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Home » Compensation » Financial information and resources »  Taxation and social benefits

Here’s what you need to know about taxation and social benefits as is relates to receiving compensation from this Settlement. 

Taxation 

You do not need to pay federal or provincial income tax on your compensation payment from this Settlement.

This means that you do not need to include your compensation as income on the annual tax return you submit to the Canada Revenue Agency.

If you live in Québec, you do not need to pay Québec income tax on your compensation payment or include it as income on your provincial tax return.

Important: How you choose to save, spend or invest your money may have future tax implications. Ask your bank, credit union or a financial professional how using certain accounts and products might affect your taxes.

Social benefits

Benefits administered by the Canada Revenue Agency are not affected by compensation from this Settlement, including: 

  • Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
  • GST/HST credit
  • Canada Workers Benefit

Benefits administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) are also not affected, including:

  • Employment Insurance
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Old Age Security
  • Canadian Pension Plan

See the full list of benefits administered by ESDC.

Benefits administered by Revenu Québec are not affected by compensation from this Settlement, including:

  • Family Allowance Credit
  • Solidarity Tax Credit
  • Work Premium Tax Credits

Social benefits and assistance programs provided by other federal government departments and other levels of government may be affected. More information will be provided when it is available.

Provincial, territorial or other local social benefit programs include income support, food, clothing and shelter, among many other programs. 

Check with your benefit providers for more information.

Support and help 

Support is available throughout the Claims Process.

For help with completing your Claim, contact the Administrator toll-free at 1-833-852-0755. If additional assistance is needed, you may be referred to a Claims Helper who can also connect you with wellness and cultural supports.

For information on how using certain financial accounts and products might affect your future taxes, speak to a professional at your bank or credit union or consult a tax advisor who is familiar with First Nations taxation. If you choose to hire a professional financial advisor, you will have to pay their fees yourself.

Some benefit programs may look at total income (regardless of whether it is taxable), savings and asset thresholds to determine eligibility and benefits. If you have questions on how the Settlement might apply to your specific benefits, you can contact the Administrator toll free at 1‑833‑852‑0755 and they can direct you on how to obtain more information.

Looking for more?

The links below lead to trusted external resources explaining how compensation may affect taxes, credits, and benefits.

Prosper Canada

Government of Canada – FCAC

Wellness support

Free mental health and wellness support is available 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1‑855‑242‑3310 or online at HopeForWellness.ca .

Support is available in English, French, Cree and Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) on request.