Support for Families After a Workplace Tragedy

Losing a loved one is an unimaginable loss, and we’re deeply sorry.

Whether your loved one passed away as a result of their workplace injury or illness, or died from other causes while receiving WCB benefits, we’re here to support you. We understand that no amount of support can ease the pain of your loss, but we want to help however we can.

A dedicated case manager will guide you through the process with care and understanding. They can answer your questions and help you access the benefits and services available to you.

Please reach out whenever you need assistance. We’re here for you.

Understanding what benefits are available

The benefits available to you depend on the circumstances of your loved one’s death. There are two different situations:

When death was caused by the workplace injury or illness

If your loved one died as a result of their workplace injury or illness, you may be entitled to the full range of survivor benefits. This includes situations where a worker lived with the effects of an injury or occupational disease for many years, but later passed away as a result of that same condition.

When death was not caused by the workplace injury

If your loved one was receiving WCB benefits (such as EERB) but died from other causes not related to their workplace injury, a more limited set of benefits applies—primarily the annuity that was being set aside from their benefits.

Your case manager will review your situation and explain exactly what you’re entitled to.

Financial support when death was caused by workplace injury

When a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury or illness, the following benefits are available:

One-time payments

• Immediate support payment: $15,000 to help the surviving spouse or dependents with urgent needs
• Burial benefit: $15,000 to help with funeral arrangements, including burial or cremation

Ongoing benefits for the surviving spouse

• Monthly survivor pension: 85% of the worker’s earnings, paid monthly
• Annuity: 5% of each monthly pension payment is set aside and paid to the spouse as a one-time annuity payment at age 65
• The survivor pension continues until whichever is later—the spouse’s 65th birthday or the date the worker would have turned 65

Support for children and other dependents

• For children: Monthly benefits are provided to the spouse on a child’s behalf until the child turns 18
• For post-secondary students: Benefits may continue up to age 25, depending on the educational program
• Other dependents: Financial support may be available for others who relied on the worker’s earnings (for example, parents), depending on the situation

Financial support when death was not caused by workplace injury

If your loved one was receiving long-term benefits (such as EERB) at the time of their death, but their death was not caused by the workplace injury, the following applies:

Annuity payout

• If an annuity was being set aside from your loved one’s EERB benefits, that accumulated amount (5% that was set aside each month, plus interest) will be paid out
• The annuity goes to the surviving spouse, or if there is no spouse, to dependent children
• This is paid as a one-time lump sum

Getting started

When you’re ready, contact WCB. We’ll review the claim and assign a case manager (if one is not already assigned) who will guide you through the process. They will explain what benefits apply, timelines, payment details, and answer any questions you have along the way.

During this process, your case manager may ask for documents to confirm eligibility. For example:

• Proof of relationship
• A child’s age or student status
• Any other details needed to put benefits in place

Other supports

Regardless of the circumstances, the following supports may be available:

• Grief counselling with a registered psychologist or a service in your community
• Pension coordination: Your case manager can explain how WCB benefits fit with CPP survivor benefits or a workplace pension, and connect you with the right contacts. Your case manager will discuss what’s available and how to access it.
• We partner with Threads of Life, a national charity that supports families after workplace tragedy. They offer opportunities to connect with others who have faced similar loss.
• Learn about Threads of Life: threadsoflife.ca/find-support
• Day of Mourning — A dedicated site to honour all Nova Scotians who have died or been seriously injured because of their work: dayofmourning.ns.ca