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Permanent functional impairment benefits
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If a work injury leaves part of your body not functioning as it did before the injury, you may have a permanent functional impairment and be eligible for a lump-sum payment. Learn what a permanent functional impairment is, how the permanent functional impairment award amount is calculated, and when you may get an annual independence allowance or disfigurement permanent functional impairment award.
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If a work injury leaves part of your body not functioning as it did before the injury, you may have a permanent functional impairment and be eligible for a lump-sum payment. A permanent function impairment happens when there is a permanent loss of physical or mental abilities because of a work injury. Your loss of function is expressed as a percentage of full body function. An example is the loss of a finger, permanent disfigurement, or permanent loss of vision due to an injury.
This is a one-time award. You will receive the award even if we are not paying you earnings loss benefits and even if you are getting Canada Disability Plan payments.
There is no age limit on permanent function impairment awards. You can receive a permanent function impairment award after age 65.
The minimum and maximum permanent function impairment award amounts are established through The Workers' Compensation Act, 2013.
The dollar amount of the award is based on how much full function you have lost and the year that your permanent function impairment was determined. We wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before determining the degree of lost function. This is because this is a one-time award. The payment may not cover your true loss if we pay the award before you reach maximum recovery.
To determine when you’ve reached maximum recovery, we:
- Use medical information in your claim file.
- Use standard recovery timelines for your type of injury.
- May give you a physical examination.
- May use a panel of medical specialists to help make the decision.
The review will help us decide if you qualify for an annual independence allowance to help you live independently and other benefits. An independence allowance is a percentage of the permanent function impairment.
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Permanent function impairment review
We may review your condition if your level of impairment changes. You may receive an additional award if we find an increase in impairment. We will not ask you to repay us if your condition has improved.
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Operations division