Losing a child or facing their unexplained disappearance is an unimaginable tragedy. In these moments, worrying about lost wages or how to pay the bills should not add to an already devastating burden.
The Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime (PYVC) is a federal grant designed specifically for this purpose. It provides income support to eligible parents and legal guardians who need to take time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child .
Here is everything you need to know about this benefit, including who qualifies, how much you can receive, and the steps to apply.
SEE: 2026 Western Union Global Fellowship – Application Process
What is the PYVC?
The PYVC is a grant offered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) , not a loan—you do not need to pay it back .
It replaced the previous Parents of Murdered or Missing Children (PMMC) grant on September 30, 2018, making the program more flexible and inclusive .
The program is permanent, meaning there is no hard deadline to apply, though specific time limits apply to how long you can claim the benefit .
How Much Financial Support Can You Receive?
Eligible parents receive $500 per week (before tax) .
- Payments are issued every two weeks (bi-weekly) .
- Maximum duration: Up to 35 weeks total .
- Time window: You can use these weeks anytime within the three years immediately following the incident .
- Flexibility: You can stop and restart receiving the benefit within that three-year period as needed .
Do You Qualify?
To receive the PYVC, you must meet both applicant eligibility and incident eligibility criteria.
Applicant Eligibility (You)
You must :
- Be legally responsible for the child.
- Have earned at least $5,000 in the previous calendar year or in the 52 weeks before the incident.
- Be on leave from employment or working only up to 50% of your regular work week (maximum 20 hours/week).
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) .
- Not be receiving Employment Insurance (EI) or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) benefits at the same time.
- Not have been charged with a Criminal Code offence that led to the death or disappearance of the child.
Incident Eligibility
The incident must meet these criteria :
- The child is deceased or missing as a result of a probable Criminal Code offence.
- The offence occurred in Canada on or after September 30, 2018.
- The child was under 25 years old at the time of the incident.
- If the child is missing, they must have been missing for over one week.
Important Note for Earlier Incidents: If the incident occurred before September 30, 2018, your application will be assessed under the former PMMC grant rules. Contact Service Canada for guidance .
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applying for the benefit requires submitting several specific forms. Here is how to do it .
Step 1: Gather Required Information
Before applying, make sure you have:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your full home and mailing address
- Banking information for direct deposit (institution, branch/transit number, account number)
- Name and phone number of your recent employer(s)
- Police incident report number
Step 2: Complete the Application
You have three options :
- Apply online (recommended and fastest).
- Apply by mail: Print and complete the paper application form (EMP 5632) and mail it to the Processing Centre.
- Apply in person: Drop off your application at a Service Canada Centre.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
To complete your application, you must provide the following original, completed, and signed forms :
- Application Form (EMP 5632) – Completed by you.
- Employment Form (EMP 5635) – Signed by your current employer or the employer you worked for in the 52 weeks before the incident.
- Incident Report Form (EMP 5633) – Completed and stamped by the law enforcement agency where the incident was reported.
Once Approved
If all documents are submitted and your application is approved, payments will begin immediately .
Key Contact Information
- Phone (Toll-Free): 1-800-622-6232
- TTY: 1-800-926-9105
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday (your local time)
- Email: EDSC.DGPSI.OSC.PJVC-PYVC.OSO.BISB.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca
- Mail: Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime Processing Centre, PO Box 8232 STN T, Ottawa ON K1G 3H7
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while receiving this benefit?
Yes, but only up to 50% of your regular work week (maximum 20 hours per week). If you work more than that in a given week, you cannot receive the benefit for that week .
Does this affect other benefits?
You cannot receive the PYVC at the same time as Employment Insurance (EI) or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) benefits. However, other income like severance pay, disability insurance, or provincial compensation does not affect your eligibility .
What if my child was a victim of a crime that is not homicide or abduction?
The program originally faced challenges regarding cases like sexual exploitation or runaways linked to abuse. While the primary criteria remains a “probable Criminal Code offence,” the government has made efforts to broaden interpretation. If you believe your situation qualifies, apply and speak with a Service Canada agent .
What if the incident happened outside Canada?
Currently, the incident must have occurred in Canada to qualify for this specific benefit. However, the Department of Justice Canada’s Victims Fund may offer other forms of support for Canadians victimized abroad .
A Note on Program Awareness
Since its launch, the PYVC has been underutilized. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, only 59 grants were issued, despite a $10 million annual budget . If you are a social worker, victim services provider, or community leader, please share this information. Many grieving parents do not know this support exists
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
CAS-ITE 2026: Up to 70% Funding for Skilled Trades Training Equipment
New Horizons for Seniors Program 2026: $50K Grants for Community Projects
