Temporary wage loss benefits
If you are unable to work because of your workplace injury or illness, we will provide temporary wage loss (TWL) benefits.
Note: Your health care provider will need to send the WCB information about your injury and why it is preventing you from working before temporary wage loss benefits can be approved.
How much are my benefits?
The Workers Compensation Act states that wage loss benefits are 90% of your net earnings before your injury, up to the current annual maximum earnings limit.
- Net earnings are your earnings after income tax, Canada Pension Plan, and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums have been deducted.
- The maximum annual earnings limit for 2026 is $89,300. Contact us for the maximum annual earnings from previous years.
Your TWL benefits are calculated using your earnings from employment and any employment insurance (EI) benefits you received. To calculate your benefits, the WCB may consider your earnings from any continuous 52-week period within the two years before your workplace injury.
Payments
TWL benefits are paid every two weeks by direct deposit or cheque. Benefits are paid until the earlier of one of the following occurs:
- You are capable of earning your regular income; or
- Your inability to earn your regular income is not related to your workplace injury; or
- You become eligible for Extended Wage Loss Benefits; or
- You turn 65. Note: if you were 63 years old or older when you were injured, you can receive wage loss benefits for up to two years from the date of your accident.
Reporting other sources of income
Be sure to report all sources of income to the WCB.
Your benefits may be reduced by other sources of income you receive while your claim is active. This includes, but is not limited to, collateral benefits from your employer, Employment Insurance, or Canada Pension Plan. Please contact your case manager or refer to the WCB Collateral Benefits policy for details.
Wage loss benefits are tax-free. However, you do need to report them to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The WCB will send you a T5007 income tax form.
If you have questions about temporary wage loss benefits, contact us. If you have specific questions about the benefits you are receiving, please contact your case manager.
Extended wage loss benefits
You may become eligible for extended wage loss (EWL) benefits if your work‐related injury or illness has a long‐term impact on your ability to work.
The WCB will consider whether you qualify for EWL benefits if your work-related injury or illness has resulted in permanent impairment or pending impairment, you have completed a WCB vocational rehabilitation program (if applicable), and your injury or illness continues to affect your ability to earn income.
How are EWL benefits calculated?
To calculate your EWL benefits, we review your pre-injury earnings and apply wage indexing, if needed. Then, we compare that amount to your current earning capacity. If your current capacity to earn is lower than your pre-injury earnings, you are eligible for EWL benefits.
If you can work in any capacity, your loss of earnings will be based on your actual earnings or your estimated earning capacity, whichever is higher. If you can't return to any kind of work, you'll receive full EWL benefits, up to the maximum annual limit.
- The maximum annual earnings limit for 2026 is $89,300. Contact us for the maximum annual earnings from previous years.
Estimating Earning Capacity
To estimate your earning capacity, the WCB considers the following:
- Your pre-injury employment
- Your capabilities, education, and work experience
- The average wages of the available suitable work
- Geographic location and labour market research
More information is available in the WCB Extended Wage Loss Benefits policy.
Can I work if I am receiving extended wage loss benefits?
Yes, you can work. Please notify us if you do, as your benefit amounts may be affected.
Review of extended wage loss benefits
EWL benefits are reviewed to make sure they continue to reflect the impact your injury has on your ability to earn income. The first review takes place 36 months after your EWL benefits were established.
If necessary, a final review may take place 24 months after the first review.
EWL payments
EWL benefits are paid every two weeks by direct deposit.
Changes to bank account information can be made through Online Services or by completing and submitting the Direct Deposit Request - Worker form at least one week ahead of the payment date.
Pension, survivor, dependent, and extended wage loss benefits may be adjusted in July of each year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), up to 6% which is the maximum.
How long will my EWL benefits last?
You may receive wage loss benefits until you are able to earn the same income as before your injury, as determined during the 36 or 24 month review, or until you turn 65 – whichever comes first.
After you turn 65, you may be eligible for an Annuity or pension replacement benefits. For more information, please refer to the WCB Annuity policy and the WCB Pension Replacement policy.