The Ontario government has announced proposed updates to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) that could significantly improve support for workers injured on the job. If passed, these changes would mark the first major increase in income replacement benefits in nearly 30 years.
At Norbram Group Insurance Benefits, we keep a close eye on changes like this because they directly impact both employees and employers across Acton, Halton Hills, the GTA, and beyond.
What’s Changing?
The proposed updates focus on two key areas:
1. Increased Income Replacement
WSIB Loss of Earnings benefits would increase from 85 percent to 90 percent of take home pay.
This means injured workers would keep more of their income while recovering. For example, someone earning $60,000 per year could receive over $2,400 more annually in benefits.
2. Extended Support Beyond Age 65
Currently, many benefits stop at age 65. The new proposal would allow eligible workers to continue receiving benefits past 65 if they planned to keep working.
This reflects the reality that more Canadians are choosing to remain in the workforce longer.
Why This Matters
These changes are designed to better reflect today’s economic conditions and workforce trends. For workers, it means:
- Greater financial stability during recovery
- Less stress when dealing with injury or illness
- More support later in their careers
For employers, this can lead to:
- Stronger employee confidence and trust
- Smoother return to work outcomes
- A more modern and supportive workplace environment
What This Means Alongside Group Benefits
WSIB plays a key role in workplace protection, but it works alongside your group insurance plan, not in place of it.
A well structured benefits plan can help fill gaps by supporting:
- Extended health care needs
- Mental health services
- Disability coverage beyond workplace injuries
- Ongoing employee wellness
At Norbram Group Insurance Benefits, we help businesses ensure their benefits plans complement programs like WSIB, creating a more complete safety net for employees.
Looking Ahead
These proposed changes show a shift toward stronger worker protection and modernized support systems in Ontario. As the workforce continues to evolve, policies like this help ensure employees are protected when they need it most.
To read the full announcement, visit:
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005664/ontario-increasing-wsib-benefits-to-protect-injured-workers
Final Thoughts
Supporting employees through injury and recovery is not just about compliance, it is about building a workplace that people trust.
If you would like to review how your group benefits plan works alongside WSIB coverage, the team at Norbram Group Insurance Benefits is here to help.
Let’s make sure your team is protected from every angle.
