professional massage therapist treating a female patient s injured neck. Length of time you can be on WCB in Alberta.

Workers’ Compensation in Alberta is a complex system designed to provide financial and medical support to workers who have been injured on the job.

Let’s take a further look at the question, “How long can you be on WCB in Alberta?” and provide additional insights.

How Long Can You Be on WCB in Alberta?

In Alberta, you can be on WCB for as long as medical evidence shows you are unable to return to work due to your injury.

The length of time you can collect WCB benefits depends on the type of benefit you’re receiving, which is related to the severity of your injury or illness.

Source: WCB-Alberta Worker Handbook

Types of WCB Benefits in Alberta

WCB offers various types of benefits, including wage replacement, medical aid, and impairment awards.

Wage loss benefits are paid until you can return to work, as determined through a medical assessment.

Medical aid benefits cover the cost of treatment and are paid until you’ve recovered or reached a point of maximum medical improvement.

Impairment awards are lump-sum payments based on the severity of your condition.

Time Limit for Filing a WCB Claim

In Alberta, a worker must report an accident to the WCB within 24 months from the time an accident occurs or from the time they become aware of the accident.

Employers are required to report an accident or injury within 72 hours of being notified. Failure to do so can result in fines up to $25,000.

Special Cases: Retirement and Seniors

If you’re at least 60 years old and can’t return to work due to a work-related injury, you may be eligible for a WCB retirement annuity.

Seniors over 65 may be eligible for Seniors’ Additional Allowance (SAC) benefits, which are paid monthly in addition to regular retirement income.

FAQs About WCB in Alberta

  • How long can you collect wage loss benefits?: Until you can return to work, as determined through a medical assessment.
  • Is there a time limit for filing a WCB claim?: Yes, you must report an accident within 24 months.
  • What happens if I can’t return to my pre-accident job?: WCB will help you identify a new job option through re-employment services.
  • What benefits are available for seniors?: Seniors may be eligible for a WCB retirement annuity or Seniors’ Additional Allowance.

In Summary: Key Takeaways on WCB Duration in Alberta

  • You can be on WCB for as long as medical evidence shows you are unable to work.
  • Various types of benefits are available, depending on the severity of your injury.
  • There are time limits for filing a WCB claim, but exceptions may apply.
  • Special benefits are available for seniors and those approaching retirement.

🤞 Join the Newsletter!

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

You Might Also be Wondering:

black steel electric post. Alberta used aluminum wiring in homes in the 1960s and 1970s.

When Was Aluminum Wiring Used in Alberta?

ByKnow Alberta

Aluminum wiring became a popular choice for residential electrical systems in Alberta and throughout North America between the early 1960s and the late 1970s. This period of use was primarily driven by the high cost of copper at the time, making aluminum an attractive, cost-effective alternative for builders and electricians. When Was Aluminum Wiring Used…

people ice fishing at night with a tent. You can legally ice fish on beaver ponds and tributaries in Alberta, but only in certain places.
| |

Can You Ice Fish in Beaver Ponds in Alberta?

ByKnow Alberta

You may have noticed that Alberta takes mother nature very seriously. Wildlife management and conservation is a high priority in this province. For good reason, as there is plenty of life and beauty to maintain. It is important to check specific regulations in your area before you proceed with hunting or fishing. We can provide…

a close up shot of a long tailed chinchilla playing cards. you can legally own a pet chinchilla in alberta canada.
|

Are Chinchillas Legal Pets in Alberta?

ByKnow Alberta

You may already be aware of a PDF available from the government of Alberta regards to controlled animals. If not, we will link it below. It is handy to reference for these types of questions. This controlled animals list lays out every animal by type, family and genus that is considered “controlled”. If the animal…

white rolling armchair beside table. What is a corporate access number (CAN) in alberta canada?
|

What Is Your Alberta Corporate Access Number?

ByKnow Alberta

Your Alberta Corporate Access Number (CAN) is a unique identifier assigned to businesses, including corporations, non-profit organizations, and partnerships, upon registration with the Corporate Registry. It’s essential for accessing various federal and provincial programs and is used for filing corporate income taxes and other regulatory documents. The CAN is provided by the government at the…

motorcycles in traffic. Lane splitting is illegal in Alberta, Canada.
|

Can You Lane Split in Alberta?

ByKnow Alberta

Lane splitting or filtering goes by a number of different names such as Lane sharing, stripe riding, filtering, and white lining. In essence, it’s the act of taking advantage of the small size of the motorcycle to reduce traffic and bottlenecks. A motorbike could easily slip past and between slow moving or stopped vehicles. Can…

close up photo of a brown caracal. It is not legal to own a pet caracal in alberta, canada unless you have special permits like a zoo.
|

Can you Legally Own a Pet Caracal in Alberta?

ByKnow Alberta

You can usually check the legality of certain animals as pets by seeing if they are on the Alberta Controlled Species list. If they are not on the list, and not under any other regulation like livestock or Canadian Migratory Birds Act, then chances are, you can own it (also check with local rules and…