Annual benefit rates review results for 2010 – all new rates effective January 1, 2010
The effective date for all new rates is January 1, 2010. The Operational Policy manual document #18-01-05 – entitled Table of Rates – will be updated on January 5, 2010 to reflect all changes that have been approved by the WSIB.
Among the benefit rates that will be increasing on January 1, 2010 include the Personal Care Allowance (PCA) – General, Personal, and Skilled rates. Increases were approved by the WSIB to ensure that the set hourly rates reflect the actual cost of purchasing these labour services in the community.
As a result, the PCA General Rate is increasing to $10.25 per hour from $9.50; the Personal Rate is increasing to $13.19 per hour from $11.99; and the Skilled Rate is increasing to $19.35 per hour from $19.20.
Other increases going into effect on January 1, 2010 include:
- the escort fee, which is tied to the general minimum wage, will increase to $82 per day from $76
- the Independent Living Allowance and Guide and Support Dog Allowance will increase by CPI indexation (0.4%)
- the minimum Burial rate will be indexed by CPI in accordance with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.
Please note that the Professional and Non-professional witness fees have been removed from the Table of Rates and Benefits Rates. As of January 1, 2010, the WSIB’s Appeals Branch will set, administer and maintain witness fees.
The WSIB’s Appeals Branch is in the process of incorporating the witness fee information into the Appeal System Practice and Procedures Guide (186k, pdf). Please note the Witness Fee Schedule for 2010 is:
- Non-Professional witnesses: $110.96 for a full day/ $55.48 for a half day
- Professional Witnesses Attendance Fee: $600 for a full day/$300 for a half day.
Benefits Rates Fact Sheets
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