2026 Distribution of Excess FundsFAQsThe Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) manages a reserve fund designed to safeguard both employers and workers while promoting a stable workers compensation system. Currently, this reserve fund exceeds the target set in our funding policy.In May of 2026, eligible employers will receive a credit towards their 2026 WCB premiums. Why are there excess funds? The current surplus has accumulated over several years based on multiple factors, including better-than-expected investment returns and sound financial management. Who is eligible to receive the excess funds? Employers who fulfilled their payroll reporting responsibilities for 2025 and owed the WCB a premium for 2025 are eligible to receive a credit. Who will not receive the excess funds? Employers who did not report their payroll for 2025 or did not owe WCB premiums for 2025 are not eligible. However, if an employer later submits their 2025 payroll, the WCB will apply the credit to their account. How much will each employer receive? Each eligible employer will receive a credit to their account of 35 per cent of their 2025 actual premium. What method will be used to determine how much each employer receives? The percentage is calculated against an employer’s 2025 premium. The premium is determined by multiplying the WCB rate ($0.95) by every $100 of payroll. The calculation is shown below.Safety levies under an industry-based safety program are not included in the premium calculation used for surplus distribution. When will the excess funds be distributed? Eligible employers will receive a credit to their account, applied against their 2026 premium. These credits are reflected in their WCB Account Statements for May 2026. How often will there be a distribution of excess funds? A distribution of excess funds is not guaranteed each year and depends on many variables related to the WCB’s financial performance. The Board of Directors reviews the WCB’s funded position annually and may determine if a surplus distribution is warranted. This is laid out in the WCB’s funding policy. Is the credit taxable? Yes, the amount of the credit is taxable since it is a return of an employer’s 2025 tax-deductible expense. For more information, contact Assessment Services via our contact page.
