WCB checks to see whether you are covered by workers' compensation insurance. If you are covered, the WCB decides how serious your injury is and accepts it as either a no lost-time claim or a lost-time claim.

A no lost-time claim means you:
• haven't lost time from work
• haven't had to change the work you do
• don't have a permanent disability

A lost-time claim means:
• you can't continue to do your job because of your injury (this could be temporary or permanently)

What to expect with a no lost-time claim:

If your claim is a no lost-time claim, the WCB pays for treatments or supplies that you will need as a result of your work-related injury. The WCB sends you and your employer letters to tell you both which benefits will be forthcoming.

What to expect with a lost-time claim:

Lost-time claims are given to an adjudicator. This person decides whether your claim will be accepted. If it is accepted, the adjudicator sets your compensation rate and issues your benefits every two weeks until you return to work. The adjudicator informs you and your employer about your benefits by sending letters to you both.
If you are off work or expected to be off work for an extended period (typically about a month), your claim will be transferred from the adjudicator to a case manager. The case manager will contact you, your employer, and health care provider to develop a return-to-work plan. Your case manager will coordinate all of your benefits and services to support your return-to-work plan.

When can I expect to hear from the WCB?

If your claim is registered with all of the required information, you can expect to hear from the WCB within seven working days. A Worker Handbook will be sent to you, and your claim number will be documented in a letter.

What are my responsibilities after I file a claim?
• keep your appointments with your health care providers (physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, etc.).
• ask your health care providers to send reports to the WCB.
• follow the treatment plans developed by your health care providers.
• talk to your physician about your progress so you understand when you can return to work. Inform your adjudicator or case manager of any changes in your medical recovery.
• talk to your employer regularly about your progress. Ask about a possible return-to-work date and whether suitable work can be found for you.
• have regular contact with your adjudicator or case manager.
• tell your adjudicator or case manager when your doctor tells you that you are fit to return to work. If you do return to work early, make sure you understand and follow any work restrictions so your re-employment is safe for both you and others.
• advise the WCB if you stop working or need to change your duties because of your injury.
• keep receipts for costs directly related to your workplace injury.
• use your claim number when you write letters or call the WCB.
• advise your adjudicator or case manager if you will be leaving the province on vacation or you are moving out of Alberta.

What happens if my injury was not reported?

If the WCB has no record of your claim and more than two years has passed, the WCB will consider the claim if you can show you had a good reason to delay reporting.

Can I have someone help me with my claim?
Yes. You can have a friend, family member, interpreter, injured worker representative, labour union advocate, lawyer or WCB appeals advisor act as your representative to deal with your claim information. Complete and send the Worker's Information Release form to tell the WCB who your representative will be.

What happens to the personal information the WCB collects about me?

The Workers' Compensation Act gives the WCB authority to collect relevant personal information from you and other sources. This information is placed in your file to help the WCB determine the benefits and services you may receive.
Your personal information is protected under the Workers' Compensation Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It cannot be released without your consent. However, the WCB is allowed to share some general personal information with other government departments or agencies such as Employment Insurance or Social Services.