WCB Policy

Question 1

When should an injured worker get RE services?

Answer 1

• The Worker has expected (short-term or Long-Term) Work Restrictions;
• Modified work options were explored with the Worker and Employer including intervention through Industry Specialist, if needed; and
• Work restrictions are expected for at least two weeks.

Question 2

How is DOA/target salary determined?

Answer 2

When a compensable disability results in earnings loss, WCB will compensate the worker for the earnings loss, based on confirmed earnings for a period or periods of time that fairly represents the worker’s wage loss or impairment of earning capacity.
Compensation for earnings loss is based on 90% of the worker’s net earnings
OR
For self employed individuals - earnings are determined by the insurance package they chose to purchase

Question 3

What is liability and how is it determined?

Answer 3

WCB’s obligation to compensate workers (90% of DOA earnings, or as insured if self-employed up until the age of 65 or retirement)
Determined based on the years of work until retirement X top up $$ WCB has to pay the worker annually

Question 4

What factors determine if a worker is entitled to an SJS extension?

Answer 4

The duration of the extension a worker may be entitled to is calculated using the current unemployment rate in the worker’s place of residence and the length of their previous job tenure.

If the worker did not receive a current and suitable job lead during the first extension and has not yet received a total 45 weeks of supported job search, the worker may be entitled to a second extension.

The second extension decision is based on whether they have at least one of four personal circumstances that make it harder to find work, including their:

Age
Education level
Language
Length of disability

Question 5

What’s the difference between the JP target location and the SJS job search location

Answer 5

JP Target Location: DOA Location.
If worker relocated to OOP, CM can choose any location in AB they deem reasonable
If worker was a fly in/fly out worker, CM can choose any location in AB they deem reasonable

SJS Job Search Location: Where client resides or location where client would like to job search in to relocate.

Question 6

What factors are taken into consideration when considering long term retraining?

Answer 6

• Age
• Work restrictions, is worker able to physically/psychologically participate in retraining
• How likely will the worker be successful, determined through prior demonstrations of academic success or an Academic Ax

Liability on the claim:

• Worker’s DOA earnings
• Estimated earnings of the target position and salary recovery vs. the walk-in option