Who can apply

Eligible agencies can apply for the children’s special allowances (CSA) for each child they maintain.

Eligibility criteria for CSA

To apply for the CSA, an agency must meet the following conditions:

  • Agency maintains a child who:

    • is under the age of 18,
    • physically resides in Canada; and
    • depends on the agency for care, maintenance, education, training and advancement to a greater extent than on any other agency.
  • Agency is considered valid

    Your agency must be one of the following:

    • Government-run or appointed organization
      • a department or agency of the government of Canada, a province, a territory; or
      • an agency appointed by a province or territory, for the purpose of administering any law of the province for the protection and care of children; or
      • an institution licensed or otherwise authorized under the law of a province or territory to have the custody or care of children
    • Indigenous governing body
      • an Indigenous governing body or its department or agency; or
      • an agency appointed by the Indigenous governing body for the purpose of administering any law of the Indigenous governing body for the protection and care of children

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2026-07-09