Persons Infected with Hepatitis C Through Blood Between January 1, 1986 and July 1, 1990

The 1986-1990 Hepatitis C Settlement Agreement - FAQ's

1. Who is eligible for this compensation?
2. How do I apply?
3. Should I apply for compensation?
4. What types of compensation are available under the Settlement Agreement?
5. Will this amount have an effect on my social benefits?
6. Is the amount taxable?
7. Can an application be filed on behalf of a deceased person?
8. If I am deemed ineligible for compensation under the Settlement Agreement, can I appeal?
9. Where can I find out more information about the Settlement Agreement?

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1. Who is eligible for this compensation?

A Settlement Agreement reached between governments and certain class action plaintiffs provides individuals who have been infected with the hepatitis C virus through the Canadian blood system between January 1, 1986, and July 1, 1990 with compensation.

The Courts have appointed an Administrator, Crawford Expertises Canada Inc./The Garden City Group, at arm's length from governments, to manage and process claims.

For more information about your eligibility and how to apply, please call the Administrator's toll-free number, 1-877-434-0944.

2. How do I apply?

Eligibility is determined by an independent administrator, not governments.

The Courts, when approving the Settlement Agreement, appointed Crawford Expertises Canada Inc./The Garden City Group, to be the Administrator and to operate at arm's length from governments. The Administrator is responsible for establishing application procedures and for issuing cheques to claimants. Application forms and information about the claims process may be obtained from the Administrator at the following address:

1986-1990 Hepatitis C Claims Centre
PO Box 2370, Station D
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5W5
Toll-free: 1-877-434-0944
Web site: www.hepc8690.com

3. Should I apply for compensation?

You should to apply for compensation under the Settlement Agreement if:

• You were infected with HCV for the first time through a blood transfusion received in Canada in the period January 1, 1986 to July 1, 1990;
• You are a hemophiliac who contracted HCV and received blood or blood products in Canada in the period January 1, 1986 to July 1, 1990;
• You were infected with HCV by a spouse, partner or parent who qualifies; or
• You are a family member of someone who qualifies.

4. What types of compensation are available under the Settlement Agreement?

If you are infected with hepatitis C and qualify for compensation, you may be entitled to a fixed payment as compensation for pain and suffering based upon your medical condition. You may also receive reimbursement for uninsured HCV treatment and medication costs and out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, hotels or meals attributable to seeking medical advice regarding HCV. In addition, based on the stage of your medical condition, you may be eligible to receive $1,000 per month of completed compensable HCV Drug Therapy (i.e. interferon), compensation for loss of income, loss of services in the home and/or the costs of care such as home nursing services.

A key feature of the proposed settlement is that HCV-infected individuals will be able to return for additional compensation if their disease progresses.

5. Will this amount have an effect on my social benefits?

The Settlement contains special protection for those who are receiving income or certain benefits from the federal, provincial or territorial governments. Certain income loss payments may affect entitlements to some government benefits.

6. Is the amount taxable?

Compensation received under the Settlement Agreement is not required to be included in the taxable income of the recipient under the Income Tax Act (Canada).

7. Can an application be filed on behalf of a deceased person?

Yes. If it has been established that this person died as a result of an HCV infection that was contracted through the Canadian blood system between January 1, 1986 and July 1, 1990, an application for compensation may be filed.

8. If I am deemed ineligible for compensation under the Settlement Agreement, can I appeal?

If your application is refused, or you disagree with the Administrator's decision, you will have the right to appeal. Information regarding the appeal process may be obtained by contacting the Administrator of the Settlement Agreement, Crawford Expertises Canada Inc./The Garden City Group.

9. Where can I find out more information about the Settlement Agreement?

A copy of the Settlement Agreement is available at the following web site: www.hepc8690.com . For more information on the administration of the Settlement Agreement, please contact the Administrator, Crawford Expertises Inc./The Garden City Group at, toll-free, 1-877-434-0944.