Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (First Responders)

PTSD in first responders: find out who’s covered, how claims work, and where to get help.

Support for first responders

Because of your work, first responders face more traumatic events than most people, which increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you think you might have PTSD, talk to a mental health professional as soon as you can. If you don’t have access to one, we can send you a referral to a WCB-approved provider, which can help make the process faster.

WCB provides coverage for work-related PTSD. For many first responder roles, a PTSD diagnosis is presumed to be work-related—making it easier to access benefits and services.

During your claim process, we’ll explain what to expect, and connect you with confidential support. When it’s safe, staying connected to work can help you heal. If you need time away, we’ll help plan a safe, early return to work based on your abilities.

What PTSD is

PTSD is a medical diagnosis based on guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It can follow one traumatic event or repeated exposure to traumatic events at work, such as death, threat of death, serious injury, or violence.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Nightmares or flashbacks of the event
  • Feeling on edge, nervous, or irritable
  • Feeling numb or detached
  • Trouble concentrating or sleeping
  • Changes in mood or relationships
  • Difficulty at work that may require time away

Only a psychologist or psychiatrist can confirm a PTSD diagnosis for your claim.

Think you may have a different type of psychological injury?

WCB also provides coverage for work-related traumatic psychological injury and gradual onset psychological injury.

Who qualifies for presumed coverage

For these occupations, a confirmed PTSD diagnosis is presumed to be work-related unless the evidence shows otherwise. This makes it easier to access benefits and services.

  • Police
  • Firefighters, paid and volunteer
  • Paramedics
  • Nurses
  • Correctional officers
  • Continuing care assistants
  • Emergency-response dispatchers
  • Sheriffs

If you’re no longer working as a first responder, you may still qualify. What matters is your diagnosis date. There are time limits under the law. If you have a diagnosis, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Important: Presumption removes the need to prove your PTSD is work-related. It does not guarantee a claim will be accepted. WCB still needs to confirm the diagnosis and gather the information required to decide benefits and services.

When presumed coverage may not apply

You may not be covered under presumption if:

  • Your occupation is not on the covered list
  • You do not have a diagnosis of PTSD from a psychologist or psychiatrist
  • The evidence clearly shows the PTSD is not primarily related to work
  • Your condition is another type of psychological injury

You may still qualify for coverage for:

How to file a PTSD claim

Choose the option that feels safest for you. We will explain each step and keep you updated.

  • Call a Client Care Navigator: 1-833-491-8889 or 902-491-8888. They will provide answers and help to start your claim.
  • Tell your primary care provider: Explain your situation to them, including how your symptoms relate to work. They can not confirm a diagnosis, but will send a report to WCB to start the process.
  • Report with your employer: You and your employer can submit an injury report through WCB MyAccount.

After your claim is opened, a case manager will coordinate your care, benefits, and return-to-work planning.

Benefits and services you may receive

  • Earnings-loss benefits if you cannot work or your income is reduced
  • Approved treatment and services, including psychological care

Crisis support

If you are in crisis, get help now.

Questions?

Call a Client Care Navigator: 1-833-491-8889 or 902-491-8888.

Last updated: 2025-10-01
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