Spotlight on SABS: Dependant Care
This is the latest in our series on what benefits you’re entitled to through no-fault auto insurance if you’re injured in a car accident in Ontario. Today’s post is all about dependant care benefits (you can find links to the other posts in this series at the end of this article).
What are Dependant Care Benefits?
For parents who are employed and become seriously injured in a car accident, dependant care benefits help pay the costs to help care for your children. This could be a babysitter or other childcare provider.
These benefits are different from caregiver benefits, which are designed to assist non-working, full-time unpaid caregivers of dependants pay for childcare costs.
Who Can Receive Dependant Care Benefits?
Dependant care benefits are an optional benefit, which means they are not included in Ontario’s standard auto insurance policy. You will only have access to dependant care benefits if you chose to add them on to your basic policy prior to your accident.
If you did opt for these benefits, you were employed at the time of the accident and suffered an injury that prevents you from caring for your dependants, then you will be eligible for dependant care benefits.
You can’t receive the dependant care benefit if you are already receiving caregiver benefits, but you can receive income replacement benefits and dependant care benefits at the same time.
How Much Can I Receive in Dependant Care Benefits?
The benefit will pay up to $75 per week for the first dependant and $25 per week for each additional dependant, to a maximum amount of $150 per week.
How Long Can I Receive Dependant Care Benefits?
There is no limit to how long you can receive these benefits, as long as you continue to meet the criteria.
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This article is part of our series on Ontario no-fault auto insurance benefits. Previous posts cover: