If you cannot return to your previous job due to permanent physical restrictions from a workplace injury, the Ontario WSIB provides free retraining and job search assistance under a Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training). During this time, you will continue to receive your Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits.
Sustaining a severe workplace injury can change your life forever. When your doctor determines that your permanent physical restrictions prevent you from ever returning to your old heavy labour job, it is normal to feel lost. You might wonder how you will earn a living and support your family. 📝
This is exactly why the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) provides return-to-work services (historically known as the Work Transition or WT program, and sometimes referred to as Work Reintegration). The WSIB does not simply cut off your benefits when you can no longer do your pre-injury job. Instead, they have a legal duty to help you re-enter the workforce in a safe, suitable role.
This guide will explain the step-by-step process of the program, what a Suitable Occupation (SO) means, how Return-to-Work (RTW) Assessments and Plans (with training) operate, and how you can get retraining paid for by the WSIB. We will also discuss when it might be helpful to consult a local law firm if you disagree with the WSIB’s chosen career path for you.
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario
Whether you live in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, or Sudbury, the return-to-work process follows the same standardized steps across Ontario. You will be assigned a Return-to-Work (RTW) Specialist (the title that replaced the former ‘Work Transition Specialist’ in 2018) to guide you through this journey. 📍
It is incredibly important to actively participate in this process. Failing to cooperate with your Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training) can result in your WSIB benefits being reduced or suspended completely.
Step 1: The Return-to-Work (RTW) Assessment
If your employer cannot offer you modified work that fits your permanent restrictions, the WSIB will initiate a Return-to-Work (RTW) Assessment. You will meet with a Return-to-Work (RTW) Specialist who will review your entire background. ❗
During this assessment, the specialist will look at your education level, previous work experience, transferrable skills, and your functional abilities. They may also test your English, math, and mechanical skills to see what types of jobs you are naturally suited for.
Step 2: Identifying a Suitable Occupation (SO)
Based on your assessment, the WSIB will identify a Suitable Occupation (SO) for you. This is a specific job category that is safe for your injury, matches your skills, and is actively available in the local Ontario labour market.
For example, if you were a construction worker who can no longer lift heavy materials, your Suitable Occupation might be a dispatch coordinator, a security guard, or an administrative assistant. The goal is to find a job that replaces your pre-injury earnings as closely as possible.
Step 3: Developing the Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training)
Once the Suitable Occupation is chosen, the WSIB will create a Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training). This is a written contract outlining exactly what training or upgrading you need to get hired in that new field. 💪
Your plan could involve short-term academic upgrading (like getting your high school diploma), a specific college certificate course, software training, or simply resume building and interview preparation.
Step 4: Executing the Plan and Job Search
Once you sign the plan, you begin your training. You must attend all classes and pass your courses. The WSIB will monitor your progress closely.
After your training is complete, you enter the job search phase. The WSIB usually provides a job search training program lasting 4 to 12 weeks to help you secure employment in your new field. During this entire phase, your regular Loss of Earnings cheques continue.
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
The biggest relief for injured workers is that participating in the program should not cost you anything out of pocket. The WSIB fully funds approved retraining plans. 💰
Here is a breakdown of what the WSIB generally pays for during your Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training):
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| College Tuition & Course Fees | $1,000 – $10,000+ | WSIB (Directly to the school) |
| Textbooks and Supplies | $200 – $800+ | WSIB (Worker submits receipts) |
| Travelling Expenses to School | $0.60 per km / Transit pass | WSIB (Worker submits forms) |
| Ergonomic Equipment for School | $100 – $1,500+ | WSIB (If medically necessary) |
While the training is free, if you disagree with the WSIB’s chosen Suitable Occupation (for example, they want you to be a parking attendant but you want to learn accounting), you may need to hire an Ontario WSIB lawyer. Lawyers typically charge on a contingency basis if they take on your appeal.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline for a Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training) varies wildly depending on how much retraining you need. The assessment phase alone usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. ⏱
If your plan only requires resume building and job search assistance, it may be completed in 3 to 6 months. However, if the WSIB agrees to send you to a college diploma program, your Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training) can last up to 3 years.
Once the plan is officially over, the WSIB will “lock in” your benefits. They will assume you can earn the starting wage of your new Suitable Occupation, and they will reduce your Loss of Earnings benefits accordingly, whether you have found a job or not.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to participate in return-to-work activities?
Yes. Under Ontario law, participating in the RTW program is mandatory if you are physically unable to return to your old job and your employer has no suitable modified work. If you refuse, the WSIB will cut off your Loss of Earnings benefits.
Can I pick my own college course and new career?
You have input, but the WSIB makes the final decision. The WSIB will only pay for a career path that is medically safe, actively hiring in your region, and represents the fastest route to replacing your pre-injury wages. They will not pay for an expensive degree if a 6-month certificate will suffice.
What happens if I cannot find a job after my training?
Once your Return-to-Work (RTW) Plan (with training) officially ends, the WSIB will automatically reduce your benefits based on what they believe you are capable of earning in your new field (this is called deemed earnings), even if you are still unemployed. You must continue job hunting independently.
Will the WSIB pay for my internet if I take online courses?
The WSIB will often cover mandatory expenses associated with your approved training plan. If an online course is part of your RTW Plan, you can request reimbursement for basic internet access or a laptop, but this must be approved by your return-to-work specialist or case manager in advance.
Can I appeal the Suitable Occupation chosen for me?
Yes. If you feel the chosen Suitable Occupation is physically impossible for you, or completely ignores your language barriers and education level, you can file an Intent to Object. Speaking to a WSIB law firm is highly recommended for these appeals.
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