Establishing Post-Accident Earning Capacity

Policy Purpose

This policy describes how the WCB establishes a worker's post-accident earning capacity, which is a key component of wage loss benefit calculations. Workers injured in workplace accidents on or after January 1, 1992 receive wage loss benefits based on their loss of earning capacity. Workers injured in workplace accidents before January 1, 1992 are compensated under a disability model, and therefore do not receive wage loss benefits, but their post-accident earning capacity remains relevant for certain other types of benefits. 
 
This policy: 

• describes the key principles the WCB uses to establish a worker’s post-accident earning capacity; 
• outlines the different types of income or benefits the WCB includes or excludes when determining post-accident earning capacity; 
• confirms that similar principles will be used to establish a worker’s post-accident earning capacity, regardless of the date of accident; and 
• provides greater detail of specific calculations and considerations in Schedules A - E.