Understanding WSIB Benefit Eligibility Checker
Complete guide to determining if you qualify for workplace safety insurance benefits in Ontario
The WSIB Benefit Eligibility Checker helps Ontario workers understand if they may qualify for benefits from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). If you are injured or become ill because of your job, you could be entitled to insurance benefits, as Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Act covers most workers by law .
WSIB provides no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers, offering disability benefits for workers who are injured on the job or contract an occupational disease .
Quick WSIB Eligibility Checklist
Use this checklist to see if you may qualify for WSIB benefits. All of the following conditions must be met :
✓ Your employer is covered by the WSIB
✓ You have a work-related injury or illness (including mental stress injuries)
✓ You or your employer report your injury or illness to WSIB and your claim is allowed
✓ You provide the information needed to make decisions about your benefits
✓ You agree to share information about your functional abilities with WSIB and your employer
Step 1: Is Your Employer WSIB-Covered?
The first step in determining WSIB eligibility is confirming that your employer is covered. The Government of Ontario decides which industries and which types of employees must have WSIB coverage, as listed in the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act .
Coverage applies to: Most employers and workers in Ontario, including those in federally regulated industries . Even if your employer isn't required to have coverage, they can choose to apply for it .
Owners and Self-Employed Individuals
Owners (partners, sole proprietors, independent operators, and executive officers) can apply for WSIB coverage for themselves, as long as they have coverage for any employees they may have .
Step 2: Do You Have a Work-Related Injury or Illness?
To be eligible, your injury or illness must be directly related to your work . This includes:
Physical Injuries
- Acute traumatic injuries from workplace accidents
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Occupational diseases (e.g., cancer, asthma, silicosis)
- Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure
- Traumatic hearing loss from acute events
Mental Health Injuries
WSIB now recognizes that mental health injuries are real and compensable . Two types of mental stress claims are accepted:
- Traumatic Mental Stress: Caused by a single traumatic event (witnessing a serious injury, experiencing robbery or assault, being involved in a workplace accident)
- Chronic Mental Stress: Caused by ongoing workplace stressors (harassment, bullying, chronic overwork, unsafe work environments)
Not covered: Mental health conditions caused solely by interpersonal conflicts, employer decisions about discipline or termination, or general job stress do not qualify .
Step 3: Report Your Injury or Illness
You or your employer must report the injury or illness to WSIB, and your claim must be allowed . Time limits apply for filing claims for workplace injury or illness .
Hearing Loss Claims
For noise-induced hearing loss claims, you need to provide :
- Information about noise exposure in your workplace
- Medical diagnosis of hearing loss with the earliest hearing assessment
- Detailed information about previous jobs and employers (dates, duration, job tasks)
- Supporting documents like T4 slips, tax returns, pay stubs, or union records
Step 4: Provide Required Information
You must provide WSIB with all necessary information to make decisions about your benefits . This includes completing a Functional Abilities Form (FAF) .
Functional Abilities Form (FAF)
The FAF is a tool used by WSIB to assess an individual's functional abilities following a workplace injury or illness . It helps determine the ability to perform essential job tasks and informs decisions about return-to-work plans and disability benefits.
A qualified healthcare professional (doctor, physiotherapist) completes the form, identifying the worker's ability to walk, stand, sit, lift, and perform other work-related tasks . The form is typically valid for six months unless there are significant changes in functional abilities .
Types of WSIB Benefits Available
If your claim is allowed, you may be eligible for various benefits :
| Benefit Type |
Description |
| Loss-of-Earnings Benefits |
Compensation for lost wages if you miss time from work due to work-related injury or illness |
| Health-Care Benefits |
Coverage for treatment, medical devices, equipment, supplies, prescription drugs, and transportation to appointments |
| Non-Economic Loss Benefit |
For permanent impairment resulting from work-related injury or illness |
| Loss-of-Retirement Income |
If under 64 at time of injury and receiving loss-of-earnings benefits for at least one year, WSIB puts 5% of benefit into a retirement fund |
| Survivor Benefits |
For spouse or dependents of a worker who died as a result of workplace injury or disease |
Specialized Services
Seriously injured people and those with serious occupational diseases (cancer, asthma, silicosis) may receive specialized services to help recover and improve quality of life .
Your Responsibilities When Receiving WSIB Benefits
If you receive WSIB benefits, you must :
- Report any significant changes within 10 days (returning to work, receiving other income or benefits, important updates in medical condition)
- Follow the recommendations of your health-care provider
- Take part in exams and assessments as requested
- Cooperate in the return-to-work process (failure to cooperate can result in reduced, suspended, or discontinued benefits)
- Provide any requested information about your claim
Tax Implications of WSIB Benefits
If you receive loss-of-earnings benefits, WSIB sends a T5007 statement at the end of each year showing the total amount received . The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires you to report WSIB benefits as income, but you do not pay income tax on WSIB benefits. However, WSIB benefits may affect other tax credits you claim .
WSIB Online Services
People with WSIB claims can now access their claim information online :
- View claim status, latest payments, and approved benefits
- Add direct deposit information
- Book pre-approved taxis for appointments
- Submit documents to your claim file
- Send secure messages
- Track the status of an appeal
WSIB Contact Information
General Inquiries and Fatality Reporting: 1-800-387-0750
Toronto Office: 416-344-1000
Investigations Action Line (report fraud): 1-888-745-3237
TTY: 1-800-387-0050
Email: wsibcomm@wsib.on.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions About WSIB Benefit Eligibility
Because waiting weeks for a decision without knowing what you might get is stressful. This WSIB benefits calculator shows you your estimated loss of earnings benefits, coverage for medical costs, and other expenses. No surprises when that decision letter arrives.
This Ontario workplace injury benefit estimator is for workers who got hurt on the job. Full time employees, part time workers, independent operators, and sole proprietors. If you have a physical injury, mental stress claim, or occupational illness, this tool helps you understand what WSIB may cover.
100% free. No sign up, no credit card, no hidden fees. This WSIB loss of earnings calculator works for any worker in Ontario. It costs nothing to estimate your benefits, understand what expenses are covered, or see how a denied claim appeal works.
No way. This WSIB claim benefit tool does not save or share anything. No name, no SIN, no injury details. Your answers stay in your browser. We never see them and we never sell your data. Completely private.
Yes. This Ontario WSIB benefit calculator follows official WSIB rules. That means loss of earnings benefits (85% of net earnings), coverage for medical costs, physiotherapy, prescriptions, and transportation. It also covers mental stress claims (chronic and traumatic) and the appeals process for denied claims. It won't approve your claim, but it tells you what to expect before you file.
