If you’re injured in an automobile accident in Alberta, you may be entitled to Section B benefits—regardless of who was at fault. These benefits, sometimes called “Accident Benefits,” are included in every Alberta Standard Automobile Policy and provide no-fault coverage for medical treatments, disability, and, in some cases, death.
Section B Benefits are contractual, meaning your insurance premiums already cover them. They are designed to give accident victims quick access to care and financial support without waiting for the outcome of a personal injury claim.
Who Qualifies for Section B Benefits?
Section B Benefits apply to anyone injured in an automobile-related accident, including:
- Drivers, passengers, or pedestrians
- Cyclists involved in a collision
- Passengers on public transit (e.g., buses)
To qualify for Section B disability benefits, you must:
- Have been employed at the time of the accident, or be at least 18 years old and have worked 6 of the 12 months prior. The six months do not have to be consecutive.
- Be unable to perform all your job duties within 60 days of the accident
- Have your disability certified by a medical professional if requested
- Be “wholly and continuously” disabled—the benefit stops when you return to work
Important: Section B benefits do not cover the first 7 days of disability, though some of these losses may be recovered through a personal injury claim.
What Do Section B Benefits Cover?
Medical Expenses
Section B medical benefits cover essential treatments up to $50,000 per person. This means that if three people are injured in the same car in a car accident, each person may claim up to $50,000 for medical expenses. However, few people receive the full amount, as insurance companies often require individuals to use personal health insurance first.
Your Section B benefits may cover a portion of medical costs, including:
- Ambulance services
- Hospital care
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy
- Acupuncture and dental treatment
- Medication and psychological treatment
Treatment Maximums Under Section B Coverage:
- Acupuncture: $350
- Chiropractic Care: $1,000
- Massage Therapy: $350
Some treatments may require approval from your healthcare provider or insurer. Insurance companies may also send you to a doctor of their choice to determine medical necessity. A treatment such as chiropractic care could be incredibly helpful in your recovery, but not necessarily deemed as “medically essential.”
Disability & Income Replacement
Section B benefits provide up to $600 per week for lost earnings or 80% of your pre-tax weekly income (whichever is lower). If you earned less than $500 per week before taxes, your benefit amount will be lower. If you have disability coverage through personal or workplace insurance, you must claim those benefits first before accessing Section B benefits. The amount you will receive will be calculated by your insurance provider, and exceptions may apply depending on your situation.
If you have questions about your entitlement to Section B disability benefits or how to calculate your Section B disability amount, you can contact us at any time. It won’t cost you anything to speak with our legal team.
Death, Funeral & Grief Counselling
While no amount of money could possibly replace the loss of a loved one, there are some financial supports available to the deceased’s family through insurance. Section B provides some financial support to families of individuals who have passed away due to an accident. Coverage includes:
- Death benefit: Amount depends on the deceased’s age and relationship to the claimant
- Funeral expenses: Up to $6,150 per person
- Grief counselling: Up to $500 per family, claimable separately for multiple deceased family members
How to File a Section B Benefits Claim
- Notify Your Insurance Company – contact your own auto insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident.
Question: “Do I need to sign a Release of Information Authorization to receive Section B benefits? ”
Answer: Yes. You must provide your insurance company with written consent to access your personal information before receiving Section B benefits. Without your authorization, they cannot process your claim.
- IMPORTANT: You are never under any legal obligation to provide information (medical or otherwise) to the other party’s insurance company or adjuster. If you have an ongoing injury claim, do not speak to any insurance companies about your claim besides your own.
- Complete the Required Forms – Your insurance company will provide the necessary claim forms.
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- AB-1 (Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form): You must submit this form within 30 days of the accident (or as soon as possible).
- AB-2 (Claim for Disability Benefits, if applicable): If you cannot work due to injuries, this form needs to be completed by your doctor and employer.
- Get Medical Treatment & Documentation
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- See a healthcare provider and follow their recommendations.
- If you’re seeing a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, they may bill your insurance directly.
- Ensure all receipts and reports are properly documented.
- Submit Medical Reports & Invoices
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- Your doctor may need to complete an AB-4 (Disability Certificate) to confirm your injuries.
- Submit medical expenses and receipts to your insurer for reimbursement.
- Receive Section B Benefits
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- If approved, your insurance will cover medical treatments, up to $50,000 per person for up to two years from the accident date.
- If you qualify for disability benefits, they may cover up to $600 per week for a maximum of 104 weeks.
- Coordinate with Other Insurers (if applicable)
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- If you have additional health benefits (e.g., through work or private insurance), Section B acts as secondary coverage, meaning your other insurer may be billed first.
- Communicate with Your Adjuster
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- Stay in touch with your insurance adjuster to ensure smooth processing.
- If you experience delays or issues, consider seeking legal advice.
Deadlines & Documentation Required
Section B benefits must be claimed within a specific amount of time after your accident. Here are the key deadlines:
- 30 days: Notify your insurance company of the accident (or the insurer of the vehicle that hit you if you were a pedestrian, cyclist, etc.).
- 90 days: Submit a Notice of Loss and Proof of Claim Form (AB-1 Form) for medical benefits.
- 60 days: Submit a Claim for Disability Benefits Form (AB-1A Form) for disability benefits.
- 2 years: The ultimate deadline for all Section B benefits. After two years, benefits expire.
The Section B insurer will provide you with the right forms for you and your doctor or medical practitioner (physiotherapist, chiropractor) to fill out (AB-2, AB-3, and AB-4).
Knowing which forms you need, what to do with them, and how to fill them out can be confusing during an already difficult time. If you have missed a deadline, do not panic, as you may still be able to receive benefits. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Notify them of the accident and try to open your medical or disability claim or both.
If you need any help with any of these forms or deadlines, or with opening a Section B claim, just give us a call. It won’t cost you anything to speak to a lawyer and get your questions answered (even if you may have been at fault).
How Long Do Section B Benefits Last?
Section B benefits in Alberta typically last up to two years (104 weeks) from the date of the accident for medical and rehabilitation expenses, with a maximum coverage of $50,000 per person. Disability benefits, if applicable, can provide up to $600 per week for a maximum of 104 weeks, as long as you remain unable to work due to accident-related injuries. However, some treatments may have shorter coverage periods, so it’s best to check with your insurer for specific details.
Can I access Section B benefits if my claim is capped?
Your insurance company has the legal right to send you to their doctor to assess your injuries and eligibility for medical or disability benefits. If your claim is considered “capped” or potentially capped, they must wait 90 days before doing so—but there’s no waiting period for disability benefits. In these cases, you may get faster access to treatment and payments. Some insurers may suggest you’re limited to 21 treatments or less, but this isn’t true. Section B benefits cover essential medical services and supplies up to $50,000.
What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?
This is a complex area of law. There are rules, deadlines, and exceptions that can make Section B insurance benefits inaccessible. But even if you are denied Section B benefits, you may be able to recover treatment costs, lost earnings, and compensation for many other accident-related things through a personal injury claim. If you have any questions about Section B insurance benefits or filing an injury claim, it won’t cost you anything to speak to our legal team.
Find all of this really confusing? You’re not alone. This is a complex area of law, and one that even insurance adjustors can misapply at times. That’s why it can be a good idea to ask for help from a legal team to make sure you are taking full advantage of the benefits you may be entitled to.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You don’t need a lawyer to file a Section B claim, but having one can help:
- Ensure you receive all benefits you’re entitled to
- Navigate disputes with insurers
- Coordinate Section B and personal injury claims
At Litco Law, consultations are free and without obligation. Our Section B Benefit Lawyers can provide guidance, answer questions, and help you access the full benefits available to you.
Speak with a Litco Law Lawyer Today
If you have questions or need support, we’re always here to help! It won’t cost you anything to speak with our legal team and consultations are always free. Contact us today.
