What is Interim Relief?

Interim relief is a payment you may be able to receive during the time you are waiting for the outcome of a Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body (DRDRB) or Appeals Commission (AC) decision. Interim relief is intended to relieve financial hardship and is only provided in exceptional circumstances, where financial need can be demonstrated.

If you believe you are entitled to interim relief, it is important that you apply as soon as possible. If you are entitled to interim relief, it will begin as of the date of your application. You must file a Request for Review or Notice of Appeal to be considered eligible for interim relief.

WCB has prepared Fact Sheets on interim relief that you might find helpful.

Worker Fact Sheet on Interim Relief

Employer Fact Sheet on Interim Relief

Who is Eligible for Interim Relief?

You may be eligible for Interim Relief if you are:

• a worker who is appealing a decision affecting entitlement to wage loss benefits over the sum of $500, or

• an employer who is appealing a decision that may impact assessed premiums by more than $500.

How do I Apply for Interim Relief?

Interim Relief during the review process (DRDRB)

Once you have submitted a formal Request for Review to the Workers’ Compensation Board you can complete their Request for Interim Relief form and submit that directly to WCB. You cannot apply to the WCB for interim relief until you have submitted a Request for Review.

Request for Interim Relief for Workers

Request for Interim Relief for Employers

Interim Relief During the Appeal Process (Appeals Commission)

Once you have submitted a formal Notice of Appeal to the Appeals Commission you can complete their  Application for Interim Relief form and submit that directly to the AC. You cannot apply to the AC for interim relief until you have submitted a Notice of Appeal.

Application for Interim Relief for Workers

Application for Interim Relief for Employers

What Documents do I Need to Support my Application for Interim Relief?

When you apply for interim relief, you must provide copies of the information you have to support your application.

For workers, this means providing documents to show that without interim relief you will not be able to afford basic necessities of life (food, clothing, shelter) while waiting for a DRDRB or AC decision. This  could include documents like:

• a denial letter from another insurance provider, from your employer, or a private coverage provider
• a denial letter from the Government of Canada services and/or local services that may be available
• a letter from a spouse/partner living at the same address as you, stating that their income will not support the monthly requirements to provide basic necessities
• past due bills
• a letter from debtors supporting probable seizure of assets
• eviction notices
• other forms of documentation from a third party confirming necessitous circumstances

For employers, this means documents to show that without interim relief you will not be able to continue operating while waiting for a DRDRB or AC decision. This could include documents like:

• records of employment (ROEs) documenting a layoff of the employee
• bank account and financial information
• documentation of loans or bankruptcy
• financial statements
• a letter from a bookkeeper or accountant

Who Can Help Me Apply for Interim Relief?

If you have an Advisor assigned to your file, the Advisor can fill out the application form for you and assist you with gathering the documents you may need. 

If you have questions about whether you may be eligible for interim relief, contact your Advisor.

If you are waiting for an Advisor to be assigned to your file, you can apply for interim relief directly to the DRDRB or AC.