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Top five questions asked by Class Members

May 1, 2025

Answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.

I was born in a Federal Indian Hospital; am I eligible?

Being born in a Federal Indian Hospital on its own does not make someone eligible for compensation. The individual must have also experienced abuse during their admission.

The Settlement provides compensation for abuse experienced while admitted to the hospital. It does not include claims connected to medical treatment.

You may be eligible for compensation if:

  • You were admitted to one of the 33 Federal Indian Hospitals while it was operated by the Government of Canada, and
  • You experienced psychological, verbal, physical, and/or sexual abuse while admitted.

If you experienced abuse while admitted, you may be eligible for compensation.

Try the Eligibility Information Tool

I don’t have records from when I was in a Federal Indian Hospital. Can I still apply?

Records are not required to submit a Claim.

We understand that many people will not have medical documents from when they were admitted to a Federal Indian Hospital, which is why the Claim Form does not ask for them. In place of documents, Claimants are asked to answer specific questions, in their own words, as part of their Claim.

Learn more about eligibility

Once I submit my Claim, how long will it take to receive payment?

The time this takes can vary. The payment process begins only after your Claim is fully reviewed and your level of compensation has been decided by the Claims Administrator. Once this final decision is reached, the Claims Administrator will arrange payment.

If you would like to check the status of your Claim, 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 and press 1 to speak to the Claims Administrator.

Learn more about the Claims Process.

Why is January 25, 2016, the cut-off date for Estate Claims?

The cut-off date reflects how the law treats time limits for bringing an Estate Claim, which generally does not permit a deceased person (or their family) to make a Claim unless the person was alive less than two years before the lawsuit started.

This lawsuit began on January 25, 2018; therefore, under the Settlement Agreement, compensation is not available for Primary Class Members who passed away before January 25, 2016.

This date does not reflect the importance of a person’s experiences or when harm occurred.

Learn more about Estate Claims.

I don't know what level of harm is the right one for my experience. Can a Claims Helper tell me which level is the right one?

Claims Helpers can provide you with guidance and support as you complete your Claim Form, including helping you understand the levels of harm. However, they cannot tell you what level of harm is right for your situation, that decision must be made by you.

You must select a level of harm when submitting a Claim. If this section is left blank, it will be considered missing information and may delay your Claim.

Learn more about the levels of harm.

Watch the webinar recording

Watch this free one-hour webinar to learn about the Settlement, the Claims Process, and resources and supports available.

Free resources and support

You do not have to go through the Claims Process alone. Free support and resources are available, including:

  • A step-by-step Claim Form Guide (available in English and French)
  • Free webinars and past-webinar recordings.
  • The Claims Administrator who can answer questions about the Claims Form, the Claims Portal, and provide status updates on submitted Claims. Call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 1 to speak with the Claims Administrator. 
  • Claims Helpers who can answer general questions about the Settlement and help Claimants complete a Claim Form. To speak to a Claims Helper, call the Info Line at 1-888-592-9101 and press 2.
  • Class Counsel who is available to answer legal questions about the Settlement and the Claims Process. 

Indigenous Services Canada provides dedicated cultural and emotional support services for those affected by the Settlement.

In addition, mental health and wellness support is available anytime at the Hope for Wellness Helpline. Call 1-855-242-3310 or visit www.HopeForWellness.ca . Services are free, confidential and available in English, French, and Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut upon request.