WCB Wage Loss and Retroactive Benefits in Alberta

Common Wage Loss Issues

Across Alberta, workers face similar problems when dealing with wage-loss claims:

• Zero-based wage loss decisions – WCB claims your average earnings cannot be established, leaving you with no wage-loss benefits at all.
  
  

• Incorrect AWE (Average Weekly Earnings) calculations – overtime, seasonal income, or secondary jobs are often ignored, resulting in underpayment.
  
  

• Delays in back pay – after surgery or treatment, workers often wait months for benefits they should receive immediately.
  
  

• Claims closed without notice – workers are cut off suddenly, without explanation or medical justification.
  
  

These errors can leave you struggling financially at the very time you need stability the most.

Retroactive Benefits You May Be Owed

If WCB made a mistake on your file, you may be entitled to significant retroactive payments. These can include:

• Wage loss adjustments – correcting your Average Weekly Earnings so your benefits reflect your real income.
  
  

• Travel and meal reimbursements – compensation for costs you paid out-of-pocket for appointments, treatment, or assessments.
  
  

• Medical and treatment costs – physiotherapy, prescriptions, and devices that should have been covered.
  
  

• Reopened claims – if your condition worsens or was never properly assessed, WCB may owe you months or even years of back pay.
  
  

Many workers don’t realize just how much they are owed until their file is reviewed by a knowledgeable representative.

Your Rights Under WCB Alberta

Under the Workers’ Compensation Act of Alberta, benefits must:

• Reflect your real earnings, not a reduced or estimated figure.
  
  

• Continue for as long as your injury prevents you from returning to work safely.
  
  

• Be recalculated if new evidence shows your income or condition was misrepresented.
  
  

Policy also requires WCB to act on the balance of probabilities, meaning if evidence shows it is more likely than not that you are entitled to benefits, the decision should be made in your favor.

How the Appeal Process Works

If your wage-loss benefits have been denied or cut off, the appeal process is your opportunity to correct the decision:

1. File Review – obtain and analyze your claim file to identify errors in wage-loss calculations or decisions.
   
   

2. DRDRB Review – file a written appeal to the Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body with evidence of underpayment or wrongful denial.
   
   

3. Appeals Commission – escalate to the Appeals Commission if DRDRB upholds the decision. This independent tribunal can order WCB to pay retroactive benefits.
   
   

How Claimstead Helps

As experienced WCB consultants in Alberta, we focus on identifying mistakes and fighting for fair compensation. We:

• Review your wage-loss calculations for errors in Average Weekly Earnings.
  
  

• Pursue retroactive WCB benefits through DRDRB and Appeals Commission appeals.
  
  

• Represent you in reopening claims, ensuring your worsening condition or missed benefits are addressed.
  
  

• Challenge unfair WCB wage cut-offs, making sure your benefits continue for as long as you need them.
  
  

With Claimstead on your side, you won’t have to navigate the system alone or settle for less than you are entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a zero-based wage loss decision?
This occurs when WCB claims they cannot determine your average earnings and sets your benefit to $0. These decisions can be appealed and corrected with proper income records.

How do I know if my Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) are wrong?
If WCB did not include overtime, seasonal income, or additional employment, your AWE may be miscalculated. Claimstead reviews your file to identify and fix these errors.

Can I still get retroactive benefits if my claim was closed?
Yes. If your condition worsens or if WCB made an error, your claim can be reopened and you may be owed retroactive payments.

Take Action on Your Wage Loss and Retroactive Benefits

If you believe you’re missing WCB wage loss or retroactive payments in Alberta, don’t wait. These benefits are your right, and WCB must be held accountable for fair and accurate compensation.

👉 Contact Claimstead today to have your file reviewed by an experienced WCB representative in Alberta. We fight to recover every dollar you are owed.