You obtain or keep custody of a child following the breakdown of your union

The Family Allowance

You must file an application for Family Allowance Payments to receive the amounts to which you are entitled if:

• you obtain custody of a minor child
• you retain custody of a child following a separation and if you are not already the beneficiary for the child.

Supplement for Handicapped Children

• If you obtain custody of a minor child and a Supplement for Handicapped Children is being paid for this child at the time of the change in custody, the Supplement will be paid to you from then on. You do not have to apply for it.
• If you obtain custody of a minor child and believe you are entitled to the Supplement for Handicapped Children, and it was not being paid when the change in custody occurred, you can verify the eligibility conditions and file an Application for the Supplement for Handicapped Children.

Change in conjugal situation

• Following a change in your conjugal status, the amount of your Family Allowance is recalculated. To avoid having to repay overpayments, you have certain steps to take, based on your situation. The parent who does not receive Family Allowance in his or her name must instead file an Application for Family Allowance if the child resides with him or her at least 40% of the time each month.

  In the event of a separation, you must not live at the same address as your former spouse for at least 90 days for your separation to be recognized. Wait until the end of the period before declaring your new conjugal status. You will receive Family Allowance for the entire period starting from the month following the month of your separation.

For more information, consult the Union and separation section on our website.

Other useful information

• First steps to take in the event of a separation