Every December, we begin mailing annual indexing letters to people outlining any cost-of-living adjustment to their benefits for the coming year.*
Beginning January 1, 2025, people who receive WSIB benefits will get a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.6 per cent. This amount is fully indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Please send us a message online or call us at 1-800-387-0750, Monday to Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., if you have any questions or need more information. We’re here to help.
*Please note: We usually start sending these letters in mid-December. You may experience a delay in receiving your letter as Canada Post returns to regular service.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the WSIB index benefits?
On January 1 each year, in line with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), we adjust the benefits for cost-of-living increases. Indexation protects people who experience a workplace injury or illness and their survivors against the effects of inflation over time.
Who determines the amount (or percentage) of the cost-of-living adjustment?
The rules for calculating the percentage – or indexing factor –to adjust ongoing benefit amounts payable are outlined in Subsection 49 (1) of the WSIA.
Subsection 49 (1) of the WSIA says the WSIB’s indexing factor must be equal to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Canada for all items for the 12-month period ending on October 31 of the previous year, as published by Statistics Canada. This is the only percentage the WSIB may use to adjust ongoing benefit amounts payable.
Following the WSIA, our indexation factor is based on the federal CPI. The CPI is the most relevant measure of the cost of living. It’s weighted to reflect the buying patterns of the average Canadian household. Goods and services reflected in the CPI include food, housing, transportation, furniture, clothing, recreation and other items.
Why is the WSIB indexation factor of 2.6 per cent different from the CPI 12-month change published in the Statistics Canada Consumer Price Index Portal?
The WSIB uses the 12-month average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the period November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024 and compares it to the 12-month average CPI from the period November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023. Using the average over the year, rather than a point-in-time change in CPI, is a more stable reflection of the inflation over the entire year.
The Consumer Price Index Portal, meanwhile, doesn’t use averages. Instead, it takes the CPI from December 2023 compared to December 2022. The WSIB’s period of CPI used in calculating the indexing factor is specified in Section 49(1) of the WSIA.
What is my new non-economic Loss or pension amount?
The indexing percentage noted in your letter applies to the amount you were receiving in 2024. The increase is effective January 1, 2025.
How does the Canada Post service disruption impact my benefits?
The Canada Post service disruption doesn't impact your benefits. You'll receive your benefits starting January 1, 2025. However, there may be a delay in receiving your letter with the indexing percentage. Please send us a message online or call us at 1-800-387-0750, Monday to Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., if you have any questions or need more information.