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Employee Benefits
Employer pension and benefit support
Record updated
- Funding available
- Varies by project
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Canada
- Who can apply
- First Nation, Inuit and Innu employers with employees involved in delivering programs funded by the department.
- See full eligibility
Overview
Employee Benefits supports eligible First Nation, Inuit and Innu employers by funding the employer’s share of pension and non-statutory benefit contributions for employees delivering eligible programs. Eligible costs include pension plans, Canada/Quebec Pension Plan contributions, administrative fees, and non-statutory employee benefits.
At a glance
Funding available
Varies by project
- Attract or retain talent
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Canada
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- All legal structures
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nation, Inuit and Innu employers with employees involved in delivering programs funded by the department.
- For the block funding approach, First Nations and Tribal councils that represent their communities and are mandated by First Nations to represent their communities.
Eligible expenses
- Contributions toward private pension plans
- Contributions toward the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan
- Underwriter fees and administrative costs
- Contributions toward non-statutory employee benefit plans
- Registration fees required to have the pension plan registered under the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 or equivalent provincial legislation
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Prior pensionable service of employees
- Employment Insurance and Worker’s Compensation
Activities funded
- Supporting the employer’s share of contributions to employer-sponsored pension plans and the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan for eligible employees
- Supporting non-statutory employee benefit plans where an employer-sponsored pension plan is being funded
How to apply
- Complete the annual Application for Employee Benefits.
- If assuming management of a new program or requesting an increase in funding, submit an application form again.
- Use the correct form for the applicant type: First Nation, Tribal Council, or organization other than a First Nation or Tribal Council.
- Submit a complete application form to your regional office.
- Include a list of eligible employees with all forms.
Documents Needed
- Application for Employee Benefits, or the applicable form for First Nations, Tribal Councils, or other organizations, plus a list of eligible employees
- Band council resolution or resolution of the board of directors
- Canada Revenue Agency form CPT 124, if the eligible employer elects to participate in the Canada Pension Plan for status Indian employees
- Plan text, employee booklet, cost certificate, and investment contract or trust agreement for the pension plan
- Canada Revenue Agency Form T510, the application for registration required under the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, the cheque for the registration fee, and the Declaration of Compliance, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions 522, or equivalent provincial-registration documentation and payment
Processing and Agreement
- The regional office reviews the application package upon receipt to confirm completeness and that the employer and employees meet program criteria.
- If the regional review is positive, the regional office prepares a recommendation for initial funding.
- When the documents meet program-specific criteria, the regional office advises Headquarters.
- The employer arranges review by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions or the provincial regulator, and by Canada Revenue Agency as required.
- If changes are required, amended pension plan documents are submitted directly to Canada Revenue Agency and/or provincial agencies.
Additional information
- The program was formerly known as Band Employee Benefits.
- It is one of the Indian Government Support programs, alongside Tribal Council Funding and Band Support Funding.
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Employee Benefits Program
What is the Employee Benefits?
Employee Benefits supports eligible First Nation, Inuit and Innu employers by funding the employer’s share of pension and non-statutory benefit contributions for employees delivering eligible programs. Eligible costs include pension plans, Canada/Quebec Pension Plan contributions, administrative fees, and non-statutory employee benefits.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Employee Benefits program?
To be eligible for the Employee Benefits program, you must:
First Nation, Inuit and Innu employers with employees involved in delivering programs funded by the department.
Employer-sponsored pension plans must meet Canada Revenue Agency and Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 or equivalent provincial legislation requirements.
Funding for non-statutory employee benefits is only available after an employer-sponsored pension plan has been approved.
What expenses are eligible under Employee Benefits?
Contributions toward private pension plans
Contributions toward the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan
Underwriter fees and administrative costs
Contributions toward non-statutory employee benefit plans
Registration fees required to have the pension plan registered under the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 or equivalent provincial legislation
Who can I contact for more information about the Employee Benefits?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Where is the Employee Benefits available?
The Employee Benefits program is available across Canada.
Is the Employee Benefits a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Employee Benefits is a Grant and Funding