Ontario Proposes Major Increase to WSIB Benefits for Injured Workers

If passed, the legislation would raise Loss-of-Earnings (LOE) benefits from 85 per cent to 90 per cent of a worker’s take-home pay, providing additional financial support to injured workers as they recover.

First Major Benefit Increase in Nearly 30 Years

The proposed reform is part of the province’s broader plan to protect workers amid economic uncertainty and rising living costs. Officials say the change is designed to ensure injured workers can better maintain their income while off the job.

“No worker should have to worry about paying their bills while they recover from a workplace injury,” said Labour Minister David Piccini. “By proposing the first increase to income replacement benefits in nearly 30 years, our government is helping ensure injured Ontarians can focus on getting better.”

Under the proposed changes, a worker earning $60,000 annually would receive approximately $2,411 more in benefits over one year.

Ontario’s workers built this province, and we will always have their backs.

That’s why we’re updating WSIB rules so injured workers can continue receiving benefits past age 65 if they planned to keep working.

🔗:https://t.co/VRxpvGTyAW@DavidPiccini, @AndreaKhanjin pic.twitter.com/CjKEJBmeXm

— Laurie Scott (@LaurieScottPC) April 13, 2026

Extending Support for Older Workers

The legislation also addresses a growing trend in Ontario’s labour market: more people choosing to work beyond age 65.

Currently, LOE benefits typically end at age 65. The proposed changes would allow eligible workers to continue receiving benefits past that age if they had planned to remain in the workforce.

According to government data, approximately 444,000 Ontarians aged 65 and older were still working in 2025, representing 5.4 per cent of the province’s labour force.

Officials say the update reflects the realities of a modern workforce and ensures older workers are not financially penalized if injured.

Supporting Workers and Economic Stability

The WSIB provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and return-to-work support for injured workers across Ontario. The system currently covers more than five million workers in over 300,000 workplaces.

The government noted that the WSIB has eliminated its unfunded liability since 2018 and now maintains a strong financial position, allowing for enhancements to benefits while keeping employer premiums stable.

Industry leaders and labour organizations have welcomed the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of financial stability during recovery.

Jeff Lang, President and CEO of WSIB, said increasing income replacement would provide peace of mind for workers.

“One of the most important services we provide is income replacement for people who miss work because of an injury or illness. Raising income replacement to 90 per cent would help give people peace of mind so they can focus on their recovery.”

Part of Broader Workplace Protection Measures

The proposed WSIB changes are part of a broader package of labour reforms expected to be introduced in the coming days, aimed at improving workplace protections, reducing red tape and strengthening Ontario’s economic competitiveness.

Officials say the measures are intended to ensure workers and businesses are better equipped to navigate economic challenges while maintaining a strong and resilient labour market.

For more updates on labour, workplace safety and economic policy across Ontario, follow GTA Today.