COVID-19

Workers with an existing claim

• Our offices are closed to visitors. Injured workers looking to arrange a cheque pick-up are asked to call their case manager directly to make arrangements. To minimize chances of payment disruption, sign up to receive benefit payments by direct deposit.
• While providers continue to offer secure virtual services, some in–person assessment and treatment services are available (as governed by the appropriate college or association and meeting public health requirements). We continue to limit any non-urgent travel, which also applies to in-person treatment appointments.
  • If you are visiting us for an independent medical exam (IME) or treatment at Millard Health, your safety is priority. Here's what you can expect when you arrive at our buildings.
• Learn more about the support you can expect from us throughout the recovery and return to work process as businesses and service providers in Alberta begin to reopen.
• Your benefit payments will continue as scheduled. We encourage you to sign up for direct deposit if you haven’t already—this will help minimize the chance for any payment disruptions.
• You can submit any expense reimbursements to us, including prescriptions, using the myWCB app. You can also use the app to view important claim information or connect with your case manager. Please visit the App store or Google Play to download it today.
• You will continue to receive important information about your claim, including benefit and treatment plan updates. We will also continue to review any appeals related to wage-loss compensation.
• Letters will be emailed to you. This ensures you receive important information as quickly and safely as possible. Your letter will be attached to the email in a PDF format. If you do not have an email address, please obtain one and call us at 1-866-922-9221 so we can update your email contact information on your claim.

Workers looking to file a new claim

• You can quickly and easily report your injury online. We will continue to register, adjudicate and make payments on new lost-time claims.
• If you are exposed to COVID-19 while at work, please refer to our worker fact sheet. This fact sheet explains when you should report an illness to WCB.
  

• COVID-19 cost relief: In Q3 we will begin implementing cost relief for COVID-19 claims and costs related to the provincial pandemic shutdown in the spring. Cost relief will be implemented automatically; employers do not need to apply. Please see our cost relief Q&A for more information.
• The Government of Alberta announced premium relief measures for private sector employers. Please see our employer fact sheet for more information. Invoices were stopped for 2020 premiums, but employers may continue to pay their premiums. No interest charges will be applied for unpaid 2020 premiums until they are due in 2021.
• COVID-19 Premium Relief payments: We have issued refund cheques automatically to any employer who paid more than $100 on their 2020 premiums. If you have any questions about the program, please call 1-866-922-9221 or email us.
• If you have questions about when to report a work-related COVID-19 exposure to WCB, please review our COVID-19 employer fact sheet in English or French. This fact sheet explains WCB coverage and reporting in the event someone who works for you contracts the virus while at work. You can also refer to our COVID-19 at work fact sheet in English or French if you have questions about workplace COVID-19 outbreaks.
• Learn more about the support you can expect from us throughout the recovery and return to work process as businesses and service providers in Alberta begin to reopen.
• Your workers will not suffer any loss of benefits due to work disruptions. If employers do not pay workers during a shutdown, WCB will provide wage replacement benefits for any workers who were working modified duties as a result of a previous workplace injury. You may have questions about claims costs stemming from pandemic-related closures and the inability to offer modified work. Your 2020 claims costs will begin to impact premium rates in 2022, so we have time to investigate options related to any costs incurred as a result of these events.
• You can still submit a new account application online. We strive to process most applications within five working days.
• You can continue to request clearance letters. Our clearance system is up to date and available.
• Letters will be emailed to you PDF format to ensure you receive important information quickly. If you do not have an email address, please obtain one and call us at 1-866-922-9221 so we can update your email contact information on the claim.
• While providers continue to offer secure virtual services, some in–person assessment and treatment services are now available (as governed by the appropriate college or association and meeting public health requirements). We continue to limit any non-urgent travel, which also applies to in-person treatment appointments. Find out what this means for you and your worker.
• Our employer seminars and workshops are now being hosted online. We will continue to comply with public health recommendations by hosting virtual offerings wherever possible and limiting in-person events.

We understand that working from home and social distancing can be a considerable change for many Albertans. To support workers and employers in the province, Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) has created a best practice resource for working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are additional resources that provide tools and information to support Albertans physically, mentally and financially.

Physical environment

Working from home requires a significant change if you're used to working in a formal on-site setting. These resources have tips for setting up your physical environment to support your health, safety and productivity.

• From setting up a proper work station to keeping active throughout the day, our office ergonomic guide can help you support your physical needs while working from home.
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a variety of telework tips on managing work schedules, setting up an appropriate work space, addressing safety concerns and more.

Psychological wellness

Working from home can challenge your mental wellness. These resources provide tips to strengthen your mental health and recognize signs of stress and anxiety.

• The Government of Canada talks about the importance of maintaining social connection for your mental health, and how to do so from a distance.
• The Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association and their partners are offering free weekly webinars on maintaining mental fitness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) shares tips and experiences with balancing working from home with your mental health.
• The World Health Organization discusses how children may respond to stress and provides tips on how to respond to your child's reactions in a supportive way.
• These free apps help you with relaxation techniques. Available on the App store for your iPhone or iPad:
  • Sleep pillow
  • Breathe
  • Insight timer
  • Relax – relaxation music
  • Calm

Financial support

The provincial and federal governments are providing a number of financial relief programs to help those in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
• The Government of Alberta put measures in place to protect employers and employees from the economic disruption of COVID-19 and position Alberta for recovery.