You can check the status of your Claim by contacting the Claims Administrator through the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and pressing #1.

You may be asked to confirm your identity and to share your Claim number, if you have one.

After you submit a Claim, it can take some time before a status update is available. If you recently sent your Claim and no update is available yet, you may wish to check back later.

After you submit your Claim, it is received by the Claims Administrator and entered into the review process. You will receive a confirmation of receipt. Your Claim is reviewed to confirm eligibility and, if eligible, to decide compensation. Some Claims move through the process quickly, while others may take more time.

You may be contacted if more information is needed to continue the review.

You do not need to do anything further unless you are contacted.

Learn more about what happens after you submit your Claim

If the Claims Administrator decides that you are not eligible, you will be informed of that decision.

If you disagree with the decision, there is a process to ask for a review. This allows an Independent Reviewer to review the Claim.

Information about how to request a Reconsideration is included with the decision you receive. There are timelines to request a review, so it is important to read the information carefully.

Learn more about the process

If you do not agree with the compensation decision, you can ask for a review of that decision by the Independent Reviewer.

Information about how to request a Reconsideration is included with the decision you receive.

Learn more about the process

If you have questions about the process or need help understanding your options, Claims Helpers are available to provide support. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101.

If you are having trouble creating an account, please call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press #1 to speak to the Claims Administrator.

To create an account and use the Claims Portal, you will need:

1. An email address; and
2. A phone number to receive Multi-Factor Authentication codes (both mobile and landlines will work for this).

If you cannot remember your password, you can reset it by clicking on “Forgot password” on the Claims Portal login page. This will guide you through steps to reset your password.

If you are still having trouble resetting your password, or you are not receiving the reset email, the Claims Administrator can help.

Contact the Claims Administrator at 1-888-592-9101 and press #1 or by email at Generalinfo@IHSettlement.ca.

If you can’t remember your password, you can reset it by clicking on “Forgot password” and following the steps.

If you already tried to reset your password, but it didn’t work, the Claims Administrator can help. To speak to the Claims Administrator by call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press #1.

Sometimes confirmation emails are delayed, sent to a spam or junk folder, or blocked by email settings.

It is also possible that a different email address was entered during account setup. The Claims Administrator can check what happened and support you with next steps.

You can contact the Claims Administrator by:

Calling the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and pressing #1.

Emailing Generalinfo@IHSettlement.ca

Before you begin submitting a Claim, make sure you have a have a copy (photocopy, scan or photo) of your document saved on the device you are using to submit your Claim.

When you are completing your Claim in the online Claims Portal, there will be a place to upload or attach documents where they are requested.

If you are unsure where to attach a document, or the upload is not working as expected, the Claims Administrator can help guide you through the process.

You can contact the Claims Administrator by:

Calling the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and pressing #1

Emailing Generalinfo@IHSettlement.ca

Please call the Claims Administrator at 1-888-592-9101 and press #1 if you receive an error message. Before you call, please make a note of what the error message says; this will help Info Line staff understand what may be wrong.

If you no longer have access to the phone number used for multi-factor authentication, you can click “Try Another Method” button on the Multi-Authentication page of the login process.

Then choose “Email.”

A one-time code will be sent to the email address that you registered your account with.

You can send a Claim by completing the official Claim Form.

A Claim may also be completed by an Estate Representative or Heir, a Personal Representative, or a practicing lawyer in Canada.

The easiest way to send your Claim is through the online Claims Portal.

You can also download a Claim Form from the website, fill it out on your computer or by hand, and send it by email, fax, or mail to the Claims Administrator. The addresses and instructions are provided with the Claim Form.

Free help is available at every step. Including Claims Helpers who can help you understand the process and complete your Claim Form.

Learn more at ClaimsHelpers or call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

No. If you shared your interest in learning more about the Settlement or signed up for update, that does not count as a Claim.

Free help is available at every step. Including Claims Helpers who can help you understand the process and complete your Claim Form.

Learn more at ClaimsHelpers or call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

The Claim Form has three main parts and several appendices. Each part gathers information the Claims Administrator uses to review a Claim.

Every Claimant completes:

• Part 1 – Privacy Release, Acknowledgement, and Retention Policy
• Part 1A – Claimant Details
• Part 1B – Claimant Contact Information
• Part 2 – Hospital Admission: Name and Dates
• Part 2A – Hospital Admission: Additional Information
• Part 2B – Abuse/Harm Experienced
• Part 3 – Payment Details
• Appendix F – A checklist to help confirm the Claim Form package is complete

These parts gather personal details, information about the Federal Indian Hospital, and a written description of harms experienced while admitted.

Some Claimants will complete extra sections based on their situation:

• Appendix A – If you have more than one admission to share
• Appendix B – If you have additional experiences of harm to include in your Claim
• Appendix C – For Estate Representatives or Heirs completing a Claim for someone who passed away on or after January 25, 2016
• Appendix D – For Personal Representatives completing a Claim for a Person Under Disability
• Appendix E – For practising lawyers supporting a Claimant

If you are unsure which parts apply to your situation, free help is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

Each person must complete and submit their own Claim Form. However, if you are not able to send it yourself, an authorized representative can do it for you. This could be someone who has legal authority to act on your behalf, such as a family member or another trusted person.

If you are incarcerated, a Claims Helper may be able to help you complete your Claim Form. Call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to be connected to a Claims Helper.

Each person needs to complete and submit their own Claim Form.

If you are not able to do this because of illness or another reason, an authorized representative may send it for you. This could be a family member, friend, or another trusted person who has permission to act on your behalf. Learn more about representatives.

A Claims Helper can help you understand the process and help you complete your Claim Form. Call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to be connected to a Claims Helper.

Part 2 of the Claim Form asks for the hospital name and the dates you were admitted. Some people may have limited memories or only remember small pieces of their experience.

The Claims Administrator uses this information, along with the list of 33 Federal Indian Hospitals, to understand your Claim. You do not need documents or exact dates to send a Claim.

If you are unsure, you can use our Eligibility Information Tool or call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 to ask for support.

You can still submit a Claim Form even if you do not remember the exact years or your age when you admitted.

You can write down an approximate year, or how old you were at the time. Please share as much as you remember.

If you need help filling out your Claim Form or have questions, free help is available. Call the Info Line for free at 1-888-592-9101 or email GeneralInfo@Contact.IHSettlement.ca.

Some Federal Indian Hospitals were known by more than one name, or the name changed over time. The list on the Settlement website includes all 33 Federal Indian Hospitals and their alternate names.

Some people remember only parts of a name or remember the community but not the hospital itself. Share whatever details you can recall.

This information can help the Claims Administrator understand which Federal Indian Hospital may be connected to your Claim.

If you want help checking the list or talking through what you remember, free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

You can include all the times you were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital. Some people were admitted more than once or were admitted to different hospitals at different times.

The Claim Form has space in Part 2 and Part 2A to describe your first admission. If you have more admissions to share, you can use Appendix A to include each additional admission.

You can share as much as you remember, even if you do not recall exact dates. Any information you provide helps the Claims Administrator understand your Claim.

If you want support while completing this section of the form, Claims Helpers can walk through it with you. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

If you are sending copies of documents with your Claim Form, please write the Claimant’s full name and date of birth on each set of documents. This helps the Claims Administrator keep your documents together with your Claim Form.

Please do not write on or send original documents. If you only have originals, you should make copies.

If you want help preparing your documents, you can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

You can still send a Claim even if you do not have documents, records, or other evidence from your time in a Federal Indian Hospital.

Many people do not have papers from that period. Some records were never given to patients, and some have been lost over time. This does not prevent you from sending a Claim.

You can share what you remember in your own words.
This may include:

• how old you think you were
• what you remember about the hospital or community
• how you arrived there
• any pieces of memory about your experience

The Claims Administrator reviews this information along with the list of 33 Federal Indian Hospitals. Documents may help, but they are not required.

If you want support while gathering information or thinking through what to include, you can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

Reading about harms or writing about your experiences can be difficult. Please take your time and take breaks if you need to. Support is available 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or www.HopeForWellness.ca.

It is important to only select one level of harm on the Claim Form.

The Claim Form includes different types of harms experienced while admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital. Some people experienced more than one type of harm. Even if your experience includes harms described in different levels, you still select only one level—the highest level–that reflects your overall experience

You do not need to decide this on your own. In Part 2B of the Claim Form, you can describe what happened to you in your own words. You can include all your experiences, even if they relate to different levels of harm. If you want help understanding this part of the form, free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

Once you submit your Claim Form, you cannot change the level of harm you selected in Part 2B, and you cannot change the information you provided about your experiences.

This is why it is important to take time to prepare your Claim Form. A Claims Helper can help you complete this information.

Free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

It is common for people to remember more details after sending their Claim. If you forgot to include information that helps explain your experiences or your time in a Federal Indian Hospital, you can still send that information to the Claims Administrator. They will add it to your Claim file. If you have a Claim number, please include that and the Claimant’s full name and date of birth.

You cannot change the level of harm you selected in Part 2B, but you can send extra details or documents that help describe what happened to you.

If the Claims Administrator needs more information, they may also contact you by mail, phone, or email. Keeping your contact information up to date helps ensure you receive these requests.

If you want help sharing more information or are unsure how to send it, free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

The fastest way to submit a Claim is through the online Claims Portal at www.IHSettlement.ca. However, you can submit a Claim Form in the way that works best for you.

You can also submit your Claim Form by:

1. Email: You can attach your completed Claim Form and any documents and send it by email to Claims@Admin.IHSettlement.ca.

2. Fax at 1-416-966-5701

3. Mail. You can mail your Claim Form and any documents to the Claims Administrator.
FIH Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 5493 STN MAIN
Newmarket, ON L3Y 0J4

Free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

The Claims Administrator will send a letter or email confirming your Claim has been successfully submitted.

If the Claims Administrator needs more information to complete the intake of your Claim, they will contact you by mail, email, or phone, depending on the contact information you provided. Keeping your contact details up to date helps ensure you receive these notifications.

If you are worried that your Claim Form did not reach the Claims Administrator, or if you have moved since sending it, free support is available. You can call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

If a Claimant passes away after a Claim has been submitted, a Representative of the Estate or Heir will need to notify the Claims Administrator so the Claim can continue. A Representative or Heir can continue the Claim but additional information will be required.

Call the Info Line at Call 1-888-592-9101 to learn more.

Only one Claim can be submitted for each Primary Class Member.

If more than one person applies as an Estate representative or Heir for the same Claimant, the Estates Protocol sets out how the Claims Administrator will proceed. Only the estate or one person can be paid compensation if a Claimant is eligible.

The Claims Administrator can provide status updates on a Claim that’s been submitted. Call 1-888-592-9101 and press 1 to speak with the Claims Administrator.

If an Heir has already submitted a Claim, and an Estate Representative later comes forward, the Claims Administrator pauses the review and reviews the documents provided by both parties.

If an Estate Representative with a Grant of Authority is confirmed, that person generally has priority to act on behalf of the Estate.

Only one Claim can proceed for each deceased Primary Class Member. The Claims Administrator uses the Estates Protocol to determine who may continue the Claim.

To speak to the Claims Administrator, call 1-888-592-9101 and press 1.

If there is an Heir who has a higher priority level than you under the Estates process, and that person chooses not to submit a Claim, the Claim does not automatically move forward in your name right away.

The Claims Administrator needs confirmation that the higher-priority Heir does not intend to submit a Claim, or is not available or not acting in the process. This is a written consent from that higher priority Heir.

All Claims made by Heirs will be processed at the end of the Claims Period (July 27, 2028) to ensure the appropriate Heir is assessed as eligible for compensation.

To speak to the Claims Administrator, call 1-888-592-9101 and press 1.

Only one Claim can be submitted for each deceased Primary Class Member. When several Heirs at the same priority level submit Claims, the Claims Administrator will pause the review and follow the court-approved process to determine how the Claim may proceed as laid out in the Estates Protocol.

The Claims Administrator will deny all the Claims and request the Heirs submit one Claim.

All Claims made by Heirs will be processed at the end of the Claims Period (July 27, 2028) to ensure the appropriate Heir is assed as eligible for compensation.

To speak to the Claims Administrator, call 1-888-592-9101 and press 1.

Yes, in some situations, a person can submit a Claim on behalf of someone else as a representative.

For example, a Claim may be submitted by an authorized Estate Representative or Heir (or their representative if the Heir is under the Age or Majority) or a Person Under Disability) of a Primary Class Member who has passed away.

A Claim may also be submitted by a representative when a Claimant is unable to manage their own affairs or make day-to-day decisions.

A representative can be a family member, caregiver, or another person who is legally authorized to act for the Claimant. Proof of that authority is required as part of the Claim Form.

Learn more about submitting as a representative.

Learn about submitting a Claim for a person who passed away on or after January 25, 2016

Some people will have clear records or family knowledge. Others may have less information, and that is okay.

Here are the places to start.

Check the list of Federal Indian Hospitals

Talk with family or community members. Some families know that a relative was taken to a hospital. Elders or extended family members may remember details such as the location, time period, or reason for admission.

Look for personal or family records. If they are available, documents such as letters, medical papers, government correspondence, or travel records may help. Not everyone will have access to records, and records are not required. However, they may be helpful for completing a Claim.

Claims Helpers and the Claims Administrator is available to help you understand eligibility and next steps. Call the free Info Line at 1-888-592-9101, press 1 to reach the Claims Administrator, press 2 to connect with a Claims Helper.

Only one Claim can be submitted for each Primary Class Member.

If more than one person submits a Claim as a Representative for the same Claimant, the Claims Administrator will pause the Claim and review the situation before any decision is made. If someone else has a higher priority or more authoritative Claim than you, your Claim may be denied.

The Claims Administrator can provide status updates on a Claim that’s been submitted. Call 1-888-592-9101 and press 1 speak with the Claims Administrator.

No, you do not need a lawyer to submit a Claim.

Free help is available:

• Claims Helpers can explain the process, answer general questions, and help complete the Claim Form at no cost.
• Class Counsel is also available, free of charge, to answer legal questions about the Settlement and the Claims Process.

Some people may choose to work with a lawyer because it feels more comfortable or supportive for them.

If a Claimant decides to hire a lawyer and later receives compensation, the lawyer who assisted them may request that their legal fees be paid by the Government of Canada. These fees are not deducted from the Claimant’s compensation.

Learn more about working with a lawyer

Claims Helpers and Class Counsel play different roles under the Federal Indian Hospitals Settlement.

Claims Helpers provide direct support to help people understand the Claims Process and complete their Claim Form. Claims Helpers do not give legal advice, represent Claimants, or make decisions on a Claim.

Class Counsel’s role is to negotiate and implement the Settlement, oversee compliance, and address system-level legal issues. They can answer your legal questions about the Settlement.

Hiring a private lawyer is an option for Claimants and Representatives who want additional assistance to complete their Claim.

Hiring a private lawyer is optional. There is no requirement to have legal representation to submit a Claim.

If a Claimant decides to hire a lawyer and later receives compensation, the lawyer who assisted them may request that their legal fees be paid by the Government of Canada. These fees are not deducted from the Claimant’s compensation.

Learn more about hiring a lawyer

Class Counsel in this action are Koskie Minsky LLP, Cooper Regel LLP, Merchant Law Group LLP, and Klein Lawyers LLP.

Class Counsel fees will be paid separately by the Government of Canada. These fees will not be deducted from Claimants’ compensation.

Canada has agreed to pay Class Counsel fees in the amount of $40 million, plus tax and reasonable disbursements.