Dependant Care Benefit

When parents and caregivers rely on their employment income to take care of their dependants, a serious car accident can have life-changing consequences. Injured accident victims can find themselves unable to provide the same level of care as they did before, if at all. In Ontario, the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) includes an optional Dependant Care Benefit. This helps cover childcare expenses when injured parents aren’t able to provide care themselves or pay for the services they normally utilize.

It is important to note that the dependant care benefit is not included in basic auto policies under SABS. It must be purchased as optional coverage through your insurance policy. If you are eligible, this benefit can be extremely helpful while you recover from an accident.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our Accident Benefits lawyers help injured guardians access the dependant care benefits they have paid for. If you have questions about your eligibility, the application process, or if your provider has denied your benefits, contact us today. You can call 1-888-608-2111 or fill out our online case evaluation form.

What Are Dependant Care Benefits?

Dependant care benefits reimburse employed parents or caregivers for childcare expenses when they are injured in a motor vehicle accident and can no longer care for their dependants. Examples of expenses that may be covered by dependant care benefits include:

• Babysitters or nannies.
• Daycare services.
• After-school care programs.
• Other childcare arrangements that are necessary after the accident.

It is important to note the distinction between dependant care benefits and other accident benefits, like the caregiver benefit:

• Caregiver Benefits: This is for unpaid, full-time caregivers (often non-working parents) who can no longer care for dependants due to catastrophic impairments.
• Dependant Care Benefit: This is for working parents or guardians who need to hire childcare while they recover.

Dependant care benefits ensure that parents do not have to choose between their recovery and caring for their children.

Who Qualifies for Dependant Care Benefits?

In order to qualify for dependant care benefits, you:

• Must have purchased the optional Dependant Care Benefit for your auto insurance policy prior to your accident.
• Must have been employed at the time of your accident.
• Must have suffered injuries that prevent you from effectively caring for your dependants.
• Must incur additional childcare expenses you normally wouldn’t directly because of the accident.

Because these benefits are an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy, they are not available under basic SABS coverage. If you have claimed caregiver benefits, you will not be eligible for dependant care benefits. However, you may receive dependant care benefits and income replacement benefits at the same time if you’re unable to work after your accident.

How Much Does the Dependant Care Benefit Pay?

Your coverage will depend on how much you elected to add to your policy. Some standard optional coverage amounts are:

• Up to $75 per week for the first dependant.
• Up to $25 per week for each additional dependant.
• A maximum of $150 per week total.

There is no strict end date for dependant care benefits. They may continue for as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and incur additional childcare costs. You will need to submit receipts, proof of expenses, and records of payment in order to be reimbursed.

How to Apply for Dependant Care Benefits

There are several steps you will need to complete to gain access to your dependant care benefits. These include:

1. Confirm Your Coverage: You’ll need to check your auto insurance policy to see if you purchased the optional dependant care coverage prior to your incident.
2. Notify Your Insurer: Your insurance provider must be notified of your intention to claim accident benefits, including the dependant care benefit, within 7 days of the accident.
3. Submit Necessary Forms: To apply for Statutory Accident Benefits in Ontario, you will need to submit a range of OCF forms, depending on the benefits you are trying to access. If you are seeking dependant care benefits, you’ll need to fill out the OCF-1: Application for Accident Benefits and the OCF-6: Expenses Claim Form. You’ll also have to provide supporting documentation, including your proof of employment, childcare receipts, and a medical confirmation of your inability to provide care.
4. Meet Deadlines: In addition to notifying your insurer within 7 days of the accident, you must complete your benefit application and submit all required documentation within 30 days of receiving the forms from your insurer.

An experienced Accident Benefits lawyer can help you ensure you have included all proper documentation and prevent unnecessary denials due to technicalities.

Applying for Dependant Care Benefits? Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers Today

Unfortunately, insurers sometimes try to reduce claimants’ access to coverage to attempt to save on costs. When you apply for dependant care, they may try to dispute whether your expenses are “reasonable and necessary” or question your eligibility. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we help clients review their policies to ensure they receive the coverage they need.

We will:

• Assess your policy to confirm your entitlement to optional coverage.
• Assemble proof of employment and medical evidence on your behalf.
• Ensure all receipts and childcare costs are recorded and properly submitted.
• Challenge insurer denials through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT). 

Parents and caregivers don’t have to face insurance companies alone. If you are struggling with childcare expenses after an accident, Preszler Injury Lawyers can help you apply for dependant care benefits and ensure your insurer pays what you’re owed. Call 1-888-608-2111 for a free consultation today.