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Benefits
Accident Benefits Under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS)
New SABs Amendments
New Amendments to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule effective July 1, 2026
Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs)
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, you are entitled to receive benefits under your own automobile insurance policy, or that of another involved vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. These benefits are known as Statutory Accident Benefits (SABs), and they are outlined under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), a regulation made under the Insurance Act of Ontario.
The purpose of accident benefits is to provide financial support, medical care, and rehabilitation to help accident victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially. These benefits can cover a wide range of needs — from medical treatment and attendant care to income replacement and death benefits.
Understanding what you’re entitled to can be complex, especially when insurance companies dispute or limit benefits. A qualified personal injury legal representative can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive every benefit available under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.
Below is a detailed overview of the types of accident benefits available under Ontario law.
Types of Accident Benefits Available
1. Income Replacement Benefit (IRB)
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to Income Replacement Benefits. These benefits provide partial compensation for lost income due to your inability to work following an accident.
- Eligibility: You must have been employed (or self-employed) at the time of the accident or have worked at least 26 of the 52 weeks before the accident or were receiving Employment Insurance Benefits at the time for the accident.
- Amount: Generally, the benefit pays 70% of your gross weekly income, up to a maximum of $400 per week, unless you have purchased optional coverage to increase this limit up to $1,000.00. per week. Please contact your broker to confirm if these benefits are part of your auto insurance policy. No benefits are payable for the first week of disability, and benefits are payable within 10 business days after the insurance company receives your complete application.
- Duration: Benefits are paid for the first 104 weeks (2 years) if you are substantially unable to perform the essential tasks of your pre-accident job and will continue as long as you remain unable to work subject to periodic reassessments.
- After 104 weeks, to continue receiving Income Replacement Benefits, you must have a complete inability to engage in any employment for which you are reasonably suited by education, raining, or experience, and benefits may be available for life (with adjustment after 65); subject to a periodic reassessment.
2. Non-Earner Benefit (NEB)
If you were not working at the time of the accident — for example, a student, stay-at-home parent, or recent graduate — you may qualify for Non-Earner Benefits.
- Eligibility: Available to individuals of at least 18 years of age who suffer a complete inability to carry on a normal life as a result of their accident-related injuries, and do not qualify for Income Replacement Benefits.
- Amount: $185 per week, beginning four weeks after the accident.
- Duration: Payable for up to two years.
3. Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits
These benefits cover the reasonable and necessary medical and rehabilitation expenses required for recovery that are not covered by OHIP or other insurance plans.
Medical benefits pay for medical expenses not covered under OHIP or any other private plan available, where rehabilitation benefits pay for treatment or other measures you have taken to heal your injuries or re-integrate into your family, society, and the labour market.
- Examples of covered treatments:
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and acupuncture
- Psychological counselling and cognitive therapy
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Occupational therapy and vocational rehabilitation
- Home and vehicle modifications, where necessary
- Limits:
- Up to $65,000 for non-catastrophic injuries and non-minor claims over a 5-year period or until the age of 28 for minors, for medical and rehabilitation benefits, as well as attendant care benefits. The maximum amounts for non-catastrophic claims may be increased if the optional benefits were purchased. See your insurance broker for coverage details
- Up to $1,000,000 for catastrophic impairments over your lifetime, both are inclusive of medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits
- Up to $3,500 if your injuries fall under the Minor Injury Guideline (MIG)
4. Attendant Care Benefits
If you require personal assistance as a result of your injuries, Attendant Care Benefits help cover the cost of a caregiver or attendant or long-term care facility. This benefit is not available to individuals who suffer minor injuries.
- Examples of covered services:
- Assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, and mobility
- Help with feeding, toileting, and basic daily activities
- Limits:
- Up to $3,000 per month for non-catastrophic injuries
- Up to $6,000 per month for catastrophic impairments to a lifetime maximum of $1,000,000 for combined medical rehabilitation and attendant care benefits
Attendant care services must be prescribed by an occupational therapist or registered nurse through a Form 1 – Assessment of Attendant Care Needs.
5. Caregiver Benefit
If you were the primary caregiver for a dependent (such as a child or elderly family member) and you are unable to continue providing care due to accident-related injuries, you may qualify for Caregiver Benefits.
- Eligibility:
Available only to those who have sustained catastrophic impairments, unless optional benefits were purchased prior to the accident. - Amount:
- $250 per week for the first dependent
- $50 per week for each additional dependent
6. Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Benefits
If you are unable to perform your regular housekeeping or home maintenance duties because of your injuries, this benefit may cover the cost of hiring help.
- Eligibility:
Available only to catastrophic impairment claimants, unless optional benefits were purchased - Amount:
Up to $100 per week for reasonable housekeeping and home maintenance services.
7. Lost Education Expenses
If you were enrolled in a recognized educational program at the time of the accident and your injuries prevent you from continuing, you may receive compensation for Lost Education Expenses.
- Amount:
Up to $15,000 to cover tuition, books, and other educational costs wasted due to the interruption.
8. Expenses of Visitors
Close family members (such as spouses, parents, children, or siblings) who visit you during your recovery may be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while visiting you during treatment or recovery and incurred not more than 104 weeks after the accident.
9. Death and Funeral Benefits
If a motor vehicle accident results in a fatality, certain benefits are available to the deceased’s family members.
- Death Benefits:
- $25,000 to the spouse of the deceased
- $10,000 to each dependent
- Funeral Expenses:
- Up to $6,000 (or more, if optional coverage was purchased)
These benefits are meant to provide financial support during an incredibly difficult time.
10. Other Expenses and Benefits
Additional accident benefits may include coverage for:
- Transportation and medical mileage expenses (up to $0.40/km over 50 km per trip; however, the fist 50km is deducted)
- Costs for assistive devices (crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc.)
- Expenses for family members providing attendant care
- Catastrophic impairment benefits, which may provide lifetime coverage for severely injured individuals
- Damage items: reimbursement for prescription glasses, hearing aids, damaged clothing, and dental and medical devices damaged during the accident.
Catastrophic vs. Non-Catastrophic Injuries
The severity of your injuries affects your entitlement to benefits.
- Non-catastrophic injuries have limits of up to $65,000 for combined medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care expenses.
- Catastrophic impairments (such as paralysis, brain injury, or loss of limbs) allow for up to $1,000,000 in combined benefits, with extended entitlement to caregiver and housekeeping benefits.
Optional Benefits
Policyholders may purchase optional accident benefits when they buy or renew their auto insurance policy. These optional coverages can significantly increase the standard limits and expand eligibility for certain benefits (e.g., caregiver or housekeeping benefits for non-catastrophic injuries).
How a Representative Can Help
Navigating the accident benefits system can be complicated, and insurance companies often challenge claims or limit access to certain benefits. A personal injury representative can:
- Ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to
- Assist with medical and rehabilitation documentation
- Challenge insurer denials through mediation, negotiation, or the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT)
- Coordinate benefits with tort claims where applicable
Important Timelines
- Within 2 years of the accident: You generally have two years from the date of the accident to commence a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Our team can assist you in understanding and accessing Accident Benefits following a motorcycle, Scooter and Bicycle Accident. It’s important to act promptly, as strict deadlines apply.
- Within 7 days of the accident: Notify your Accident Benefits insurer that you were involved in a collision and sustained injuries.
- Within 30 days of receiving the Accident Benefits application: Complete and return the application form provided by your insurer. Failing to submit it on time could result in a 45-day delay or a denial of your benefits.
- Within 10 business days of receiving a request for information: If your insurer requests information to assess your eligibility, you must provide it within 10 business days. Failure to do so may result in suspension or denial of your benefits.
- Within 2 years of a denial: If your insurer denies benefits that you believe you are entitled to, you must file an application with the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) within two years to dispute the denial.
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