Income Replacement Benefits Explained: Who Qualifies and How Much Can You Get?
- Yellow Pages Admin
- Nov 20
- 3 min read
After a car accident, being unable to work can cause serious financial stress. Fortunately, Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) provides Income Replacement Benefits (IRBs) to help injured individuals recover lost income while they heal. But understanding who qualifies and how much you can receive isn’t always straightforward.
At Littlejohn Barristers, our experienced auto accident attorneys in Barrie help clients navigate the complexities of IRBs and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Income Replacement Benefits?
IRBs are a type of no-fault benefit available to individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents in Ontario. These benefits are paid by your auto insurer and are designed to replace a portion of your income if your injuries prevent you from working.
You can apply for IRBs regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This is part of Ontario’s no-fault insurance system, which ensures that injured parties can access benefits quickly without waiting for liability to be determined.
Who Qualifies for IRBs?
To qualify for IRBs, you must meet one of the following conditions at the time of the car accident:
Employed or self-employed when the accident occurred.
Unemployed, but worked at least 26 weeks in the 52 weeks prior or were receiving Employment Insurance benefits.
Additionally, you must suffer a substantial inability to perform the essential tasks of your employment due to the accident. This threshold is critical and often requires medical documentation to support your claim.
After the first 104 weeks, the eligibility criteria become stricter. You must demonstrate a complete inability to engage in any employment for which you are reasonably suited by education, training, or experience.
How Much Can You Receive?
Under a standard auto insurance policy in Ontario, IRBs typically cover:
70% of your gross pre-accident income, up to a maximum of $400 per week.
However, optional coverage can increase this cap to $600, $800, or even $1,000 per week, depending on your policy.
It’s important to note:
IRBs start one week after the accident.
Any income earned while receiving IRBs is deducted from the benefit amount.
Benefits may be adjusted after age 65.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you don’t meet the criteria for IRBs, you may still be eligible for other benefits under SABS, such as:
non-earner benefits (for students or for people who were not working when the accident occurred).
caregiver benefits (if you were providing care to dependents before the accident).
Getting the Most from Your IRBs: Why You Need a Lawyer
Navigating IRB claims can be complex, especially when insurers dispute eligibility or benefit amounts. A skilled auto accident attorney in Barrie can:
Help gather and present medical evidence.
Ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.
Challenge denied claims through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
Explore additional compensation through a tort claim against the at-fault party.
Recovering Lost Income with Legal Support
Income Replacement Benefits are a vital lifeline for accident victims facing income loss. But securing the full amount you’re entitled to often requires legal expertise. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are struggling to return to work, contact Littlejohn Barristers today for a free consultation. Our car accident attorneys in Barrie are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
