Common Experience Payments

Information Update on the Common Experience Payment

Canada's role in the Common Experience Payment process

• According to the Settlement Agreement, Canada is the trustee for the $1.9 billion set aside for the CEP and accountable to the parties of the Settlement Agreement and to the courts.
  
  
• All CEP applications are reviewed to ensure that those entitled to receive CEP are compensated.
  
  
• In each stage of the CEP process (initial application, reconsideration or appeal) and when necessary, AANDC will contact applicants to gain clarification or additional information surrounding their residential school experience to help with the research assessment.
  
  
• When information is unclear or incomplete, interpretation favours the applicant.
  
   
• Applications are not approved based on the applicant’s declaration of residence alone.
  
  
• In all stages of the CEP process, the elderly (65+) and seriously-ill applicants receive priority.

Information for Applicants

• The Common Experience Payment application deadline has passed. Late applications will be accepted until September 19, 2012 in cases of disability, undue hardship and exceptional circumstances, and must include a written reason for the delay in application. For more information, you can call the CEP line at 1-866-699-1742 or on Service Canada’s  website.
  
  
• If your address has changed since you applied for the CEP and you have not received correspondence since submitting your application, it is important that you advise the CEP Response Centre of this change by calling 1-866-565-4526. With your permission, the center will also ensure the change is noted at Service Canada.

Applicants can call 1-866-565-4526 for updates on their applications.

Reconsideration Process
If an application is denied in full or in part, the Applicant is advised of the reasons and may seek reconsideration. Additional information to support residency at an eligible Indian Residential School is not required, however, the applicant can choose to provide additional information to the CEP Response Center through mail, email, telephone or by fax to the locations listed below. Helpful information can include photographs, documents related to residential school tenure, written affidavits from fellow students or staff.

Common Experience Payment Response Centre:
P.O. Box 5260
Nepean LCD Merivale
Ottawa, ON K2C 3H5
CEP Response Center Toll Free: 1-866-565-4526
Fax: 1-866-352-4080
Email: reconsideration@aandc-aadnc.gc.ca

If you do not apply for the Reconsideration Process, you will not be able to appeal your assessment any further.

Appeal Process
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Reconsideration Process, you can request an appeal to the National Administration Committee (NAC), a committee of 7 members made up of one representative from each party to the Settlement Agreement. After reviewing your appeal, the NAC will make a decision and send it to the Appeal Administrator, along with the reasons or the decision. Applicants can get information about the status of their appeal by calling 1-866-879-4916.

Additional Information

• Application Forms
• Frequently Asked Questions