By: Lane Foster, Personal Injury Lawyer

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Accident benefits in Ontario (SABS) are no-fault insurance benefits that provide medical, income replacement, and rehabilitation coverage after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. These benefits are a core part of any car accident claim in Ontario and often operate alongside a lawsuit for additional compensation. You must apply within deadlines, including submitting an OCF-1 within 30 days, or your benefits may be denied.

 

What are Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) in Ontario?

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Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) are mandatory insurance benefits available to people injured in motor vehicle accidents in Ontario. They are designed to provide immediate financial support and access to treatment through your insurer, regardless of fault.

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Who is eligible for Accident Benefits?

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You may qualify for accident benefits if you were:

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• a driver involved in a collision

• a passenger in a vehicle

• a pedestrian struck by a vehicle

• a cyclist involved in a collision with a motor vehicle

 

If you do not have your own insurance, Ontario’s priority rules determine which insurer is responsible.

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What is the deadline to apply for Accident Benefits?

 

You should notify your insurer within 7 days of the accident and submit the OCF-1 application within 30 days. Missing these deadlines can result in denial of benefits, although exceptions can apply in certain circumstances.

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What forms are required for Accident Benefits in Ontario?

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Accident benefits claims involve several standard forms, including:

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• OCF-1 – Application for Accident Benefits

• OCF-3 – Disability Certificate completed by a healthcare provider

• OCF-18 – Treatment and Assessment Plan

 

These forms are required to access benefits and must be submitted within strict timelines.

 

What Accident Benefits can you claim in Ontario?

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Income Replacement Benefits (IRBs)

 

If you are unable to work, you may receive income replacement benefits of approximately 70% of your gross income, up to $400 per week unless optional coverage applies. Payments typically begin after the first week of disability.

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Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits

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Coverage may include physiotherapy, chiropractic care, psychological treatment, occupational therapy, and assistive devices. The amount available depends on whether your injuries fall within the Minor Injury Guideline or a higher category.

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Attendant Care Benefits

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If you require assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, or mobility, attendant care benefits may be available.

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Non-Earner Benefits

 

If you were not working at the time of the accident, you may still qualify for non-earner benefits if your injuries substantially affect your normal life.

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Caregiver Benefits

 

In certain cases, compensation is available if you can no longer care for dependents.

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How much are Accident Benefits worth in Ontario?

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Injury Category

Minor Injury (MIG)

 

Medical & Rehabilitation: Up to $3,500

Attendant Care: Not included

 

Non-Catastrophic

 

Medical & Rehabilitation / Attendant Care: Up to $65,000 (combined)

 

Catastrophic

 

Medical & Rehabilitation / Attendant Care: $1,000,000+
Expanded lifetime benefits may be available

 

What is the Minor Injury Guideline (MIG)?

The Minor Injury Guideline applies to relatively minor injuries such as strains, sprains, and whiplash. If your injury falls within the MIG, medical and rehabilitation benefits are typically capped at $3,500.
 

Learn more about the Minor Injury Guideline.
 

What if your injuries are more serious?

If your injuries fall outside the Minor Injury Guideline, you may be eligible for higher levels of medical and rehabilitation funding depending on your coverage and the nature of your injuries.

What is a catastrophic impairment?

Catastrophic injuries include severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and certain severe psychological impairments. These cases may qualify for substantially higher levels of benefits and long-term support.

Learn more about catastrophic impairment claims.

Why are Accident Benefits denied?

 

Accident benefits claims may be denied or limited due to missed deadlines, disputes over injury severity, insurer medical assessments, or disagreements about whether treatment is reasonable and necessary.

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If a claim is denied, there are processes available to dispute the decision.

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How are Accident Benefits disputes resolved in Ontario?

 

Disputes over accident benefits are typically resolved through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which handles disagreements between injured individuals and insurers regarding entitlement to benefits.

 

Who pays Accident Benefits in Ontario?

 

Ontario follows a priority system to determine which insurer is responsible Generally speaking, priority flows as follows:

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• your own insurer, if you have a policy

• the vehicle you were in, if you were a passenger

• the at-fault driver’s insurer, if you were a pedestrian or cyclist

• the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (MVACF), if no insurance is available

 

Determining the correct insurer is important, as errors can delay access to benefits.

 

Are Accident Benefits the same as a lawsuit?

 

No.

 

Accident benefits are no-fault and provide access to immediate support through an insurer. A lawsuit involves proving fault and may allow recovery for additional losses such as pain and suffering, income loss, and future care costs.

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How are Accident Benefits changing in Ontario in 2026?

 

Changes to Ontario’s accident benefits system take effect on July 1, 2026 for policies issued or renewed on or after that date.

 

Under the updated system:

 

Mandatory Benefits (2026+)

 

Medical & Rehabilitation
Attendant Care

 

Optional Benefits (2026+)

 

Income Replacement
Non-Earner
Caregiver
Housekeeping
Death & Funeral

 

How do the 2026 changes affect accident victims?

 

The impact of these changes may include:

• differences in available benefits depending on policy coverage

• reduced access to income replacement benefits if not selected

• increased importance of understanding insurance coverage after an accident

 

Do you get Accident Benefits if you were at fault?

Yes. Accident benefits are no-fault, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident.

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What should you do after a car accident in Ontario?

 

To protect your rights:

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• report the accident

• seek medical attention

• notify your insurer

• complete and submit the OCF-1 application

• follow recommended treatment plans

 

Do you need a lawyer for Accident Benefits?

 

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but legal advice may be helpful if your benefits are denied, your injuries are serious, or there are disputes with the insurer. Frankly, many individuals recovering from a collision simply find the accident benefits forms, foreign, unduly complex, and overwhelming.

 

Get help understanding your Accident Benefits

 

Accident benefits claims can be complex, particularly in serious injury cases. Understanding your rights early can help avoid delays, disputes, and gaps in coverage. If you need help understanding your accident benefits, you can speak with a personal injury lawyer in Barrie or a car accident lawyer in Collingwood.