federal · Canada-wide
Jordan's Principle (child-first funding)
Jordan's Principle makes sure First Nations children can get the products, services and supports they need — health, education, equipment, travel — when provincial or other programs say no, are delayed, or do not cover the gap. It is a legal rule: the government department you contact first pays first, and any dispute is sorted out later.
- Verified Aug 22, 2026
- federal program · Canada-wide
At a glance
- Worth:
- 24/7 line 1-855-JP-CHILD · broad scope
- Who:
- The child is under the age of majority in their province or territory and lives permanently in Canada.
- Apply:
- Official program page
What it could be worth
Amount
24/7 line 1-855-JP-CHILD · broad scope
- No fixed cap: funding follows the child's own unmet need, not a benefit table.
- More than 10 million products, services and supports were approved between July 2016 and Sept 30, 2025.
- Nearly $10 billion had been committed as of June 2025. It was renewed in February 2026 with $1.55 billion through March 31, 2027.
Example: A family whose daughter needs a $2,800 wheelchair and is stuck waiting on provincial funding can call 1-855-JP-CHILD. If the request qualifies, Jordan's Principle can cover the chair while the provincial dispute continues, and the family can be reimbursed if they already paid. Each case is decided on that child's needs.
How it benefits you
- It fills gaps when other programs say no or take too long. It can cover assessments, therapy, wheelchairs, school supports, and travel costs for First Nations children under the age of majority.
- There is never a fee. Applications are free, and regional focal points or service coordinators help you submit at no cost.
- Call centre open 24/7: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453), TTY 1-866-553-0554.
- Urgent requests are handled first — suicide risk, life-threatening situations, end-of-life care, or no access to food or other necessities.
What you need to qualify or apply
Eligibility
- The child is under the age of majority in their province or territory and lives permanently in Canada.
- The child is registered under the Indian Act, or eligible to be; or a parent or guardian is; or their First Nation recognizes them for Jordan's Principle; or they normally live on reserve.
- There is a gap or a delay in the product, service or support the child needs (health, social, or educational).
- Since February 2025, be ready to show how the request is tied to the child's own unmet need.
How to apply
- Call 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453). The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-866-553-0554. This is not an emergency line (call 911 in an emergency).
- A parent or guardian, the child (16 or older), or an authorized representative can make the request.
- Work with your regional focal point or service coordinator — they submit it at no cost to you.
- Provide the child's information and documents about the unmet need (since February 2025, show the link to that child's gap).
- If it is urgent, say so. Suicide risk, life-threatening, end-of-life, child-welfare and family-violence situations are handled first.
Documents you may need
- The child's identity and status information (registration or recognition under one of the four eligibility routes).
- A description of the product, service or support needed.
- Documents about the gap or delay (what was refused, delayed, or unavailable elsewhere).
- Cost breakdowns or quotes for the equipment or services requested.
Read more from the official source
Checked Indigenous Services Canada — Jordan's Principle · Sep 13, 2026
Amounts and rules can change — always confirm on the official source before applying.
This page is general information, not a CRA or provincial determination — amounts and rules can change. Not sure where you stand? The free benefits check walks you through it, or a Registered Social Worker can review your full situation.