You may be Severely Injured, but don’t wait for WCB to tell you
If you’ve suffered a life-altering work injury, you may have heard of
WCB Alberta’s classifications for injured workers—Seriously Injured vs. Severely Injured. At first glance, these terms might seem interchangeable, but in reality, the distinction between them is significant and can greatly impact the level of benefits and support you receive.
So, how do you know if you qualify as Severely Injured, and what additional supports does that designation entitle you to? This article breaks down the key differences, the relevant WCB Alberta policy, and the benefits available to those classified as Severely Injured Workers.
Do You Meet the Criteria for Severely Injured Worker Status?
If you answer YES to any of the following questions, your condition may warrant a reclassification to Severely Injured under WCB policy:
- Do you struggle with cleaning, cooking, or performing household tasks independently?
- Has your spouse or family member become your nurse or caregiver, assisting with basic tasks such as dressing, bathing, or mobility?
- Do you struggle to get in and out of the shower, bed, or a chair without assistance or adaptive equipment?
- Have you experienced frequent falls due to mobility issues or muscle weakness?
- Do you require a walker, crutches, wheelchair, or other mobility aids to move around safely?
If any of these apply to you, your level of impairment may be more severe than WCB has currently classified it, and you may be missing out on critical benefits.
Serious vs. Severe: What’s the Difference?
WCB Alberta uses
two primary classifications when evaluating workers with major injuries:
- Seriously Injured Worker (SIW) – This designation applies to workers with significant injuries but who are still considered capable of managing their basic daily living needs with limited assistance.
- Severely Injured Worker (SIW) – This designation applies to workers who have sustained permanent and substantial impairments that severely restrict their ability to perform self-care, mobility, and essential daily activities without constant assistance or specialized equipment.
The Severely Injured classification is reserved for individuals whose functional impairments create an ongoing dependency on external care—whether from family, caregivers, or professional home support services.
WCB Alberta’s Policy on Severely Injured Workers
WCB Alberta’s Severely Injured Worker classification unlocks additional financial and care-based supports. These include:
- Personal Care Allowance (PCA) – A monthly payment to offset the cost of assistance with activities of daily living.
- Enhanced Home Maintenance and Housekeeping Benefits – Support for workers unable to maintain their home environment.
- Expanded Medical Equipment & Mobility Aid Coverage – Including modifications such as stair lifts, ramps, and vehicle adaptations.
- Greater Access to Home Care & Rehabilitation Support – Covering in-home nursing, physiotherapy, and other critical supports.
A PCA can be paid alongside medical aid services, appliances and aids, and Home Maintenance Allowance levels 1 & 2. However, PCA cannot be combined with Short-Term Home Assistance (STHA) or a Housekeeping Allowance. Depending on the level of disability (1-9) and whether the worker lives alone, a self-directed PCA can pay upwards of $2,000 per month in addition to wage loss benefits (Economic Loss Payment). Alternatively, these funds can be directed to an assisted living provider such as Bayshore Home Health.
Personal Care Allowance Levels
- Level 1: Minimal support for personal hygiene or dressing.
- Level 2: Some assistance required for hygiene, meals, and mobility.
- Level 3: Regular help needed with hygiene, dressing, and mobility.
- Level 4: Significant assistance needed daily.
- Level 5: Dependence on caregivers for most activities.
- Level 6: Requires near-constant supervision and assistance.
- Level 7: Full dependence on external care for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
- Level 8: Requires professional nursing care.
- Level 9: Completely dependent on 24/7 care. (Highest level)
Workers classified as Severely Injured are eligible for Personal Care Allowance benefits, which are divided into nine levels based on the extent of impairment:
The higher the PCA level, the greater the monthly financial assistance provided to offset caregiving costs.
How to Get Reclassified as Severely Injured
If you believe your condition warrants a
Severely Injured Worker designation, follow these steps:
- Obtain Updated Medical & Occupational Therapy Reports
- You will need recent functional assessments from specialists confirming your inability to perform activities of daily living independently.
- Document Your Functional Impairments
- Keep a journal of daily struggles, fall incidents, and tasks requiring assistance.
- Gather statements from caregivers or family members describing the level of care they provide.
- Request a Reassessment from WCB
- File a formal request for reclassification, citing WCB Alberta policy, medical reports, and functional evidence.
- Emphasize loss of independence and reliance on caregivers.
- Advocate for Personal Care Allowance Benefits
- If already receiving PCA, request an assessment for a higher PCA level if your needs have increased.
Takeaway: Don’t Settle for Less Than the Benefits You Deserve
If you struggle with daily tasks, require assistive devices, depend on a caregiver for basic functions, or face significant barriers to independent living, you may qualify as a Severely Injured Worker under WCB Alberta policy.
The difference between being “seriously” and “severely” injured is not just a matter of words—it’s the difference between getting minimal assistance and getting the full scope of care you require to live with dignity.
If you need help navigating the WCB reclassification process, securing Personal Care Allowance benefits, or appealing a denied SIW designation, reach out to
Blue Collar Consulting who can guide you through the system and ensure you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve.
