WSIB Changes: What You Need To Know About Proposed Benefit Increases

2026 WSIB changes could increase benefits and extend support for injured workers in Ontario. Here’s what it means.

Recent WSIB changes in Ontario propose increasing Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits to 90% of pre-injury earnings and extending support beyond age 65. If approved, these updates would provide stronger financial protection and longer-term support for injured workers recovering from workplace incidents.

A Long-Overdue Update To Worker Support

The latest WSIB changes aim to improve the financial support for injured workers during recovery. For many, that support hasn’t kept pace with today’s cost of living.

This update is designed to close that gap and give workers more stability when they need it most.

Higher Income Support During Recovery

One of the biggest proposed WSIB changes is an increase to Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits.

• Payments would rise to 90% of pre-injury earnings
• This replaces the current lower percentage

Quick definition:
LOE (Loss of Earnings): Income support paid when a worker can’t earn their usual wages due to a workplace injury.

In simple terms, this means workers could keep more of their income while recovering, helping cover everyday costs like housing, groceries, and bills.

Extended Benefits Beyond Age 65

Another important update focuses on older workers.

Right now, workers aged 63 and older are generally limited to two years of LOE benefits. The proposed changes would:

• Extend benefits beyond age 65
• Remove the current time-based limitation

This recognizes a reality many already know—people are working longer, and support shouldn’t stop short just because of age.

What These WSIB Changes Mean For Workers

If approved, workers would have:

• More consistent income during recovery
• Longer access to support when it’s needed
• Better alignment with today’s workforce and retirement trends

It’s also the first major benefit increase in decades, which signals a broader shift toward stronger worker protection.

Key Considerations As Changes Move Forward

A few important notes:

• These are proposed changes, not final yet
• Timelines for implementation are still being confirmed
• Details may evolve before they’re fully approved

Even so, the direction is clear—more support, for longer.

Quick FAQ

Are these WSIB changes in effect right now?
Not yet. These are proposed updates and may change before being finalized.

How much could LOE benefits increase?
The proposal would increase benefits to 90% of pre-injury earnings.

Will benefits really extend past age 65?
That’s the proposal. It would remove current limits that reduce access for older workers.

What You Should Do Next

If you want to understand how these proposed WSIB changes could affect you or your workplace, it’s worth reading the full government announcement for the latest details.

Read this article from the Ontario government to learn more.

Staying informed helps you know what support may be available—especially if your situation changes down the road.