2021 Surplus Distribution FAQ

The surplus is due to a number of factors: 

• Initiatives to improve prevention, return to work and system efficiency have reduced the cost of injuries by decreasing the number of injuries, improving recovery times and reducing administrative costs. 
• Our investments have had higher than expected returns for the last number of years.

Employers who fulfilled their payroll reporting responsibilities for 2020 and owed a WCB premium for 2020 are eligible to receive a share of the surplus distribution.

Employers who did not report their payroll for 2020 or who did not owe WCB premiums for 2020 are not eligible. However, if an employer subsequently submits their 2020 payroll the WCB will process the surplus distribution which will be applied to their account.

The WCB is returning $71 million in surplus funds. Each eligible employer will receive a credit to their account of 40 per cent of their 2020 actual premium.

The 40 per cent surplus distribution will be calculated against an employer’s 2020 premium; the premium is determined by multiplying the WCB rate by every $100 of payroll.

Employers aligned to an Industry-Based Safety Program do not have their safety levies included in the 2020 premium used for the surplus distribution calculation. 

Eligible employers will receive a credit to their account which has been applied against their 2021 premium. These credits are reflected in the May WCB Account Statements.

Future surplus distributions will depend on the WCB’s funded position. The Board of Directors reviews the WCB’s funded position annually and determines if a surplus distribution is warranted.

Yes, the surplus distribution is taxable since it is a return of a 2021 tax deductible expense.