Frequently asked questions
When do I apply for benefits under the Québec parental insurance plan?
Your status as a worker and the type of benefit you wish to apply for determine the date on which you may apply.
Is there a time limit for making changes to my child's declaration of birth? Any change to the essential information appearing on the
Declaration of birth that you sent to the Directeur de l’état civil must be made no later than 30 days after the child's birth. To change the child's family name or given name(s) after the 30-day period, you must apply for a change of name and pay the related costs.
Where can I find the form to apply for Child assistance payments?If your child was born in Québec, you do not need to apply to the Régie des rentes du Québec to receive the child assistance payments. You need only fill out the declaration of birth and send it to the Directeur de l’état civil, who will forward the required information to the Régie.
You must fill out a Child assistance application form only in
very specific cases, for example, if you adopt a child.
Where can I find the form to obtain my child’s health insurance card?If your child was born in Québec, you do not need to take any steps with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec. You need only fill out the
Declaration of birth and send it to the Directeur de l’état civil, who will forward the required information to the
Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec.
Is my child automatically covered by Québec's prescription drug insurance plan?If you have private group insurance with basic prescription drug coverage, you must have your newborn child included under the plan. However, if you are covered under the
public prescription drug insurance plan administered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec, your newborn child will automatically be registered under the plan.
Is my child's birth certificate issued automatically at birth?No, birth certificates are not issued automatically, but must be
applied for. You should apply as soon as possible, as proof of birth is required by many agencies. However, you must wait until you receive a notice from the Directeur le l’état civil, confirming that your child's birth has been recorded in the register of civil status. You will receive that notice once you have sent the
Declaration of birth to the Directeur le l’état civil.
Do you have other questions? If you have not found the answer you need in
Becoming a parent, consult the
Répertoire des programmes et services du gouvernement du Québec, available through the
government services portal. That directory contains fact sheets on assistance programs, allowances, pensions, permits and registration procedures, among other subjects. The fact sheets also provide links to various government sites and on-line forms.
If your research is unsuccessful, contact a
Services Québec information agent, who will answer your questions about the programs and services of the gouvernement du Québec or help you find the information you are looking for.
