August 13, 2008 - Each year the WCB makes adjustments to certain benefits to apply the Consumer Price Index (CPI) - a measure of changing price levels in Canada. When prices increase, the WCB increases benefits to reflect these price changes.

The annual CPI payment process currently occurs in two stages:

Phase 1 of the WCB’s annual CPI payment process was completed in March 2008.

Phase 2 is underway to process retroactive CPI payments. This separate process occurs to ensure clients who received retroactive benefits due to a rate change or appeal, receive their CPI entitlement. Retroactive cheques will include CPI up to December 31, 2007. CPI cheques for retroactive benefits paid prior to June 2008 are scheduled to be issued by the end of September 2008. Retroactive benefits paid after June 2008 will be reviewed by March 2009. Those who qualify will receive a letter in advance of the payment.

In an effort to improve service and provide CPI increases on a more regular and timely basis, the WCB has begun a large scale project to automate this process on a yearly basis for eligible long-term benefits only. Starting late November 2008, retroactive cheques for eligible long term benefits will include applicable CPI amounts. Starting January 2009, regular monthly cheques for eligible long term benefits will include the CPI increase.

Check out our Q&As and sample calculation sheet for more information about CPI benefits.