Agriculture Benefits (Cows & Plows)

TO BE ELIGIBLE:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and listed as a living member on the Piapot First Nation Membership List as of December 7, 2024 (Ratification Date).

• Members who are under 18 on the Ratification Date will receive their payment upon turning 18, with an adjustment for inflation.

• Children born between January 1, 2024, and December 7, 2024, must be added to the Membership List by December 31, 2025, to qualify. They will be eligible to apply once they turn 18.

TO APPLY:

Submit the following documents to cowsandplows@piapotnation.com

Important: Use the following subject line format when sending your email:

Subject: [First and Last Name]_[Year of Birth]
(Example: John Doe_1985)

FOR BAND MEMBERS:

1. A completed Nêhiyaw Pwâtak Trust Payment Instruction, Discharge Release and Indemnity form which can be downloaded below.
   
2. Void Cheque or a Direct Deposit Form that can be attained from your Financial Institution. Note – Name on void cheque or direct deposit form must match name on your government issued ID.
   
   
3. Two pieces of Valid government ID (cannot be expired).

FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES:

1. A completed Nêhiyaw Pwâtak Trust Payment Instruction, Discharge Release and Indemnity Form for Representative which can be downloaded below.
   
2. Void Cheque or a Direct Deposit Form that can be attained from your Financial Institution. Note – Name on void cheque or direct deposit form must match name on your government issued ID.
   
   
3. Two pieces of Valid government ID (cannot be expired).

💡 Note: Incomplete applications may cause delays. Please review all documents carefully before submission.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How can I check if I’m eligible for the payment?

Check with the Piapot First Nation Band Office at (306) 781-4848 to see if your name is on the official membership list.

What if I recently changed my name?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, you must provide official documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, legal name change document) when applying.

What if my ID does not match the membership list?

Your payment may be delayed or rejected.

Can I apply if I live outside of Canada?

Yes, but international wire transfers may have foreign exchange rates and bank fees.

What if I don’t have internet access?

If you’re unable to submit your application online, consider asking a friend or family member for assistance. If someone applies on your behalf, they must include all required documents. In-person support is available as a last option. For details on upcoming in-person sessions, visit www.piapotnation.com/cowsandplows.

How will I get my payment?

You can choose:

• Direct deposit (recommended for faster access).
• Cheque (mailed by RBC to your provided address).

Why is direct deposit better than a cheque?

Direct deposit is faster and safer. Cheques take longer and can be delayed or lost.

Can I change my payment method after applying?

Yes, but it is highly recommended to keep the same payment method, as this may delay your payment.

What happens if I give incorrect banking information?

Your payment may be delayed or rejected.

What if I don’t have a bank account for direct deposit?

If you don’t have a bank account, you can receive a cheque instead. Consider opening an account to receive the payment faster via direct deposit.

What if I recently moved and my address has changed?

If you moved after submitting your application, contact the Cows & Plows Hotline immediately to update your mailing address and avoid payment delays.

How long do I have to claim my payment?

• Adults: 10 years from the settlement date.
• Minors: 10 years after turning 18. If not claimed, the money stays in the trust.

How long will it take to receive my payment after I apply?

Payments will be processed in the order they are received. Processing times may vary, but applicants should expect to receive their payment within 10-14 days after applying. But no earlier than March 7th.

Will my payment increase with inflation or earn interest if delayed?

No, the $30,000 is a fixed amount and will not grow over time.

What happens if an eligible member passes away before receiving the payment?

If the member was alive on December 7, 2024, but passed away before getting the payment, it will go to their legally appointed representative.

As a legal guardian or power of attorney, how do I receive the payment?

If you are a legal guardian, estate administrator, or have power of attorney for an eligible member, you can receive the payment on their behalf. You must provide legal documentation confirming your authority when submitting the application.

What happens if a minor entitled to the payment passes away before turning 18?

The payment will go to their legally appointed estate representative.

What if I’m incarcerated and cannot apply in person?

You can apply by mail or online. A designated representative may also apply for you with proper documents.

What if I don’t have a permanent address?

You can use the Piapot First Nation Band Office address for mailing.

Can I refuse the payment?

Yes, but after 10 years, your entitlement will be forfeited.

What happens if I don’t claim my payment before the deadline?

If you miss the 10-year deadline, the payment will remain in the trust and cannot be claimed afterward.

Will this payment affect my government benefits?

No, this is a one-time settlement payment and should not impact government benefits.

Do I have to pay taxes on this payment?

No, the Per Capita Distribution payment is tax-free.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

• Application Assistance & General Inquiries: Cows & Plows Hotline – (306) 520-5058
• Payment Issues, Updates, or Changes: RBC Trust Advisor, Hafiz Karmali at hafiz.karmali@rbc.com