Accident Benefits
Non-Earner Benefit: Support for life's everyday comebacks.
3 minute read
Not everyone injured in a motor vehicle accident has a regular employment income. Even without a steady paycheque, you still have routines, responsibilities and expenses — and an injury can make it hard to keep up. That’s where the Non-Earner Benefit in your auto insurance policy can help.
This benefit is designed to support people who are unemployed at the time of an accident and whose injuries make it difficult to manage their usual daily activities. It provides a steady weekly payment, so you can focus on recovery without added financial stress.
Coverage At a Glance
Who is eligible: People without any employment income, such as retirees, students, or stay-at-home parents and who are not receiving Income Replacement or Caregiver Benefits.
Benefit: $185 per week.
Waiting period: Payments start four weeks after the accident.
How Coverage Works
Ontario auto insurance groups injuries into three categories, based on severity: minor, non-catastrophic and catastrophic. Here’s how the Non-Earner Benefit applies in each case.
Minor Injuries
If you have a mild injury like a sprain or strain, recovery is usually quick. If you recover within the four-week waiting period, you won’t qualify for the Non-Earner Benefit. Most people can return to their normal routines without delay.
Non-Catastrophic Injuries
If your injuries are more serious — such as broken bones, concussions, or psychological trauma — the Non-Earner Benefit can offer meaningful support during a longer recovery. For example, if you’re retired and a hip fracture sustained from the motor vehicle accident disrupts your normal routine for several months, you may be eligible for $185 per week after the waiting period. This support helps ease the transition back to normality while you focus on healing and regaining independence.
Catastrophic Injuries
For life-altering injuries, such as paralysis or severe brain trauma, the Non-Earner Benefit can play an important long-term role. If you’re permanently impaired and have no employment income — for example, if you’re a retiree who suffers a loss of limb, you could receive $185 per week. This steady support can help you adapt to major changes and maintain as much independence as possible during recovery.
Getting Back to Everyday Life
The Non-Earner Benefit is here to help you when life takes an unexpected turn. Whether you’re a retiree, a student returning to classes or unemployed, this coverage makes life’s everyday comebacks a little easier.
Visit our other blogs here or browse the site to learn more about accident benefits including our needs assessment tool that can help you decide what coverages you might need.
This content is intended to provide general information only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice, or to be relied on in any dispute, claim, action, demand or proceeding. CAA Insurance Company does not accept liability for any damage or injury resulting from reliance on this information.