Independence allowance
If you have a permanent functional impairment of 10 per cent or greater, you may be able to get an annual independence allowance to help you live independently. Learn when you may qualify for an independence allowance and how the allowance is calculated.
If you have a permanent functional impairment (PFI) of 10 per cent of greater because of a work injury, you may be able to receive an annual independence allowance to help you live independently. This allowance is a percentage of the PFI award.
You may qualify for an independence allowance to help you:
- Cover the cost of regular home upkeep, such as snow shovelling and lawn mowing.
- Pay for items that help you maintain your independence, such as taxi service if you can no longer drive.
The independence allowance is an annual benefit paid to you each year.
Who may get an independence allowance?
If you have a 10 per cent or more PFI, you will be considered for an independence allowance. The allowance is based on your PFI rating and physical need.
If you have a PFI of hearing loss, you are not eligible for the independence allowance.
If you live in a nursing home, extended care facility or special-care facility, you will not receive the allowance unless your dependent spouse or children continue to care for the family home. In these cases, the allowance may be paid to the dependent spouse or children.
Your income, including other payments from the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), does not affect your independence allowance.
How is the allowance calculated?
If you have a PFI rating of 40 per cent or more and meet the conditions to get an independence allowance, you receive a maximum of $2,260 per year. If you have a PFI rating of 10 per cent to 39 per cent and meet the conditions to get an independence allowance, you receive an amount based on your PFI.
Your independence allowance is paid once each year and continues throughout your lifetime, regardless of your age and for as long as you qualify.
Note: The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 and WCB policy are the default in cases of discrepancies.
Contact information
Contact a WCB representative to find help.
Operations division