September 26, 2025

It has been six months since the Claims Period opened for the Removed Child and Removed Child Family Classes. So far, nearly 50,000 Claims have been received, and eligibility decision letters are being sent out for the Removed Child Class.

This update explains the types of letters you may receive and what they mean.

If you submitted a complete Claim in the Removed Child Class and your name is in the Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Database, you can expect to receive an eligibility decision letter within 6–12 months.

If your Claim is incomplete or the Administrator needs more information, processing will take longer. Processing for Removed Child Family Class Claims will begin after March 10, 2029.

Types of letters include:

• Approval of Eligibility Letter: Confirms you are eligible to receive compensation.
• Denial of Eligibility Letter: Explains why you are not eligible. Reasons may include:
  • Becoming an adult before the Class Period began (before April 1, 1991)
  • Being Métis or Inuit
  • Living in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut at the time of removal

If you submitted a Claim too early – meaning before you are two years away from becoming an adult – the Administrator will let you know that your Claim has been declined. You will need to resubmit your Claim once you are two years away from becoming an adult. Learn more about Age of Majority and when you can submit a Claim.

Note: Being declined due to Age of Majority does not mean your Claim is denied. It means you are not yet old enough to submit your Claim and will need to resubmit at a later time.

• Inconclusive Eligibility Letter: Means the Administrator is unable to make an Eligibility Decision about your Claim based on the information currently available in the ISC Database. The Administrator will continue to monitor updates to the ISC Database and provide an update at a later date once they become available.

If you disagree with the Administrator’s decision, you may be able to appeal. Not all decisions can be appealed. Read your letter carefully. If an appeal is possible, your letter will explain the steps to take.

Important: The Administrator must receive your complete appeal form within 60 days of the date you received your eligibility decision letter.

• For information about your Claim, including status updates, call the Administrator toll-free at 1‑833‑852‑0755 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, excluding statutory holidays)
• If you submitted your Claim through the Claims Portal, you can check your status there.
• Free mental health and wellness support is available 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1‑855‑242‑3310 or at HopeForWellness.ca.
• Children and youth can also contact Kids Help Phone anytime at 1‑800‑668‑6868 or text FIRSTNATIONS to 686868.