Building on last year’s benefit improvements, which included increases to loss of earnings benefits and raised the maximum annual earnings threshold, this latest round of changes enhances and simplifies survivor benefits, expands protections for young workers, improves retirement security for injured workers, and modernizes legislation to reflect today’s workforce and values.

“These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring a fair, sustainable, and easy-to-navigate compensation system for New Brunswick’s workers and employers,” said Tim Petersen, president and CEO of WorkSafeNB. “By modernizing benefits and legislation, we’re improving financial security for injured workers and their families, while keeping assessment rates stable for employers.”

Key Changes Include:

  • Enhanced and Simplified Benefits for Surviving Spouses ✅
    Starting July 1, 2025, new surviving spouses will receive 90% of the deceased worker’s net earnings, with no family income test, providing clearer, more stable financial support. Existing survivors will also see increases to their current benefit levels, along with higher annuity contributions and a simplified process going forward. (See “Survivor Benefits” in FAQ for more details)
  • Stronger Protection for Young Workers ✅ 
    Outdated age limits for assessing a young worker’s future earnings will be expanded or removed, ensuring fair compensation for those pursuing education or training.
  • Larger Lump Sum Annuities ✅ 
    Workers who can’t purchase a retirement annuity due to small amounts will now receive a lump sum payout if their set-aside savings are less than 60% of the New Brunswick Industrial Aggregate Earnings (approx. $30,770 in 2024).
  • Updated Impairment Ratings ✅
    WorkSafeNB will adopt the latest AMA Guides, bringing assessments in line with internationally recognized medical standards for greater accuracy and fairness.
  • Clearer & More Inclusive Terminology✅
    The Workers’ Compensation Act will be updated to include plain language, remove outdated legal language and use inclusive terminology.

“These changes strike the right balance between strengthening support for injured workers and maintaining financial stability,” said Mel Norton, chairperson of WorkSafeNB’s board of directors. “We’re ensuring the compensation continues to evolve and respond to the needs of today’s workforce.”

WorkSafeNB will continue its five-year legislative review cycle, ensuring that New Brunswick’s workers’ compensation system remains modern, sustainable, and responsive for all who rely on it.

WorkSafeNB commends the Government of New Brunswick for moving forward with these important changes and being a partner in strengthening New Brunswick’s worker’s compensation system.

More info: WorkSafeNB