In the Air - HRAI Industry News

Proposed changes would increase Loss-of-Earnings benefits and extend benefits past age 65.  

The Ontario government is proposing an increase to income replacement benefits for workers injured on the job, along with the continuation of Loss-of-Earnings (LOE) benefits for eligible workers after age 65, if they plan to keep working. The changes, which will impact benefits received through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), are to be included in an update of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act announced this week by the provincial government. 

“No worker should have to worry about paying their bills while they recover from a workplace injury,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By proposing the first increase to income replacement benefits in nearly 30 years, our government is helping ensure injured Ontarians can focus on getting better. Ontario’s workers built this province, and we will always have their backs.” 

If passed, the changes will increase WSIB LOE benefits to 90 per cent of a worker’s take-home pay, up from 85 per cent. For a worker earning $60,000 a year, this would amount to $2,411 more in benefits over a single year.  

"One of the most important services we provide is income replacement for people who miss work because of an injury or illness. Raising income replacement to 90 per cent would help give people peace of mind so they can focus on their recovery and have a safe and timely return to work,” stated WSIB president and CEO Jeff Lang. 

With recent data from Statistics Canada indicating that five per cent of Ontario’s labour force is aged 65 and over, the government says the update to the act reflects the realities in the workforce and will extend LOE benefit coverage beyond age 65 for workers who plan to keep working. Currently, those benefits automatically end at age 65. 

“Increasing benefits to 90 per cent and extending support beyond age 65 will provide greater financial security for injured workers across the province,” commented David Gardner of the Heat and Frost Insulators, Local 95. “These updates recognize the realities of today's workforce and help ensure workers have the stability they need to focus on recovery without added financial stress.” 

For more information, contact Adam Freill at afreill@hrai.ca.