Eligibility for a Short‑Term Claim
Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) allows employers to register a claim even if the injury or illness results in fewer than 11 days of lost time. The key requirement is that the incident is work‑related and reported promptly; the duration of time off does not affect the right to file.
- Eligibility for a Short‑Term Claim
- Required Information and Forms
- Step‑by‑Step Registration Process
- 1. Log into the WSIB Employer Portal
- 2. Choose "Report a New Claim"
- 3. Complete Form 7 Online
- 4. Attach Supporting Documents
- 5. Submit and Receive Confirmation
- What Happens After Registration
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Table: Quick Reference for Short‑Term Claim Registration
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Required Information and Forms
To register, gather the following:
- Employer's WSIB account number
- Injured worker's name, address, and Social Insurance Number
- Date of injury, location, and a brief description of how it occurred
- Medical documentation, if any, confirming the injury
The primary form is the Form 7 – Employer's Report of Injury or Illness. For claims under 11 days, the WSIB also accepts the online "Short‑Term Claim" submission, which streamlines data entry.
Step‑by‑Step Registration Process
1. Log into the WSIB Employer Portal
Use your employer credentials to access the portal. If you do not have an account, register using the WSIB's "Create Account" link and verify your business details.
2. Choose "Report a New Claim"
Select the option for a short‑term claim. The system will prompt you to confirm that the anticipated lost time is less than 11 days.
3. Complete Form 7 Online
Enter the required information from the list above. The portal validates fields in real time, reducing errors that could delay processing.
4. Attach Supporting Documents
Upload any medical notes, incident reports, or photographs that clarify the circumstance. Even brief injuries benefit from documentation.
5. Submit and Receive Confirmation
After submission, the WSIB issues a claim number within minutes. Keep this number for all future correspondence and for tracking claim status.
What Happens After Registration
The WSIB reviews the claim within five business days. If the injury meets coverage criteria, benefits are approved, and the employer receives a reimbursement for any wage loss payments made to the worker. For claims under 11 days, the WSIB often issues a "No‑Fault" determination quickly, meaning no further investigation is required unless the worker's condition changes.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delaying reporting beyond 24 hours – the WSIB expects prompt notification.
- Leaving fields blank on Form 7 – incomplete forms are returned for correction, extending processing time.
- Failing to attach medical documentation when available – even a brief note from a health professional strengthens the claim.
Table: Quick Reference for Short‑Term Claim Registration
| Step | Action | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log into WSIB portal | Immediate |
| 2 | Select short‑term claim option | 1 minute |
| 3 | Complete Form 7 | 5–10 minutes |
| 4 | Upload supporting docs | 2–5 minutes |
| 5 | Submit and receive claim number | Instant |