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Provincial Program · Canada

Workers' Compensation Benefits

WCB / WSIB

Workers' compensation can provide income replacement, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and other supports after a work-related injury or occupational illness. Canada does not have one single national workers' compensation benefit — each province and territory runs its own workers' compensation board or commission, with its own rules, eligibility, claim process, payment rates, and appeal steps. Certain federal workers are covered through the federal workers' compensation system. See our Workers' Compensation in Canada Guide to find your local board.

Last reviewed: September 2026

In-depth guide

Workers' compensation is run separately in each province and territory — not as one national benefit. Read our Workers' Compensation in Canada Guide to find your local board, learn how claims work, and understand common benefits and appeal options.

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Useful Tips for Applying

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible — reporting deadlines are short and vary by province/territory. • Tell your doctor the injury or illness happened at work. • Keep copies of medical, employment, and income records. • You generally have the right to choose your own doctor. • Many boards provide a Worker Adviser or similar office that offers free help with appeals. • For the full directory of provincial/territorial boards, claim steps, and appeal options, see our Workers' Compensation in Canada Guide at /workers-compensation-canada. • Eligibility and benefits vary by province or territory. Always confirm current rules with your local workers' compensation board.

Who May Qualify

You may qualify if: • You were injured at work or developed a disease due to work environment • Your employer is covered by provincial workers' compensation laws • You reported the incident and filed a claim within your province's deadline (typically 6 months to 1 year)

Required Documents

• Worker's Report of Injury form • Employer's Report of Injury • Medical reports from a physician or specialist • Proof of earnings (pay stubs or T4s)

How to Apply

1. Report the injury to your employer immediately 2. See a doctor and tell them it happened at work 3. File a claim with your provincial board (e.g., wsib.ca for ON, wcb.ab.ca for AB, worksafebc.com for BC) 4. Follow the treatment and return-to-work plan developed by the board 5. If denied, follow the provincial appeal process

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to report the injury, which can lead to a claim being denied for lack of evidence • Not telling the treating doctor that the injury occurred at work • Assuming you can't apply if you were at fault; workers' compensation is a 'no-fault' system • Failing to appeal a decision that you disagree with

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