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Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program
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December 1, 2024
In the new year, the Administrator will be sending an important packet of information to our Confirmed Survivors. As part of the CTSSP’s ongoing commitment to maintain accurate records, provide seamless communication, improve processes and deliver ongoing support and EMAF payments efficiently, we are introducing an Annual Form.
From feedback received from responses on the Outreach Survey and directly from Confirmed Survivors, we understand that having to complete the witness section/signature and provide copies of government issued identification with every application form can be tedious and time consuming. By completing the Annual Form, you will no longer have to submit government ID with every application form nor complete the witness section/signature section in each of our forms starting in the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year.
The completion of the Annual Form will also confirm your contact information and your preferences for the upcoming fiscal year. Your cooperation and prompt response are instrumental in ensuring that we have the most accurate and up-to-date information for you to ensure uninterrupted service.
The next status update will be on January 1, 2025.
November 1, 2024
Thank you to everyone who completed the Outreach Survey earlier this year. The 2023/2024 FY Outreach was completed by 82% of the CTSSP survivors this year, our record response to date.
Here are some highlights:
- 83 % of CTSSP survivors reported that having access to the CTSSP has impacted them a positive way in their ability to age with dignity
- 88 % of CTSSP survivors reported that receiving ongoing support payments has impacted them in a positive way in their ability to age with dignity
- 73 % of CTSSP survivors reported that receiving ongoing support payments has impacted them in a positive way in their ability to access private care and treatments
- 40 % of CTSSP survivors who utilized the EMAF indicated that receiving EMAF funding has impacted them in a positive way in their ability to age with dignity
While the survey feedback was mostly positive, the CTSSP Administrator reviews and considers all responses to the Survey questions as a means to improve the program and to meet CTSSP Survivors needs.
The next Outreach Survey will be issued in February of 2025.
The next status update will be December 1, 2024
October 25, 2024
The Canadian Thalidomide Survivor’s Support Program (CTSSP) is pleased to announce important updates to the Extraordinary Medical Assistance Fund (EMAF) effective November 1, 2024. These enhancements are being implemented after receiving valuable feedback from Survivors on the last annual outreach survey.
To assist you with navigating these changes, please consult the following resources which have also been sent to you via your preferred method of communication:
- Quick Reference Guide: a concise overview of the key updates
- Comprehensive Guide: detailed instructions on the new reimbursement process
- EMAF Application Form: updated to reflect these changes and will now be required for all submissions as of November 1, 2024.
- Frequently Asked Questions
As explained in the above resources, the first Annual Lump Sum payment of $4,000.00 will be issued using your preferred method of payment on or around November 12, 2024. The Annual Lump Sum payments are disbursed from the existing EMAF of one million dollars, indexed at 2% per year.
Please note that future Annual Lump Sum payments will be issued at the start of the fiscal year, beginning in April 2025.
In early 2025, an Annual Forms Packet will be provided to Survivors with instructions to return to the Administrator prior to the start of the new fiscal year in April 2025.
One of the key updates to the EMAF application form is that photo identification and a witness signature is no longer required with each application/appeal if this Annual Forms Packet has been submitted.
We encourage you to review these materials to become familiar with the updated EMAF process. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our team is happy to help and can be reached using the contact information below.
Thank you for contributing to these improvements through your feedback.
October 1, 2024
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing important information regarding the Extraordinary Medical Assistance Fund (“EMAF”) with our Confirmed Survivors.
This important information will be shared with you by your preferred method of communication. If you prefer email communication, please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book.
Please notify the Administrator of any changes to your contact information or preferred method of communication as we use what is on file to send you notifications. When requesting changes to your contact information, please provide us with your full name, your File ID number (if known), and include the previous contact information on file in addition to the change being requested.
The next status update will be on November 1, 2024.
September 1, 2024
The Government of Canada (the Office of Audit and Evaluation [OAE] at Health Canada) is conducting an evaluation of the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program (CTSSP) for the period from April 2019 to March 2024.
An evaluation of the CTSSP needs to be conducted once every five years to meet Financial Administration Act requirements. OAE is a neutral and independent group that will be responsible for examining evolving needs, achievement of outcomes and efficiency of the Program. OAE is independent of Epiq.
As part of this evaluation, OAE would like to interview 10 Thalidomide Survivors to better understand their needs and experiences with the CTSSP. OAE will randomly select these individuals. On behalf of OAE, Epiq will send invitation letters early September 2024.
Participation in the interview is voluntary and views will be kept anonymous.
The next status update will be on October 1, 2024
August 1, 2024
All program updates will be shared to CTSSP applicants and Confirmed Survivors via the CTSSP website, https://tsspcanada.ca/updates.html. We request that you check the Updates page periodically for any updates.
When applicable, important program updates will also be shared by direct notification to CTSSP applicants and Confirmed Survivors by their preferred method of communication. If you prefer email communication, please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book.
Please notify the Administrator of any changes to your contact information or preferred method of communication as we use what is on file to send notifications to both CTSSP applicants and Confirmed Survivors. When requesting changes to your contact information, please provide us with your full name, your File ID number (if known), and include the previous contact information on file in addition to the change being requested.
The next status update will be on September 1, 2024.
July 1, 2024
The CTSSP Application deadline was June 3rd, 2024. New Step 1 applications are no longer being accepted.
The CTSSP included a five-year time frame to apply to the program, beginning June 3, 2019, and ending June 3, 2024, for those individuals who believe they are a Thalidomide Survivor. Individuals denied under the Government of Canada’s 1991 Extraordinary Assistance Plan (“EAP”) or the 2015 Thalidomide Survivors Contribution Program (“TSCP”) were also eligible to apply. The CTSSP Application Period is now closed as of June 3rd, 2024. New applications are no longer being accepted.
Please note for those applications still in progress at any stage of the CTSSP application process at the time of the Application Deadline will have one year post the deadline to complete the application process, after which time the application review process will end.
The next status update will be on August 1, 2024.
June 1, 2024
For CTSSP applicants –
A reminder that the CTSSP Application Deadline is postmarked by June 3, 2024.
Submitting information to the Administrator, such as applications and supporting documentation, can be done by email, mail, and fax:
Email: info@tsspcanada.ca
Mail:
Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program
PO Box 507 STN B
Ottawa ON K1P 5P6
Fax: 1-866-262-0816
To avoid delays, when submitting information by mail, please ensure that you are mailing the information to the updated address listed above.
We highly recommend that you keep a copy of any information sent to the Administrator, especially originals, in case the information is lost or damaged for reasons out of our control.
There is no limit to the amount of documentation you can send to the Administrator, and since the information sent is immediately uploaded to your file, there is no need to send it through multiple methods. When submitting photographs, please provide us with good quality colour photocopies when possible and when sending medical documentation, such as x-rays, and scans, they can be submitted to the Administrator by medical CD.
The Administrator does not need to keep any of your personal original copies, therefore please make sure to let us know should you want the Administrator to return any original documentation to you.
The next status update will be on July 1, 2024.
May 7, 2024
Applicants to the CTSSP:
The Honourable Justice Pamel issued a judgement on April 29, 2024 removing date of birth as one of the eligibility criteria. The Attorney General of Canada now has 30 days to appeal that judgement, should they choose. In the meantime, individuals who may be affected by this decision may submit an application or a Request for Reconsideration to the CTSSP postmarked by the application deadline of June 3, 2024.
May 1, 2024
For CTSSP applicants –
A reminder that the CTSSP Application Deadline is postmarked by June 3, 2024.
Please note for those applications still in progress at any stage of the CTSSP application process at the time of the Application Deadline will have one year post the deadline to complete the application process, after which time the application review process will end.
For applications at Step 1 and Step 2 which we previously requested more information and have yet to receive a response to clear the Deficiency, the missing information identified in the Deficiency Letter must be provided to the Administrator postmarked by the Application Deadline, or the Administrator will complete its review and issue the Determination Letter based on the information on the file received as of the Application Deadline.
The next status update will be June 1, 2024
April 1, 2024
We want to thank all Confirmed Survivors who took time to complete the Outreach Survey. Your feedback will be very helpful to help us bring about important changes that will benefit all Confirmed Survivors.
Any changes to the program will be shared with Confirmed Survivors when finalized. Any changes will be announced to Confirmed Survivors by their preferred method of correspondence and will also be shared on the website.
The results of the Outreach Survey will be shared in the coming months.
The next status update will be May 1, 2024
March 1, 2024
For CTSSP Confirmed Survivors:
There is no limit as to how many EMAF applications you submit as the Administrator has removed the yearly submission deadline date to make the process easier for you. You may submit new applications whenever you wish; however, the Administrator requests that you accumulate $500 worth of expenses before sending in your application unless it creates a financial hardship for you.
For EMAF applications to be considered under to the current 2023/2024 EMAF fiscal year cap, you must submit and receive the EMAF decision letter prior to March 31, 2024.
Any EMAF decision rendered after that date will be included in your 2024/2025 EMAF fiscal year cap.
The next status update will be April 1, 2024.
February 1, 2024
In the coming weeks, Confirmed Survivors will be receiving their Annual Survey.
The Survey is anonymous and should only take a few minutes to complete. Your responses help us better understand the impact that the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program (“CTSSP”) is having on Survivors and to assess how well the program is meeting your needs.
Feedback received from past surveys has been instrumental to implement positive changes based on the evolving needs of Survivors, which is why your participation in the annual survey is so valuable and appreciated. Should you have any suggestions for changes that would be helpful to you or to improve participation to the survey, please make sure to share them with us.
You will be able to complete and submit the survey directly from your electronic device (computer, mobile phone, or tablet) or by submitting your responses by mail, email or by fax.
The next status update will be March 1, 2024
December 1, 2023
Submitting information to the Administrator, such as applications and supporting documentation, can be done by email, mail, and fax:
Email: info@tsspcanada.ca
Mail: Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program
PO Box 507 STN B
Ottawa ON K1P 5P6
Fax: 1-866-262-0816
To avoid delays, when submitting information by mail, please ensure that you are mailing the information to the updated address listed above.
All information received is immediately uploaded to your personal file, however we highly recommend that you keep a copy of any information sent to the Administrator, especially originals, in case the information is lost or damaged for reasons out of our control.
There is no limit to the amount of documentation you can send to the Administrator, and since the information sent is immediately uploaded to your file, there is no need to send it through multiple methods. When submitting photographs, please provide us with good quality colour photocopies when possible and when sending medical documentation, such as x-rays, and scans, they can be submitted to the Administrator by medical CD.
The Administrator does not need to keep any of your personal original copies, therefore please make sure to let us know should you want the Administrator to return any original documentation to you.
The next status update will be January 1, 2024.
November 1, 2023
In the coming months eligible CTSSP survivors will be receiving the annual Outreach Newsletter and Outreach Survey. To ensure that we have your correct contact information, we request that you notify the Administrator of any changes to your information.
You can contact the Administrator by calling 1-877-507-7706, 1-877-627-7027 (TTY) or by email, info@tsspcanada.ca.
When updating your contact information by email, it will be helpful if you provide the Administrator with your full name, your file number (if known), and your old contact information.
The next status update will be December 1, 2023.
October 1, 2023
A friendly reminder to our Confirmed Survivors who are assessed at a Level 1 or Level 2, you may request reassessment at any time throughout the fiscal year. You may do so by either completing a Reassessment application form or by booking a phone call with our health assessment reviewer.
The Reassessment application form is available to download on the website or if you wish you can request one to be sent to you by contacting the Administrator by calling 1-877-507-7706, 1-877-627-7027 (TTY) or by email info@tsspcanada.ca.
If you are interested in booking a phone call with our health assessment reviewer, please contact the Administrator by calling 1-877-507-7706, 1-877-627-7027 (TTY) or by email info@tsspcanada.ca.
The next status update will be November 1, 2023.
September 1, 2023
For CTSSP applicants
A reminder that the CTSSP Application Deadline is postmarked by June 3, 2024.
For applications at Step 1 and Step 2 which we previously requested more information and have yet to receive a response to clear the Deficiency; the Administrator will be contacting the applicants by their preferred method of communication to follow- up on the Deficiency request.
Please note, if an application has been found deficient before the Application Deadline, the missing information identified in the Deficiency Letter must be provided to the Administrator postmarked by the Application Deadline, or the Administrator will complete its review and issue the Determination Letter based on the information on the file received as of the Application Deadline.
The next status update will be October 1, 2023.
August 1, 2023
Individuals currently assessed at Level 1 or 2 may now request reassessment by phone call at any time throughout the year rather than during specific time periods. Reassessment in writing continues to be offered anytime throughout the year as per usual.
In the reassessment process, you may either complete a written application form or request to verbally complete the assessment with our health assessment reviewer. With both forms of reassessment, you will be asked to submit medical documentation to support your birth differences or secondary conditions if such documentation is not already on file with us.
With written reassessment, we will review your application upon receipt to ensure it is complete and then your file will be forwarded to a team of medical assessors for review and disability level determination.
If you choose to be reassessed by phone call, our health assessment reviewer will contact you to arrange a time for you to speak. You may participate in the call by yourself, or you are welcome to have a support person join you for the call if that would make you more comfortable. During the call, the health assessment reviewer will ask you a series of questions to help the CTSSP Administrator understand how your physical differences and secondary conditions as well as your functional needs have changed over time.
Your answers to the questions in writing or by phone call are very important as they help the CTSSP Administration team establish your current disability level based on the disability grid. This grid was established in partnership with representatives of TVAC, Health Canada and the CTSSP Administrator.
If you believe your health has worsened or fits a different disability level than what is currently determined, please reach out to us via one of our contact points below and we will guide you in the next steps.
Email: info@tsspcanada.ca
Toll-Free number: 1-877-507-7706 (TTY: 1-877-627-7027)
Fax: 1-866-262-0816
Mail: Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program
PO Box 507 STN B
Ottawa ON K1P 5P6
The next status update will be September 1, 2023.
July 1, 2023
For CTSSP applicants –
At each step of the CTSSP application process, medical evidence is required to help the assessors understand the nature and extent of your thalidomide-related birth differences and secondary conditions. Medical evidence should be provided for each of your birth differences and may include x-ray images, scans, medical reports, copies of correspondence, photographs etc.. Evidence provided with a previous application is carried forward automatically with the next application so no need to resubmit; however, you may be asked for additional information if that information would be pertinent to the review of your application.
At Step 3, the multi-disciplinary committee requests X-ray images and photographs of your birth differences taken from various angles. For instance, if you have a left arm with two absent fingers, please take x-rays and photographs starting from the top of your shoulder down to the tip of your fingers for both arms along with close-ups of your hands. If your birth differences are unilateral, please submit photographs and x-ray images of both sides, for comparison purposes.
The next status update will be August 1, 2023.
June 1, 2023
The CTSSP Application Deadline is postmarked by June 3, 2024.
Applications still in progress at any stage of the CTSSP application process as of the Application Deadline will have one (1) year post the Application Deadline to complete the Application process; after which time the application review process will end.
In the event that an application has been found deficient prior to the Application Deadline, the missing information identified in the Deficiency Letter sent by the Administrator must be provided to the Administrator postmarked by the Application Deadline or the Administrator will complete its review and issue the Determination Letter based on the File information received as of the Application Deadline.
The next status update will be July 1, 2023.
May 1, 2023
We want to thank all Confirmed Survivors who took time to complete the Outreach Survey. Your feedback will be very helpful to help us bring about important changes that will benefit all Confirmed Survivors.
We anticipate sharing the results with you in the coming months.
The next status update will be June 1, 2023.
April 1, 2023
Submitting information to the Administrator, such as applications and supporting documentation, can be done by email, mail, and fax:
E-Mail info@tsspcanada.ca
Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program
PO Box 507 STN B
Ottawa ON K1P 5P6
Fax 1-866-262-0816
All information received is immediately uploaded to your personal file, however we highly recommend that you keep a copy of any information sent to the Administrator, especially originals, in case the information is lost or damaged for reasons out of our control.
There is no limit to the amount of documentation you can send to the Administrator, and since the information sent is immediately uploaded to your file, there is no need to send it through multiple methods. When submitting photographs, please provide us with good quality colour photocopies when possible and when sending medical documentation, such as x-rays, and scans, they can be submitted to the Administrator by medical CD.
The Administrator does not need to keep any of your personal original copies, therefore please make sure to let us know should you want the Administrator to return any original documentation to you.
The next status update will be May 1, 2023.
March 1, 2023
Annual Outreach Survey
For Confirmed Survivors who have yet to complete the annual outreach survey, please know that the survey is anonymous and should only take a few minutes to complete. Your responses help us better understand the impact that the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program (“CTSSP”) is having on Survivors and to assess how well the program is meeting their needs. Several of the positive changes that have been implemented to date have been directly the result of feedback received from Survivor input.
You may complete and submit your survey responses in one of three ways:
- You may complete and submit the survey directly from your computer, mobile phone or tablet.
- You may submit your responses by mail, fax or email.
- You may call the Administrator to provide verbal responses to the survey questions.
If you prefer to respond to the survey in a different format than how you received it, please contact the Administrator via the following methods and we will be happy to assist you.
- Email: info@tsspcanada.ca
- Phone: 1-877-507-7706, TTY: 1-877-627-7027.
IMPORTANT: Survey response deadline: 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2023
Ongoing Support Payments
For Confirmed Survivors who are considering changing how you are receiving your Ongoing Support Payments, please complete an Ongoing Support Payments form. You may request the form by contacting the Administrator or you may download a copy of the Ongoing Support Payment form from the Forms page of the website.
You may choose to receive your payments by cheque or direct deposit, and you may choose to have your Ongoing Support Payments sent to you as one lump sum yearly or the lump sum may be sent to you in twelve monthly installments throughout the year. Monthly installments are typically issued in the last week of each month.
If you would like to discuss your options, please contact the Administrator.
Please submit the form no later than March 15, 2023, if you would like the change to take effect for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Reassessments
A friendly reminder to our Confirmed Survivors who are interested in applying for reassessment this fiscal year that you may do so by booking a call with our healthcare professional.
Please contact us and indicate your preference during the weeks of March 1, 2023 through March 16, 2023 and our healthcare professional will be in contact with you to confirm the date and time that better suits your needs.
You can contact us by email: info@tsspcanada.ca or by calling 1-877-807-7706; TTY: 1-877-627-7027.
The next status update will be April 1, 2023.
February 1, 2023
Outreach Newsletter –
Recently, the annual Outreach Newsletter was sent to all Confirmed Survivors by their preferred method of communication. If you have not received your copy or would like to receive an additional copy via another method, please contact the Administrator by calling 1-877-507-7706 or 1-877-627-7027 (TTY) or by emailing info@tsspcanada.ca. If your preferred method is email, please make sure to check your junk/spam folder.
Outreach Survey –
In the next few weeks, Confirmed Survivors will be receiving their annual Outreach Survey. The survey is anonymous, and we would appreciate if you would please take the time to complete it as your comments and feedback are extremely helpful in helping the Administrator better understand the impact that the CTSSP is having on you, assess how well the program is meeting your needs and where gaps may exist.
You will be able to complete and submit the survey directly from your electronic device (computer, mobile phone, or tablet) or by submitting your responses by mail, email or by fax.
Reassessments –
For Confirmed Survivors who are interested in applying for reassessment this fiscal year, we would like to remind you that reassessments by phone with our healthcare professional are currently being booked until March 3, 2023. Please contact us to indicate your preference and our healthcare professional will be in contact with you to confirm the date and time that better suits your needs.
The next status update will be March 1, 2023.
January 1, 2023
Ongoing Support Payments
For Confirmed Survivors who are considering changing how you are receiving your Ongoing Support Payments, please complete an Ongoing Support Payments form. You may request the form by contacting the Administrator or you may download a copy of the Ongoing Support Payment form from the Forms page of the website.
You may choose to receive your payments by cheque or direct deposit, and you may choose to have your Ongoing Support Payments sent to you as one lump sum yearly or the lump sum may be sent to you in twelve monthly installments throughout the year. Monthly installments are typically issued in the last week of each month.
If you would like to discuss your options, please contact the Administrator.
Please submit the form no later than March 15, 2023, if you would like the change to take effect for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Reassessments
A friendly reminder to our Confirmed Survivors who are interested in applying for reassessment this fiscal year that you may do so by booking a call with our healthcare professional.
Please contact us and indicate your preference during the weeks of January 15 through March 16, 2023 and our healthcare professional will be in contact with you to confirm the date and time that better suits your needs.
You can contact us by email: info@tsspcanada.ca or by calling 1-877-807-7706; TTY: 1-877-627-7027.
The next status update will be February 1, 2023.
December 1, 2022
Outreach Newsletter
The annual Outreach Newsletter for eligible CTSSP Survivors will be issued in January 2023 to all eligible CTSSP Survivors. The annual newsletter will be sent by their preferred method of communication (mail or email), therefore if your preferred method is by email, please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book to ensure that you receive the newsletter.
Following the newsletter, eligible CTSSP Survivors will receive the annual Outreach Survey to complete. Your feedback is greatly appreciated as it helps us better understand the impact that the CTSSP is having on eligible Survivors and how well the program is meeting your needs. As well, your comments about the CTSSP will help us identify areas in the process where adjustments may be beneficial. Eligible Survivors will be able to complete the survey online, by email, by phone and by mail.
Thalidomide Association of Canada (TVAC)
We would like to acquaint you with the Thalidomide Association of Canada (TVAC). Established in December 1987 with the assistance from the War Amputations of Canada, they are a non-profit charitable organization which represents over a hundred Canadians living with congenital malformations as a result of the effects of the thalidomide drug. Their mission is to empower its members and to improve their quality of life, as well as warn the public of the drug’s devastating effects, so that recurrence of the thalidomide tragedy can be avoided.
If you are interested in learning more about TVAC and becoming a member, please reach out to them directly through:
Thalidomide Victims Association of Canada
By mail: 7744 Sherbrooke Street East #102, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1L 1A1
By email: assistant.tvac-acvt@bellnet.ca
By phone: 514-355-0811 toll free 1-877-355-0811
Happy Holidays 
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy holiday season!
The next status update will be January 1, 2023.
November 1, 2022
For Confirmed Survivors that are submitting EMAF applications, we wish to highlight several key requirements:
- When requesting reimbursement for home or vehicle modifications, those receipts must be from qualified licensed professionals. A qualified licensed professional means a person who has the education, training, licensure, certification, or experience to provide said service.
- Requests for reimbursement for home modifications will be considered for your primary residence only. This was always assumed, but never specifically stated previously. A primary residence means the residence listed as your legal address, such as on your Driver’s license, tax returns, etc.
- An official receipt must be provided for each product or service for which reimbursement has been requested. While an invoice is a request for payment, an official receipt is the proof of payment. We require a copy of the provider’s official receipt as proof that the products and/or services have been paid for in full. On an exceptional basis, proof of payment can also be in the form of copies of cashed cheques or credit card statements showing payment was made to the provider for the amount claimed. For details on what an official receipt must contain, please refer to our September 1, 2022 update.
For Confirmed Survivors who are interested in applying for reassessment this fiscal year, we would like to remind you that reassessments by phone with our healthcare professional are now being booked during the following dates:
- The weeks of November 7th to November 30th, 2022
- The weeks of January 15th to March 3rd, 2023
Please contact us to indicate your preference and our healthcare professional will be in contact with you to confirm the date and time that better suits your needs.
The next status update will be December 1, 2022
October 1, 2022
Applicants to the CTSSP: Process change as a result of a new Judgment released on August 9th, 2022
The changes are associated with a recent court ruling noting that the paragraph 3(5)(c) Order in Council P.C. 2019-0271 is to be interpreted such that applicants who yield results of “unlikely” or “uncertain” provided from the “valiDATE” diagnostic algorithm utilized at Step 2 of the CTSSP can now proceed to Step 3 of the CTSSP and that a “probable” finding from the valiDATE diagnostic algorithm utilized at Step 2 of the CTSSP is not a precondition to eligibility to the CTSSP.
To any applicants who received an “unlikely” and/or an “uncertain” result from the valiDATE diagnostic algorithm utilized at Step 2 of the CTSSP, the above ruling applies to you.
We are currently working to implement the changes outlined in the August 9th Judgement and letters with regards to next steps will be distributed to affected claimants in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, please visit our website periodically as updates will be posted when available.
The next status update will be November 1, 2022
September 1, 2022
For Confirmed Survivors that are submitting EMAF applications, please note that under the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program (“CTSSP”), one million dollars (indexed at 2% per year) is set aside annually in the Extraordinary Medical Assistance Fund to help cover the unique health support costs of Canadian Thalidomide Survivors who require specialized surgeries, health support treatments and/or require changes to their home or vehicle to better accommodate their needs as Thalidomide Survivors.
The Administrator considers any EMAF applications that relate to each individual’s specific thalidomide related injuries and that are accompanied by receipts or quotations acquired within one year of the date that the EMAF application is submitted to the Administrator.
A receipt or quotation must be provided for each item and/or service for which reimbursement or funding is being requested and must include the following information:
• Service provider’s information:
- Business name/logo
- Contact information
- Business GST/HST number
- Business license
- Website
• Name of the recipient who received the item(s) or service(s)
• Date of sale for each item purchased or service rendered
• Itemized list of sold item(s) or service(s), including descriptions and pricing for each
• Proof of payment, which can be in the form of an official receipt from the service provider, a bank statement, a credit card statement or similar
• Any requests for funding of more than $10,000 must be accompanied from two different licensed professionals. If that is not possible, please let us know when you submit your application. The Administrator may elect to obtain a second quotation for fair and reasonable comparison purposes only.
If you are unsure how to apply for the EMAF, we are here to help. Please call us at 1-877-507-7706 and we will help you complete the application.
The next status update will be October 1, 2022
August 1, 2022
A friendly reminder to our Confirmed Survivors who are interested in applying for reassessment this fiscal year that you may do so by booking a call with our healthcare professional.
Please contact us and indicate your preference for the weeks of November 7th to November 30th, 2022, or January 15th to March 16th, 2023. Our healthcare professional will be in contact with you in the fall to confirm the date and time that better suits your needs.
You can contact us by email: info@tsspcanada.ca or by calling 1-877-807-7706; TTY: 1-877-627-7027.
The next status update will be September 1, 2022.
July 1, 2022
Thank you to everyone who was able to respond to the Outreach Survey prior to the response deadline. The 2021/2022FY Outreach Survey was completed by 80% CTSSP Survivors this year, our record response rate to date.
Here are some highlights from your responses:
- 96% of CTSSP Survivors reported that receiving ongoing support payments have impacted them in a positive way in their ability to age with dignity.
- 87% of CTSSP Survivors who utilized the EMAF indicated that receiving EMAF funding has impacted them in a positive way in their ability to age with dignity.
- 66% of CTSSP Survivors thought that changes proposed for the EMAF in 2021-2022 were good ideas.
- When asked whether speaking to a healthcare professional to request reassessment, 76% of CTSSP Survivors thought it would be a positive change.
While survey feedback was mostly positive, the CTSSP Administrator reviews and considers all responses to the Survey questions as a means to improve the program and meet CTSSP Survivors needs. As a result of feedback received to this year’s survey, the Administrator will be making some enhancements to the CTSSP program in the months to come.
The next Outreach Survey will be issued in February 2023.
The next status update will be August 1, 2022.
June 1, 2022
Consent to Communicate form –
If you wish to have someone contact the Administrator for status updates on your file without the need for you to be part of the conversation, you must complete a Consent to Communicate form, which is available by contacting the Administrator by telephone, mail or fax or by download from the website. The person you name in the form may contact the Administrator for status updates only. They cannot request changes to your file or give the Administrator direction as to how your file should be handled or request that your confidential documents be sent to them. The form must be renewed every 2 years and can be cancelled at any time by writing the Administrator to remove said representative.
Legally Appointed Representative –
A Legally Appointed Representative is someone appointed by the Court who has legal authority to act on your behalf, which may include making decisions on your behalf as outlined in the legal document provided, such as a ‘Court Order’, a ‘Legal Authority to Act’, a ‘Power of Attorney’, etc. You must provide the Administrator with a copy of the document and notify the Administrator promptly of any change of representation and provide written documentation of the same.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Administrator and we will be happy to help.
The next status update will be July 1, 2022.
May 1, 2022
Submitting information to the Administrator, such as applications and supporting documentation, can be done through by email, mail, and fax:
E-Mail: info@tsspcanada.ca
Mail:
Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program
PO Box 507 STN B
Ottawa ON K1P 5P6
Fax: 1-866-262-0816
All information received is immediately uploaded to your personal file, however we highly recommend that you keep a copy of any information sent to the Administrator, especially originals, in case the information is lost or damaged for reasons out of our control.
There is no limit to the amount of documentation you can send to the Administrator, and since the information sent is immediately uploaded to your file, there is no need to send it through multiple methods. When submitting photographs, please provide us with good quality colour photocopies when possible and when sending medical documentation, such as x-rays, and scans, they can be submitted to the Administrator by medical CD.
The Administrator does not need to keep any of your personal original copies, therefore please make sure to let us know should you want the Administrator to return any original documentation to you.
The next status update will be June 1, 2022.
April 1, 2022
We want to thank all Confirmed Survivors who took time to complete the Outreach Survey. Your feedback will be very helpful to help us bring about important changes that will benefit all Confirmed Survivors.
We hope to share the results with you in the coming months.
The next status update will be May 1, 2022.
March 1, 2022
We are happy to announce that Confirmed Survivors at a level 1 or 2 may now have their disability level reassessed through a phone call with Epiq’s dedicated bilingual healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will inquire as to how your daily living needs have changed over time because of the degeneration of your birth and secondary injuries due to Thalidomide. Speaking with the healthcare professional will give you an opportunity to share information that may not be easily conveyed in writing to help the Administrator make a determination as to whether to increase your disability level. For more information or to book a phone call with our healthcare professional, please contact the Administrator by calling 1-877-507-7706 or by email at info@tsspcanada.ca.
The Administrator will also be contacting all Confirmed Survivors to verify their contact information and preferences are up to date in advance of the start of the new fiscal year in April of 2022. The call will also give Confirmed Survivors the opportunity to ask questions about the benefits available to them under the CTSSP including how to access the EMAF.
The next status update will be April 1, 2022.
February 1, 2022
Recently, the annual Outreach Newsletter was sent to all Confirmed Survivors by their preferred method of communication. If you have not received your copy or would like to receive an additional copy via another method, please contact the Administrator by calling 1-877-507-7706 or 1-877-627-7027 (TTY) or by emailing info@tsspcanada.ca. If your preferred method is email, please make sure to check your junk/spam folder.
In the next few weeks, Confirmed Survivors will be receiving their annual Outreach Survey. The survey is anonymous, and we would appreciate if you would please take the time to complete it as your comments and feedback are extremely helpful in helping the Administrator better understand the impact that the CTSSP is having on you, assess how well the program is meeting your needs and where gaps may exist.
You will be able to complete and submit the survey directly from your electronic device (computer, mobile phone, or tablet) or by submitting your responses by mail, email or by fax. If submitting your survey by fax, please be advised that our fax number has recently been changed to 1-866-262-0816.
The next status update will be March 1, 2022.
January 1, 2022
Ongoing Support Payments –
For Confirmed Survivors who are considering changing how you are receiving your Ongoing Support Payments, please complete an Ongoing Support Payments form. You may request the form by contacting the Administrator or you may download a copy of the Ongoing Support Payment form from the Forms page of the website.
You may choose to receive your payments by cheque or direct deposit, and you may choose to have your Ongoing Support Payments sent to you as one lump sum yearly or the lump sum may be sent to you in twelve monthly installments throughout the year. Monthly installments are typically issued in the last week of each month.
If you would like to discuss your options, please contact the Administrator.
Please submit the form no later than March 15, 2022, if you would like the change to take effect for the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
The next status update will be February 1, 2022.
December 1, 2021
The annual Outreach Newsletter for eligible CTSSP Survivors will be issued in January 2022 to all eligible CTSSP Survivors. The annual newsletter will be sent by their preferred method of communication (mail or email), therefore if your preferred method is by email, please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book to ensure that you receive the newsletter.
Following the newsletter, eligible CTSSP Survivors will receive the annual Outreach Survey to complete. Your feedback is greatly appreciated as it helps us better understand the impact that the CTSSP is having on eligible Survivors and how well the program is meeting your needs. As well, your comments about the CTSSP will help us identify areas in the process where adjustments may be beneficial. Eligible Survivors will be able to complete the survey online, by email, by phone and by mail.
The next status update will be January 1, 2022.
November 1, 2021
For CTSSP applicants that are considering requesting reconsideration of their Step 1 or Step 2 applications, you may do so at any time prior to the claim’s deadline of June 3, 2024.
To request Reconsideration, you must provide new information to support your request. New information can include medical documentation, reports, scans, or correspondence not previously submitted to support your Step 1 or Step 2 applications.
You may also request reconsideration if you think a misinterpretation has been made in the assessment of your application by explaining your reason in the Reconsideration form.
To request reconsideration, please contact the Administrator by email, mail or phone to request the form to be sent to you or you can download it from the Forms page on this website by clicking here.
The next status update will be December 2021.
October 1, 2021
For Survivors who have already been found eligible under the CTSSP or the former TSCP, who are currently assessed at Level 1 or Level 2, you may request that your health status be reassessed.
Those who are unsure if they should request reassessment should do so if they have experience functional or physical deterioration associated with their Thalidomide related injuries since their last reassessment.
To be reassessed, please complete the Reassessment Application to tell us how your health status has changed. Please include updated medical or functional assessment reports which will help the medical assessors better understand your current health status. You can obtain the reports yourself or you can request the Administrator obtain them for you by completing and submitting a Consent to Release Medical Information form along with your Reassessment Application. If you chose to get the records yourself, any reasonable cost to obtain the reports will be reimbursed by the Administrator upon submission of an invoice.
If you are reassessed at a higher disability level, you will receive an increase in your annual Ongoing Support payment which will take effect in the fiscal year following when the determination is made. The next fiscal year commences in April of 2022.
Reassessment forms and Consent to Release Medical Information forms are available on this website, by clicking here or you can email or call the Administrator so that the forms can be sent to you.
The next status update will be on November 1, 2021.
September 1, 2021
The Administrator has received questions from confirmed survivors asking how determinations are made as to whether someone receives funding or not, including instances where two individuals have requested the funding for a similar type of expense.
The majority of EMAF funding requests received are approved, but are subject to the guiding principles, which are outlined in the annual letter sent to Confirmed Survivors and are available on the FAQs page of this website.
When reviewing requests for funding to the EMAF, the Administrator does not compare one person’s application to another person’s application because no two individuals have exactly the same thalidomide-related injuries and/or exactly the same functional challenges in relation to those injuries. The Administrator carefully reviews a request for funding with respect to how the item(s) requested will provide clear health benefits as they relate to that person’s unique thalidomide-related medical condition(s), which will also help the person age with dignity.
To facilitate the Administrator’s assessment, it is very helpful when submitting your EMAF application if you can provide a brief explanation as to which aspect of your thalidomide-related condition the requested item will support. This explanation can be a personal narrative with specific reference to the physical or functional challenge and/or if you prefer, you may provide a medical practitioner’s report citing the benefit of the item.
The schedule of potentially eligible expenses found on the FAQs page of the website is shared as an aid to Survivors who may be uncertain of what expenses may be considered as eligible by the Administrator but is not all inclusive. The Administrator encourages all Survivors to submit EMAF Applications for any expense that they feel will enhance their ability to age with dignity with respect to their thalidomide-related injuries or functional challenges.
The Administrator is currently working on updating the EMAF application process and website content to better enhance to the EMAF. Further details to follow.
The next update will be on October 1, 2021.
August 1, 2021
For applicants who are currently completing their Step 2 – Probability Assessment Application forms, we highly recommend that the application be completed with the assistance of your medical practitioner. The questions asked on the Step 2 – Probability Assessment Application directly correlate to the questions that the medical assessors need to answer on the diagnostic algorithm, therefore having your medical practitioner complete the medical questionnaire and providing supporting medical documentation such as medical records, x-rays and scans will enable the medical assessors to answer the questions accurately and more efficiently.
The next status update will be September 1, 2021.
July 1, 2021
In response to Survivor feedback received in the most recent Outreach Survey, a quick link to the EMAF Schedule of Potential Eligible Expenses can be found on the FAQ page.
Please note that that the list is not all inclusive so please submit an EMAF application even if your service or item is not listed.
If you are unsure how to apply for the EMAF, we are here to help. Please call us at 1-877-507-7706 and we will help you fill out the application.
The next status update will be August 1, 2021.
June 1, 2021
Thank you to everyone who was able to respond to the Outreach Survey prior to the response deadline. The 2020/2021 FY Outreach Survey was completed by 73% of CTSSP Survivors this year, our record response rate to date.
Here are some highlights from your responses:
- 59% of CTSSP Survivors reported that receiving ongoing support payments have impacted them in a positive way in their ability to age with dignity.
- 53% of CTSSP Survivors who utilized the EMAF indicated that receiving EMAF funding has impacted them in a positive way in their ability to age with dignity.
- 62% of CTSSP Survivors thought that changes implemented to the EMAF in 2019-2020 were a good idea.
- When asked if there was anything that they would like changed, 52% of CTSSP Survivors indicated that no changes to instructions, forms and layouts of Administrator’s materials were required, that everything was good as it was.
While survey feedback was mostly positive, the CTSSP Administrator reviews and considers all responses to the Survey questions as a means to improve the program and meet CTSSP Survivors needs. As a result of feedback received to this year’s survey, the Administrator will be making some enhancements to the CTSSP program in the months to come.
The next Outreach Survey will be issued in February 2022.
The next status update will be July 1, 2021.
May 1, 2021
We want to thank everyone who took time to complete the 2020-2021 Outreach survey. As a result of your feedback the Administrator will be making enhancements to both the Extraordinary Medical Assistance Fund (“EMAF”) and to the navigation of the website.
Confirmed Survivors will receive more information about the changes of the EMAF by their preferred method of delivery in the upcoming weeks. If you receive your correspondence by email, please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book.
Next status update will be June 1, 2021.
April 1, 2021
The Administrator has a new mailing address:
Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program
PO Box 507 Stn B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5P6
If you recently sent documentation or forms to the Administrator to the address in Waterloo, please be rest assured that your mail will be forwarded to the new mailing address. Although our mailing address has changed, the Administration team and our email address remains the same.
On a go forward, please send all mailed correspondence to the new address as listed in the claim form and as posted on the website.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Administrator.
The next status update will be May 1, 2021
March 1, 2021
Recently the annual Outreach newsletter was sent to Confirmed Survivors, if you have not received your copy please contact the Administrator.
In the next few weeks, Confirmed Survivors will be receiving the annual Outreach survey. The survey will be delivered by mail and/or email depending upon your preferences. If you prefer to receive the survey by email and have not provided the Administrator with your email address, please contact us. We would appreciate if you can fill out the survey to assist us in better understanding the impact that the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program is having on Survivors and to assess how well the program is meeting the needs of Survivors. The survey can be completed and submitted directly from your electronic device or you may complete it and return it by mail or by email. You may also contact the CTSSP Information Line to provide verbal responses to the survey questions.
The next status update will be April 1, 2021.
February 1, 2021
In the upcoming weeks, you will receive a copy of our annual newsletter sharing updates and information about the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program. Following that, you will receive the annual outreach survey requesting your vital feedback about the program. Both will be delivered by mail and/or email depending upon your preferences.
Lastly, as we begin preparations to issue the 2021-2022 FY annual ongoing support payments at the end of April 2021, we wish to remind you that you may change the way you receive your support payment by completing an Ongoing Support Payment form. You may download the form from the Forms page on the website or you may request a form by contacting the Administrator. You may choose to have your ongoing support payment issued as one lump sum yearly or have the payment issued to you in twelve monthly installments. The monthly installments are typically issued in the last week of the month. If you interested in changing the way you are receiving your ongoing support payment for the upcoming 2021-2022 fiscal year, please submit the completed form no later than March 15, 2021.
The next status update will be March 1, 2021.
January 1, 2021
The annual Outreach Newsletter will be issued in February to Confirmed Survivors by your preferred method of communication, by email or mail. If your preferred method is by email please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book to ensure that you receive the newsletter.
Soon after the newsletter is issued, Confirmed Survivors will receive the annual Outreach Survey to complete. Your feedback is greatly appreciated as it helps us better understand the impact that the CTSSP is having on Confirmed Survivors and how well the program is meeting your needs. Confirmed Survivors will be able to complete the survey online, by email, by phone and by mail.
The next status update will be February 1, 2021.
December 1, 2020
For applicants who have advanced to Step 3 of the CTSSP application process, the Administrator will be contacting the medical practitioner you identified in the signed authorization section of the Step 2 application form to request that they complete a brief attestation form. This attestation request is to verify that the injuries identified in the diagnostic report are an accurate assessment of all your known injuries. You will be provided with a copy of the letter that will be sent to your medical practitioner. Any costs incurred at this stage will be covered by the Administrator. The Multi-Disciplinary committee will then review the attestation response along with your entire file submitted to date to make its recommendation to the Administrator. The Multi-disciplinary Committee may request additional tests or information to complete the review. You will be contacted if such additional information is needed.
Next status update will be January 1, 2021.
November 1, 2020
As the result of the feedback received from the Outreach Survey, the Administrator has made a few enhancements to the EMAF which include a simplified claims process and the inclusion of additional health services. Confirmed Survivors will receive more information about the changes by their preferred method of delivery in the upcoming weeks. If you receive your correspondence by email, please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book.
Next status update will be December 1, 2020.
October 1, 2020
For the applicants who are requesting reconsideration, please note that you may request your application to be reconsidered at any point of the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program application process before the Step 1 – Preliminary Screening Application deadline of postmarked by June 3, 2024.
You must complete the Request for Reconsideration Form, which you can find on the website under the Forms page or may request one by contacting the Administrator. Along with the form we require new information to be provided in support of your request for reconsideration. New information could include medical documentation, reports, scans, x-rays or correspondence not previously submitted to support your Step 1 and Step 2 application.
The next status update will be November 1, 2020
September 1, 2020
Step 2 – Probability Assessment Application Determination letters are starting to be sent. Individuals will receive a copy of the report from the diagnostic algorithm with their determination letter.
The algorithm yields a probability-based result on a three-point scale of the likelihood that a person’s injuries are the result of maternal ingestion of Thalidomide in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is not a definitive medical test, but a probability assessment. The term “probable” is the highest point on a three-point scale of the algorithm which ranges from “unlikely” to “probable” that a person’s injuries are the result of maternal ingestion of Thalidomide in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Individuals with a probability result of “probable” will advance to Step 3, the Multi-Disciplinary Committee Review. The committee will carefully consider the totality of the information related to the person’s CTSSP application and any other evidence the committee considers relevant to make its recommendation to the Administrator. The committee may request that the person undergo a physical examination by a qualified clinician and/or request other testing to formulate its recommendation to the Administrator that an individual is eligible for support under the CTSSP. The costs of these tests will be borne by the CTSSP. The assessment procedure at Step 3 is complex so the process may take time, particularly if we must await test results; however, we will aim to make a determination on your application as quickly as possible.
Anyone whose probability result at Step 2 is other than “probable” may request that their application be reconsidered by completing a Request for Reconsideration form and by submitting new information in support of their Step 2 application. The Reconsideration form must be submitted to the Administrator postmarked by the application deadline of June 3, 2024, or the Administrator’s assessment of a person’s eligibility as of that deadline date becomes final. A person must be found eligible at both Steps 1 and 2 to advance to Step 3 as the Administrator has no authority to change the terms and conditions of the Order in Council.
The next status update will be October 1, 2020.
August 1, 2020
Confirmed Survivors
Physical health and the way we do things change as we age. Confirmed Survivors who are currently assessed at Level 1 or Level 2 may request that their health status be reassessed. If you are reassessed at a higher disability level, you will receive an increase in your annual Ongoing Support payment amount to help you with your changing needs. If you are unsure how to request reassessment, you may contact the Administrator who will be happy to walk you through the process. Reassessment does not require a physical in person medical exam, but the submission of a form where you tell us about your current physical and functional health. Current medical records or functional assessment reports are helpful as they provide the Administrator and its physicians with a better understanding of your current health status. You may obtain the records yourself or you can ask the Administrator to get them for you by submitting a Consent to Release Medical Information form with your Reassessment Application. It is best to submit your application early in the year as changes to your disability level only take effect once the Administrator makes its determination, which depends upon when the Administrator receives the medical records from your health practitioner. Sometimes it takes quite a while to receive your records from your doctor. If a determination is made prior to March 31st of the current year, then the change in your annual Ongoing Support payment amount will take effect in the 2021/2022 fiscal year.
Unconfirmed Survivors
For the applicants who are receiving their Step 1 -Preliminary Screening Assessment Determination letters and have not met one or more of the three required criteria at Step 1 as defined in the Order in Council, you may request that your application be reconsidered at any time prior to the Step 1 – Preliminary Screening Application deadline of postmarked by June 3, 2024.
You must be able to provide new information that was not previously submitted with you Step 1 – Preliminary Screening Application to be reconsidered. All applicants to the CTSSP must meet all three of the criteria at Step 1 to advance to Step 2 of the CTSSP application process.
To request reconsideration, please contact the Administrator to request a Reconsideration form to be sent to you or you may download the form from the Forms page of this website.
The next status update will be September 1, 2020.
July 1, 2020
Thank you to everyone who was able to respond to the Outreach survey prior to the survey response deadline.
Your feedback is important as it helps the Administrator determine where adjustments to program processes may be beneficial to help Confirmed Survivors age with dignity.
One of the areas that we are intending to make adjustments to is the EMAF as most Survivors reported that they would like to see changes to the EMAF, by allowing ongoing treatments, medication and support services. Updates to the program will take time to implement, but changes will be communicated to Survivors as soon as possible.
The next Confirmed Survivor Outreach Survey will be issued in February of 2021.
The next status update will be August 1, 2020.
June 1, 2020
For Applicants to the CTSSP:
Applicants who are awaiting receipt of their Step 1 Application Review Summary letter may expect the letter by their preferred method of delivery by the end of June if not before.
Applicants who are currently completing the Step 2 – Probability Assessment Application should do so with their medical practitioner as detailed medical responses are required to each question. Responses that lack sufficient detail may result in processing delays as additional information will be needed and requested from you before your information will be input into the Diagnostic Tool.
Lastly, the Diagnostic Tool is now available and our physicians are currently familiarizing themselves with its use. Simultaneously, the Administrator has begun to review the Step 2 applications for completeness. You will be notified if more information is required and/or when your file is ready to be input into the Diagnostic Tool. We anticipate starting to input applications into the tool within the next few weeks.
The next status update will be July 1, 2020.
May 1, 2020
The Administrator has recently invited Confirmed Survivors to complete the annual Outreach Survey.
We would appreciate if you would spend a few minutes to fill out this survey to help us better understand the impact that the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program (“CTSSP”) is having on Survivors and to assess how well the program is meeting the needs of Survivors. Only Confirmed Survivors may complete the survey as they Outreach Survey asks questions about the benefits and services specifically available to Confirmed Survivors only.
Confirmed Survivors who have provided the CTSSP Administrator with a valid email address received an invitation via email to complete the Outreach Survey electronically. Please check your junk mail folder if you cannot find the invite. Confirmed Survivors who have not provided the Administrator with a valid email address will receive the Survey by mail.
You may complete and submit the survey directly from your electronic device (computer, mobile phone or tablet) or you may complete it by mail. If you received your survey via mail and would prefer to complete the survey online, please call or email the Administrator to request a link to the online survey. Surveys completed by mail may be returned to the Administrator by email, fax or mail using any of the contact points listed on the last page of the survey. You may also call the CTSSP Information Line at 1-877-507-7706, 1-877-627-7027 (TTY) to provide verbal responses to the survey questions if that is your preference.
All Surveys submitted through the online link will be anonymous. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous, who submit their survey by mail, should list the Administrator’s address in the return to sender area on the external envelope. Individuals who submit their survey as an attachment to an email or verbally complete the survey, unfortunately, cannot be remain anonymous.
The deadline to complete and submit the Survey is postmarked by May 27, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. Once the deadline passes, the invitation link sent via email will no longer be valid.
The next status update will be June 1, 2020
April 1, 2020
For Applicants to the CTSSP:
The Developers of the Diagnostic tool have not yet released the tool to the Administrator to use.
While delivery was anticipated in early spring, this may now be delayed by the unprecedented effects of COVID-19.
In the interim, the Administrator will complete its initial review of your Step 2 application to verify that all necessary information to complete the assessment at Step 2 has been received. Please note that additional information may still be required once inputting into the tool commences to ensure an accurate result.
We are hopeful the tool will be available soon, but its release is not under our control.
The next status update will be May 1, 2020.
March 1, 2020
We are pleased to announce that CTSSP Step 2 – Probability Assessment Application forms are currently being distributed by email and mail depending upon the recipient’s preferred method of delivery.
When completing the Step 2 – Probability Assessment Application, it is very important to provide detailed medical responses to the questions in the application. Subsequently, it is highly recommended that the application be completed with the help of a medical practitioner and that supporting medical evidence such as medical reports, copies of correspondence, x-rays, scans, etc. be included when the application is returned to the Administrator.
Also, please provide a copy of valid government identification which includes your date and place of birth when you return the Step 2 application form.
The deadline to submit the completed Step 2 – Probability Assessment Application and supporting documentation is postmarked by June 3, 2024.
The next status update will be April 1, 2020
February 1, 2020
Reassessment:
Confirmed Survivors who are currently at a level 1 or a level 2, may request reassessment of their health status for the 2019-2020 FY anytime between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.
EMAF:
EMAF applications are now being accepted for the 2019-2020 FY. Confirmed Survivors may submit up to a maximum of two applications per year anytime between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.
Ongoing Support Payments:
To change how you are receiving your payments, please complete an Ongoing Support Payments form. You may request the form by contacting the Administrator or you may download a copy of the Ongoing Support Payment form from the Forms page of the website. You may choose to have your ongoing support payments sent to you as one lump sum yearly or the lump sum may be sent to you in twelve monthly installments throughout the year. Monthly installments are typically issued in the last week of each month. If you are interested in changing how you are receiving your Ongoing Support Payment, please submit the form no later than March 15, 2020.
The next status update will be March 1, 2020.
January 1, 2020
The annual Outreach Newsletter for Survivors will be issued in February to Confirmed Survivors by each person’s preferred method of communication (email or mail). If you prefer to receive correspondence by email, please ensure that info@tsspcanada.ca is added to your address book to ensure you receive the newsletter.
Following the newsletter, the Administrator will send you a brief survey to complete. Your comments about the CTSSP will help us identify areas in the process where adjustments may be beneficial.
You will be able to complete the survey online, via email, by phone or by mail.
Next status update will be February 1, 2020.
December 1, 2019
Delivery of the Step 2 application form to CTSSP Applicants, who have been approved at Step 1, is pending the release of the Diagnostic Algorithm for Thalidomide embryopathy which will be utilized at Step 2 to help assess the probability that an individual’s congenital malformations are consistent with known patterns of Thalidomide embryopathy. It is important to ensure that the information requested on the Step 2 application form will be pertinent to the algorithm.
Further updates regarding the status of the release of the algorithm will be posted here as they become available.
We thank you for your patience.
The next status update will be January 1, 2020.
November 1, 2019
For individuals who are submitting Step 1 – Preliminary Screening applications, please complete the application form in its entirety. If you previously applied for the Thalidomide Survivors Contribution Program and would like us to review the supporting documentation submitted to the Administrator at that time, please indicate that on the Step 1 Application form.
Providing us with as much information as possible about your injuries, including descriptive comments within the application, photographs of your injuries and letters from family members and others who may have knowledge of your mother’s ingestion of Thalidomide are extremely helpful. Medical documents are also helpful, but not required at this step of the process.
Proof of identification is required for all claimants. Legally appointed representatives must provide identification for both the CTSSP applicant and the representative (if applicable). It is preferred that the identification submitted for the CTSSP applicant include the individual’s date and country of birth.
The next status updated will be December 1, 2019
October 2019
Individuals who have already been recognized as Confirmed Survivors under the former 2015 TSCP program may request reconsideration at any time during the 2019-2020 FY if they are currently at Level 1 or 2. Any change to your disability level as a result of your request for reassessment will take effect the following fiscal year.
Confirmed Survivors may also request additional funding for home or vehicle improvements or specialized surgeries by submitting an EMAF application. EMAF applications are accepted throughout the year and will be processed as they are submitted.
Claimants who have not yet been recognized as Confirmed Survivors under the new Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program may submit an application any time prior to June 3, 2024. For those individuals who have received positive decision letters at Step 1 of the application process, you should be receiving the Step 2 application shortly.
The next status update will be November 1, 2019.
September 19, 2019
Review of Step 1 – Preliminary Screening applications is underway and it is anticipated that decisions on completed applications will be rendered in writing the near future.
If more information is needed to complete a review of an application, the Administrator will contact the claimant by their preferred method of delivery.
If you have changed your contact information recently, please contact the administrator so that we have the most up to date information for you.
The next status update will be available October 1, 2019.
August 1, 2019
Frequently asked questions and answers pertaining to the application process for Unconfirmed Claimants have added to the FAQ Page of the website.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the Administrator.
The next status update will be September 1, 2019.
July 1, 2019
Effective July 1st, 2019, you may notice that Crawford Class Action Services will have a new name, Epiq Class Action Services. While our name is new, our location and all the familiar voices of our Administration team will remain the same. You may also notice a slight change to our personal email addresses if you email one of us directly. Our personal email addresses will now end in @epiqglobal.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Administrator.
The next status update will be August 1, 2019.
74 Confirmed Survivors responded to the 2018-2019 FY Outreach Survey. Thank you to everyone who was able to respond to the survey prior to the Survey Response deadline.
Some highlights from your responses to the Survey are as follows:
- The majority of Survivors reported that their physical and functional health has declined since the last survey; however, a few Survivors reported their health has improved and a number of Survivors indicated that their health has remained the same.
- The majority of Survivors reported that they use their Ongoing Support Payment to fund ongoing treatments/prescriptions that are not otherwise covered.
- The majority of Survivors indicated that the EMAF funding that they have received has been helpful in their ability to age with dignity.
- The majority of Survivors believe that increasing the EMAF cap by 2% per fiscal year is a positive change.
- The majority of Survivors who contacted the Administrator by email or by telephone this past year rated the level of service received as very helpful.
The CTSSP reviews and considers all question responses in an effort to continuously strive to improve the program to meet Confirmed Survivor needs within the program parameters.
The next Confirmed Survivor Outreach Survey will be issued in February of 2020.
The next status update will be available July 2, 2019.
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