Workers Eligible for WSIB Benefits

Who is covered by the WSIA

Workers are covered by the WSIA. A “worker” includes anyone employed under a contract of service or apprenticeship with an employer carrying on a business listed in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the WSIA.

Domestic workers who are directly hired and paid by private households to work more than 24 hours a week for one family are also covered under the WSIA. This includes nannies, babysitters, nursemaids, housekeepers, gardeners, cooks, companions and handy persons.

Who can claim WSIB benefits under the WSIA

Workers or their dependents can submit a claim for WSIB benefits if the worker suffers an injury, disease or death that arose out of and in the course of employment, and the following three conditions are met:

1. the worker’s employer is subject to compulsory coverage under the WSIA
2. the individual is considered to be a worker under the WSIA (see above) and
3. the injury happened in Ontario, or the criteria specified in ss. 18-20 of the WSIA are met if the injury happened outside of Ontario.