Self-Employed Individuals can buy Personal Optional Coverage from us. The minimum amount of time you can buy it for is one month. We base benefits on how much coverage you ask for, and what coverage we approve. You must apply to renew your coverage every year. If approved, you get the protection and benefits of the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Most workers automatically receive coverage through the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut through their employers. If they get hurt at work, or become sick because of work, we provide benefits for them. People who do not receive coverage by the WSCC can buy Personal Optional Coverage, to get the same benefits as other workers.

Did you know that under the Workers’ Compensation Acts you can be held liable for the unpaid assessments of contractors and subcontractors that you hire? The Acts state that you are both jointly and individually liable to pay the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) any assessment amount relating to their contracts.

You can learn more about the claims process by viewing the Claims Process Map.

In most cases no, a WSCC doctor does not examine workers. A WSCC doctor only examines workers when they reach the maximum medical recovery (MMR) and still can’t work.  This appointment is usually to determine if the worker has a Permanent Medical Impairment (PMI).

Indicate that you want to speak to a WSCC doctor on the medical report. The Case Manager will receive the form and ask the WSCC Medical Advisor to contact you. 

In the majority of cases, the WSCC Medical Unit is able to access a number of specialties and diagnostic imaging facilities in order to expedite appointments for workers.