The Occupational Disease and Survivor Benefits Program This Program provides specialized services to workers, dependents, and employers affected by certain serious occupational illnesses such as: Cancer Asthma Asbestosis and Silicosis Inhalation of substances and fumes Noise-induced hearing loss If you are a worker with one of the above illnesses or conditions, or are a survivor of a worker who died from such illnesses, you’ll benefit from the expertise offered by this program’s specially trained personnel. Staff include senior adjudicators, physicians, an occupational hygienist, and nurse case managers, all of whom are experienced with the unique circumstances of occupational illnesses. If you are a worker with an occupational disease claim, your claim will be adjudicated through this program and you will also receive special services to help you and your family cope with the effects of the disease. For more information, please call (416) 344-1010 or 1-800-465-9646. Survivor Benefits If you are a spouse or dependent of a worker who died as a result of a workplace injury or illness, you can contact the WSIB to claim survivor benefits. We provide four types of benefits to survivors of workers who die as a result of workplace illness or injury: Survivor Payments (lump sum and monthly benefits to survivors of workers who die as a result of workplace illness or injury). Funeral and Transport Costs Bereavement Counselling Help in Joining the Workforce Survivor Payments The WSIB pays a lump sum and monthly payments to survivors and/or dependant children of workers who die from work-related illness or injury. Detailed information on these benefits can be obtained by downloading the Survivor Benefits Guide (263k, pdf). View the Compensation Amounts for Survivors. Funeral and Transport Costs The WSIB will pay reasonable burial and funeral expenses. These may include transport costs if the survivors live a considerable distance from the place of death. Bereavement Counselling Both the surviving spouse and children are entitled to bereavement counselling, but must request this counselling within one year of the worker’s death. Help in Joining the Workforce If you are a surviving spouse, you may apply for assistance in returning to the workforce by requesting a Labour Market Re-entry Assessment within one year of your spouse’s death. Contact the Occupational Disease and Survivor Benefits Program at (416) 344-1010 or 1-800-465-9646 to determine if you are eligible. Benefits to Widows/Widowers whose Benefits were Discontinued because of Remarriage If you are a widow or widower (including common-law) whose survivor benefits were terminated because you married or remarried prior to April 1,1985, you may be entitled to a reinstatement of survivor’s benefits. These benefits are retroactive to April 1, 1985. For more details call the Spousal Benefits Reinstatement Manager at (416) 344-2194 or 1-800-465-9646. The Fatalities and Immediate Response (FAIR) Partnership provides timely and comprehensive assistance to survivors following a traumatic workplace fatality.