Section #
44.80.10.40
Effective date

Policy Purpose

This policy describes how the worker's net average earnings are calculated.

Workers who have accidents after December 31, 1991, will receive wage loss benefits or their survivors’ benefits based on a percentage of the worker’s net average earnings. Net average earnings are calculated in a two step process.

First, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) determines the worker's average earnings before the accident. That process is described in WCB policy 44.80.10.10, Average Earnings. From those average earnings, the WCB calculates amounts representing probable deductions for income tax payable, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, Employment Insurance (EI) premiums and other deductions as the Board of Directors may establish by regulation. Those amounts are deducted from “average earnings” to arrive at the worker’s “net average earnings.” The probable deductions that may be used in calculating a worker’s net average earnings are described in this policy. 

Previous policy versions
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2021
  • This policy applies to accidents between the above dates. 
  • Section iii of the policy applies to recurrence decisions made on or after January 1, 2006 for accidents on or after January 1, 2001.
  • Adjustments to a worker's net average earnings under section iv of the policy apply to accidents on or after January 1, 2006.
  • Where applicable, the federal tax credit for dependent children may be claimed on or after July 1, 2007.
January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2005

This policy applies to accidents from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2005.

July 1, 1993 to December 31, 2000

This policy applies to accidents from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2000. [This policy is numbered as 44.80.10.40.01 and titled 90% of Net Average Earnings.]