I share custody of the child
Are you a parent, and separating? Is custody of your child or children transferred to the other parent or shared between the two parents? Is your family situation and your conjugal status changing (new union), and you are a parent?
Steps to take in the event of a separation
After a separation, each parent must take steps to update their file with Retraite Québec. This step allows each eligible parent to obtain his or her portion of Family Allowance payments, but also to avoid having to repay overpayments. Consult the Steps to take for parents in the event of a separation section.
Steps to take in the event of union or conjugal relationship
After a change in your conjugal status, both parents must take steps to update their file with Retraite Québec. This step allows each eligible parent to obtain his or her portion of Family Allowance payments, but also to avoid having to repay overpayments. Consult the Steps to take during a union section.
Steps to take in the event of a change in custody
When custody of a child is changed from one parent to the other or is shared, the Family Allowance amount paid for a child may change. Therefore, you must update your file according to your new situation. You do not need to wait for a mediation agreement or a judgment regarding custody of your child.
If the change in custody occurs after a separation, the Family Allowance amount will be recalculated based on your new family income when your de facto separation is recognized. In order for it to be recognized, you must no longer be living at the same address as your former spouse for at least 90 days. Then, you can receive a retroactive payment and the equivalent of the amounts you would have received at the time of the separation.
To inform us when custody begins
You must follow the steps that correspond to your custody time per month. Use our custody time estimation tool, if necessary.
| Custody time per month | Step to take |
|---|
| You have custody more than 60% of the time. | No action is required on your part because you are the only person who can receive Family Allowance. |
| You have custody between 40% and 60% of the time. | You must inform us of the date on which the new custody time begins. |
| You have custody less than 40% of the time OR you no longer have custody. | You must inform us quickly because you can no longer receive Family Allowance. By doing so, you will avoid having to repay overpayments. |
To inform us of a change in custody
You must follow the steps that correspond to your new custody time per month. Use our custody time estimation tool, if necessary.
| New custody time per month | Step to take |
|---|
| You now have custody more than 60% of the time. | You must complete the Change in percentage of custody time form and send it to us online. |
| You now have custody between 40% and 60% of the time. | You must inform us of the date on which shared custody time begins. |
| You now have custody less than 40% of the time OR you no longer have custody. | You must inform us quickly because you can no longer receive Family Allowance. By doing so, you will avoid having to repay overpayments. |
You must follow the steps that correspond to your custody time per month once the new custody agreement begins. Use our custody time estimation tool, if necessary.
| Custody time per month | Step to take |
|---|
| You have custody more than 40% of the time. | You must file an Application for Family Allowance Payments. |
| You have custody less than 40% of the time. | You cannot receive Family Allowance. Therefore, no action is required on your part. |
My Account
You can file an Application for Family Allowance Payments and track it in the My documents section in My Account. You can choose the 100% digital option to not miss out on anything thanks to notifications. You will be informed as soon as a new document is available and is uploaded.
If your application is accepted, you will receive all the amounts to which you are entitled. We can pay Family Allowance retroactively for a period of 11 months from the date an application is received.
Be sure to contact the Canada Revenue Agency 
to inform them of your change in custody. The change has an effect on the Canada child benefit.
To estimate the amount of Family Allowance payments you could receive, use the CalculAide tool.
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