Maximum Assessable Earnings for 2018

The Maximum Assessable / Insurable Earnings (maximum earnings) refers to maximum annual earnings on which premiums are calculated for each worker of a covered employer, and on which benefits are calculated for those who are injured at work.

On January 1, 2018, the maximum assessable / insurable earnings will increase from $59,300 to $59,800. This figure is used by the Board to determine the maximum benefit payable to injured workers in 2018, and also represents the maximum assessable earnings per worker to be reported by employers on 2018 payrolls.

The maximum is set by the WCB at 135.7% of the Average Industrial Wage in Nova Scotia, and is effective January 1st of each year. The 2018 maximum was based on information collected during the period April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

For example: suppose an injured worker earns $60,800 a year in wages. For the purposes of calculating an earnings replacement benefit, the WCB will use a wage figure of $59,800 for that worker, which is the insurable portion of the earnings. Similarly, for the worker's employer, wages would only be reported until such time as the $59,800 maximum for the year is reached. After that point, any wages would be considered wages in excess of the maximum, and should be left out of the employer's assessable wage calculation.

For more information please contact the WCB at assess@wcb.ns.ca.